What the hell is going on with Popular Hotrodding?? - Lateral-g Forums

**Streetking** · #1 06-14-2007, 06:00 AM

Ok, I'm a car guy and love all types of cars but, the last few issues of Popular Hotrodding remind me of Hot Rod magazine of the 80's.. I have always thought of PHR as "our" magazine. Maybe Steve can shed some light on this...

SW

**Steve1968LS2** · #2 06-14-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streetking

Ok, I'm a car guy and love all types of cars but, the last few issues of Popular Hotrodding remind me of Hot Rod magazine of the 80's.. I have always thought of PHR as "our" magazine. Maybe Steve can shed some light on this...

SW

Hmm.. how to say this in a politically correct way where I don't get my ass chewed later...

Ok, newstand sales were a bit down so they instituted a redesign about a year ago and others put input into the magazine. Some thought that the all-g-machine format was hurting us since it was so specific. So the fault with the change lies with those that didn't buy PHR, but were into the g-machine stuff. If our newstand was strong we wouldn't have changed a thing.

In order to draw back readers (like drag racers) the magazine erred to the other extreem by heavily featuring drag cars. PHR also went after more "low buck" driven cars. We were also trying to compensate for the loss of SPORTSMAN DRAG RACING and those readers that like that sort of deal.

Starting around December newstand sales have gone way up. With March being a VERY good month. However, PHR is now moving back to the center and doing more g-machine stuff again (we never really stopped, just slowed). Anyways, I can think of four high end PT cars we are set to feature. The silver/black Mopar from SEMA, the Morrison Vette, The Campbell '69 Camaro, Parson's Nova and few I can't remember.

The fact is that drag race guys buy magazines too and now that we include those types of cars sales have gone up.

I FEEL (just my opinion) that PHR is better when there's a mix of cars and tech. Some low buck, some medium and some high. I also don't mind seeing some street/strip cars with my PT fix. I do not necessarily agree with all the cars we've featured and some did look like they rolled out of the early 90s. lol

Some of these decisions are made by higher management and since we like our day jobs we try their suggestions. lol -- these decisions certainly wern't made by somebody at my pay grade.

Anyways, wait till you see the September issue.. it definetly shows were back into the g-machine stuff.

How was that for an answer? ... I may have to delete this later.. lol

**Streetking** · #3 06-14-2007, 08:03 AM

Thanks Steve, I understand it's alot to do with the "numbers".. I don't mind the changes, but don't leave "us" out entirely..

SW

ironworks · #4 06-14-2007, 08:11 AM

how successful was the issue with the build up story of Bob Johnsons cuda? I think the mag needs more build up stories of killer cars. The story on hurricane was cool, but stories with build up pics beat another disc brake install story hands down. Well I know I passed on buying the last 2 issues cuz I can only stand so many big blocks with fiberglass seats and gutted interior drag cars.

What ever you guys were doing in 06 was great I bought an issue everymonth.

novanutcase · #5 06-14-2007, 08:18 AM

Gotta agree with Rodger here! Obviously, my tastes lean to the G-Machine style but I also understand that the bean counters need to make sure the financials make sense. I would like to see a mix of G-Machine, Drag, Tech, Home Builders, Hi-Profile, and Pro-Street all under one issue!

John

TravisB · #6 06-14-2007, 08:29 AM

im wirth rodger to lets see some more build photos hell even follow the build up cars across the country. Johns Nova is a perfect example who doesn't like to see build pics. Look at martys truck thread on here everyone always checks it to see waht is going on with it. just my .02 cents

Tony@AirRideTech · #7 06-14-2007, 09:04 AM

Build up articles are definitely a bonus..... you just cant get the full story on a killer car out in a 3-4 page feature. I am also with Steve on variety. If every car featured has the same LS motor, same T-56 or TKO box, same gauge packages all wrapped up in a different color... It gets old. If you widen the variety of build types and actually pay attention to detail. You can get a lot of ideas. I always tell people that if you want to know what color looks good with what ever color.... pick up a lowrider magazine.......

**Steve1968LS2** · #8 06-14-2007, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironworks

how successful was the issue with the build up story of Bob Johnsons cuda? I think the mag needs more build up stories of killer cars. The story on hurricane was cool, but stories with build up pics beat another disc brake install story hands down. Well I know I passed on buying the last 2 issues cuz I can only stand so many big blocks with fiberglass seats and gutted interior drag cars.

What ever you guys were doing in 06 was great I bought an issue everymonth.

As I recall it wasn't that great of a newstand seller.

Like I said, expect to see more g-machine stuff again. But, we will keep doing drag stuff since sales are up because of it. When there's a g-machine heavy issue make sure you buy it and that will make it easier for us to make our case.

Oh, the August issue has a small build story on a certain Nova.

G-Body · #9 06-14-2007, 01:00 PM

I agree I think the mag needs more high end cars such as Bob's and a few that have blowed people away besides theres only 12 issues a year even if you put one super high end car in there, theres only 12 for the year and thats what gets me to pick up a mag. Not a steal wheeled clapped out nova not that its a bad thing just "i beleive they would sell more mags aswell with drag cars and fast street cars but also some custom show cars and G cars.
Also i have noticed that alot of mags "Hot Rod" included have picked up on what super rod and Street rod builder has been doing buy putting in alot of build photos! in I love to see them aswell im sure we all do.

**Streetking** · #10 06-14-2007, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve1968LS2

As I recall it wasn't that great of a newstand seller.

Like I said, expect to see more g-machine stuff again. But, we will keep doing drag stuff since sales are up because of it. When there's a g-machine heavy issue make sure you buy it and that will make it easier for us to make our case.

Oh, the August issue has a small build story on a certain Nova.

The one with mine in it was the best seller!!

SW