proposed new "car" only RC magazine

[reflex mark]

Hey guys...need your help. We are doing some initial market research on the need for a car only R/C magazine. Lots of tech and mods, parts and car reviews, track reviews, project cars, readers projects...road race, paved and dirt oval, occasional drag racing, etc, etc.
Please give us input, and ideas...what would you like to see??!!!

regards
mark

 

[banksie312]

Hi
i am a newb and what would have really helped is a newb page or something. Each magazine would have another help ful tip for the new people on the scene. I think its a great idea for the magazine, onroad only. Later
-Banksie312

 

[kwong2001]

I'd like to see drift setup and how-to's for drift. Also, I'd like to see more advanced articles and not jus the usual "how do I get my RTR going?"

 

[reflex mark]

I am thinking more of a "competition" slant to the content...seems most of the car guys are in competition mode...either with a bunch of buddies in the parking lot or at the local tracks!
keep the input coming....THANKS

 

[Nitroaddict]

Mark - Welcome to RCNT. I also work for a publication, so to help aid in you venture, here are sme ideas.

Prior to getting ideas for the magazine, you need to develop a business plan.

Who is your core demographic? Where are they located?

Will this be a local, regional, state, or national publication?

What sponsorships have you generated for initial start up costs. Who will be doing advertising solicitation for the ongoing need?

Will you be outsourcing printing requirments, or purchasing the necessary equipment?

These are all things to have well planned prior to even beginning any type of editorial on the magazine. Finally, is this plan for a professional publication, or an amatuer 'zine? Most racers usually know everything thats going on already, so we dont read the monthly RC magazines. As for racer stats, event coverage, ect.... ROAR Magazine does a great job of handling these types of information.

 

[FastEddy]

Starting new projects is a good thing as long as your willing to take the risks that go with it. There is always many more things involved than people realize. The idea is just the tip of the iceberg. When people get an idea that they want to pursue a common mistake is getting caught with tunnel vision. Remember unless you have DEEP pockets the vision must be broad enough to attract the support needed.

Just as a thought, you may want to invest your time and resources into a web publication. To start off it will give you a feel for what it take to put together an issue or two and see what the response is from the users and advertisers. One thing a lot of people don't realize is that a publication is only a delivery mechanism for advertisers in a sector market. The love of what your doing has nothing to do with the success or failure of of your publication, its the value to the advertisers.

I wish you all the luck in the world and I will be your first subscriber if in fact you are willing to take the risk. don't let anyone tell you it can't be done however look closely at the sacrifices that need to be made before you decide to move forward.

-Ed

 

[reflex mark]

Thanks for the input. I founded and published a magazine for about 6 years several years ago (different industry - racing related) so I'm all too aware of the risks and sacrifices necessary.

I just merely wanted to use the forum to see if there was interest in a publication that only focused on cars.

Where do most of you buy such publications (newstand, hobby shop) or do you subscribe?

Thanks to all.
Mark

 

[HumboldtBlazer]

I am interested, would this magazine feature competitive 1/18 race cars also? Like RS4 Micro and Xray?

 

[reflex mark]

Definitely....all scales!

 

[nitrohead3000]

New Mag

I hope your reviews of new products are really objective and honest.

 

[burms76]

I Dont think a all car magazine is that good of an idea. I think reallisticly the consumer want to get more bang for the buck! Thats why a mag. with alittle of everything is the best buy it will cover my car as well as off road. A good mag should give honest reviews not. Not put money in my magazine review.

 

[Waste Land]

Pro interviews about there cars and the setups on them. All forms of RC except minis because thats just not real hardcore. Instead of always doing tracks. Try to get pros or ams. bashing in open places not tracks. dont have the whole magazine mix matched with on and offroad. RC Magaine already have a magazine for each of the hobby so your best bet is to go with all kinds. Seperate the diffrent syles to make it easier to find. I'll think of more and post again. GL on ur mag

Originally posted by reflex mark
Where do most of you buy such publications (newstand, hobby shop) or do you subscribe?

Thanks to all.
Mark

Books-A-Million,Book Stores in general, I actually got my first issue form a dentist office, sell to people with waiting rooms. This acctracts alot of new customers i think. hmmm....

 

[K bomb]

I could go for an all car mag.. Detailed car setups of the pros is always nice, track directory, and tool reviews. How about sponsoring some drivers through the mag, and letting them test the products under race conditions for longer periods of time to get an idea of how durable things are.

 

[reflex mark]

good response...was thinking about reader involvement. Maybe a rookie and a pro section where the reader has a chance to write about the past months racing experiences, maybe testing some new parts/equipment. This would be real experiences from real racers.

thanks
mark

 

[reflex mark]

Been working on ideas for the mag...what do you think of this?
The magazine is designed and printed more like a reference piece. It is printed on heavier paper with a heavy cover and is three hole punched so you can keep them filed in a three ring binder for quick reference.
The publication may only be 24 pages but it is full of tech and product info relating to CARS. Advertising may take the form of sponsorship of different sections and articles which could take up less pages. The table of contents is on the front cover making it easy to "reference" any articles you are searching for. The publication would be available at hobby shops/tracks and by subscrition. Would still be a full color publication.
Would be pro and rookie sections for the advanced and entry level racer. Attempts would be made to involve readers in testing and using equipment to get REAL world input and results.
An extensive web site would support the publication and could offer interactive product reviews and more....
We would rely heavily on real world application of product and tech.

mark

 

[K bomb]

Sounds good

 

[joneser4u]

A competitive car only mag would be great,a car is limited to smooth asphalt,so all you can do is be the fastest,with off-road you can steal the spot light from #1 with a sick jump or something.On-road is all about being the fastest!:sheep:

 

[lillightingboy21]

Here are some ideas like 3 pgs. of helpful tips, Projects,REviews,engine comparisons,racing tips and setups,glow plug section,not as many advertisment only like in the back off the book,hop-up section,pictures of peoples raides,new releases,and fuel section that list all of the different types of fuel.

Hope i was some help.

 

[reflex mark]

we are working on a mock-up of the mag and will post it when it is done...just a 6-8 page idea of what it will look like.

 

[hanzo]

Don't they already have a touring car mag? I think your magazine would be great. Sometimes I just want to pick up a magazine that has cars only. I do not like buggies or monster trucks.