I'd say both, content can do with a little more diversity but the medium for better or worse is a dieing one. Cost, publication delays etc will see a demise in printed media with some of the content providers disappearing with it.
You may be right, but people do love their printed magazines, and will continue to do so for a long time.
I see no shortage of magazines in the newsagents compared to when I was a kid, in fact I'd say they have increased if anything (likely due to the ease of DTP these days).
As much hype as there is about the iPad and other readers, their numbers are still a drop in the bucket.
But I have long been of the opinion that SC should have a proper and reasonably priced electronic version for those who prefer that format.
The way I see it diversity is the key, sure there are always a percentage of nutters who expect everything tailored to their particular likes and dislikes, but from what I have seen most who pursue electronics are a little more open minded. Take your forum here for example, while I haven't seen too many posts about vintage radio, you do have more than a few old school hams who regularly contribute on a wide range of subjects.
Whilst I agree in principle, I'm not entirely sure that more diversity in SC will necessarily lead to an associated increase in readership. It's already a good electronics hobbyist magazine at it stands (in fact, it is often acclaimed as the worlds best, in terms of production value and construction projects). But it never hurts to try of course, and I think SC have had a bit of a go at that over the years.
If you or others think that it should be doing more things, like I said, you shouldn't just be suggesting things, you should be offering to contribute.
Perhaps, I don't know the Ins and outs of his business but I can see a need for some evolution if its to stay relevant. Sure that's remains my opinion, but I doubt my predictions are too far from the mark.
So apart from offering a proper electronic edition, what should they be offering that they currently are not?
The one well publicised incident I of course disagreed on, was over the publication of my µWatch project.
I offered it to Leo first as a world exclusive and he rejected it, saying it would not be popular. He was of course wrong
He missed out on all the publicity when it got mentioned on every tech blog on the planet.
I could see some SC exposure to the blogs being of interest to the readers. It could help numbers in both directions. You never know one of those vintage radio guys might just become inspired to join the forum and interact, sharing years of skills and experience.
As for contributions by yourself or John that is entirely up to you. Lots of factors come into play. What I can see is a column for something like John's tutorials being a magazine seller. Not for everyone, but then neither is vintage radio.
The one thing to consider there is that they generally can't just add extra articles and pages without recourse, something generally has to miss out. One of the limitations of a print version.
So for example, if John or someone else had a new regular 5-10 page column each month (easy with photos), then that's 5-10 pages that doesn't get devoted to other stuff people have grown to love, like say the construction projects.
Other mags like Circuit Cellar have overcome this somewhat by having the extra content in the online version only, and not in the print mag. Thus adding extra value to the online version.
But given that the online version is cheaper than print, and likely fewer subscribers, how do you convince the advertisers to buy space in the electronic version too, and hence pay for the extra effort involved in producing it. Lots to consider...
Maybe so, but is it be bad publicity? Who knows what those few new participants can contribute. I sure the forum mentions of the magazine haven't exactly doubled their sales figures either, but those extra sales sure wouldn't have hurt.
Sure, and if Leo wants to mention me and/or other blogger and online content, then it would be much appreciated.
It's worthy of a one-off article.
Dave.