I just got Running Times in the mail yesterday, picture of a gasp real runner on the cover, as usual. This month's is not up yet, but this was last months:
Running Times:


vs

Runners World


I think it is time to write a letter.

I agree. I recently cancelled my subscription. When they asked why, I just said I was disappointed with the content. Perhaps if enough people cancel their subscriptions, the content will change.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by merigayle:
LOOK AT WHAT I FOUND ON THE RUNNERS WORLD SITE: (how do you send a letter to the editor?)

Cover Issues

I have a cover/photo complaint.

A. Yes, we realize that many of our covers and photos do not represent the average, everyday runner. However, as a runner, you know what it means to be a competitor. Runner's World is also a competitor in a national-magazine marketplace where every other magazine uses models who are younger, more gorgeous, and more well-proportioned than anyone deserves to be. And, as a competitor, we have little choice but to try to match these other magazines. That's what helps us stay in business so we can bring Runner's World to readers like you every month.


<HR>

Unadulterated BS on their part...who is buying the magazines besides runners? I have a hard time believing someone looking for a directed read is going to pick based on a cover. And agreed, aside from the odd occasional breakthrough, Runner's World is a magazine that repeats most items on a yearly cycle. If you buy the quarterly shoe issues just to see what's out there, spend the difference on Runnng Times.

As someone who doesn't have a current scrip to any running magazine, I think just in general any written reference on a subject (magazine, book, internet website, etc.) will appeal to you based on your level of interest in the subject.

For example, those with a general interest in computers might find PC World magazine (which I subscribe to and also see the recycling of material phenomenon that people have alluded to in RW) okay for their needs.

However, those that know how the build and tweak their computers in their sleep would probably have no use for that type of magazine and would be interested in more specific and/or detailed reference materials as well as any related, important people.

Sounds like from this discussion RW has more or less become the "general interest" magazine of the running world.

quote:<HR>At that point, I realized that RW had become the runner's equivalent of People Magazine.
<HR>

Pick up Men's Health sometime and you'll realize that this simply isn't true. By comparison, RW is The New England Journal of Medicine.

I consider myself a new runner (I've been running for two years and just completed my first marathon) and I appreciate a lot of what I read in RW, and I'm glad I have a subscription -- what I save on the cover price goes to a subscription to Running Times, so I can read twice as much 'new' information 10 times a year.

If I add Marathon and Beyond to my list, I'm risking divorce.


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BG[/URL" target="_blank">

You carry away more from a tough day than from an effortless PR

http://This message has been edited by BaldGuy66 (edited Jun-11-2006).

http://This message has been edited by BaldGuy66 (edited Jun-11-2006).

quote:<HR>Originally posted by BaldGuy66:

At that point, I realized that RW had become the runner's equivalent of People Magazine.
<HR>

Pick up Men's Health sometime and you'll realize that this simply isn't true. By comparison, RW is The New England Journal of Medicine.
)

You'll note, by the way, that the publisher of Mens Health and Runners World, and Prevention, and a host of other "fitness related" magazines is one in the same. Rodale.

They have a formula, and it works. People buy their magazines.

BTW, I find the "advice" in RW recycled, since it is, but I do find the features interesting...and that's why I buy it.

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My User Profile[/URL" target="_blank">

Jeff