Barry, Max Weder wrote the book article, and like the other articles is well written, well researched, and well laid out.
Al and co. did a great job (as I'm sure they've done with the REA catalog) and it's nice to have 2 magazines to look forward to every quarter.
I especially like the article by Chris Stufflestreet on collecting beaters. It caters to a segment of the hobby that is often neglected, and Chris is a great writer.
A little off topic, but he also writes a blog on '70's music that I really enjoy-
it's worth a look
http://70smusicmayhem.blogspot.com/

Oh wow, it's been a busy week and so I'm just seeing this thread.

First, thanks to all who were patient with us on our first issue as sole publisher.

Second, back issues are still available from SGC, subject to the availability (read: whatever they have left).

Third, things were a little weird with this issue. Mike Denero, Chris Stufflestreet, Max Weder and Tom D'Alonzo wrote absolutely terrific articles for us this issue. Unfortunately there was a little glitch, and the subscribers actually got their issues before we did - I still haven't seen the final, printed version. :) All the contributors and advertisers will get copies as soon as ours arrive, which should be next week.

Speaking of which, we're always looking for contributors. And advertisers.

And Barry, we're always looking for subscribers as well. You can subscribe for just $20 by visiting the SGC website and clicking through to the "Collector" page. SGC is kind enough to have this link on their page because our regular page isn't really hobby-focused (we're an ad agency). We also send a bunch to a random cross-section of recent SGC submitters each issue, and you can pick up copies at the SGC booth at shows (as long as supplies last).

Best way to get it is to subscribe, though.

And thanks so much for all the nice compliments. We're looking forward to making the next issue.

-Al

It's not entirely off topic right now...one of the artists listed in the latest post did play professional baseball in the 1950s. New post gets added Saturday night, so it'll be back to being OT after that.

But thanks for spreading the word about the blog.

And for the kind words about the article. Again, I haven't seen the finished product so I can't really opine about it yet. I hope it at least gives a glimpse into those of us who dabble in that highly neglected segment of the hobby.

Chris,

Great article! You'll also be extremely pleased with the "presentation" of it by Al's group in the magazine.

Mike,

First of all, thanks. I liked the way they used a crumpled up piece of paper behind the text. I just wish Al could have used some of the captions I sent with the pictures...for instance, that Joe Morgan RC was given to me by Larry Tipton, who was referenced in the article. But I'm happy with how it turned out.

And I just finished reading through the magazine again and saw your name on the article about the Garbaty cards. I'm a big WW2 buff and really enjoyed that. Great job.

I haven't read through six pages of this thread, but I have to wonder, why not just make it an online magazine and make it free (or charge much less)? No printing costs, delays, etc.

Just my .02

Perhaps an iPad or iPhone app would be the logical starting point??

I guess it would depend entirely on whether or not the publisher wanted to eventually turn some sort of profit on the magazine. :)

-Al

LOL! It's always about money with you, isn't it? :rolleyes: