Vintage Camper Magazine...is it worth $6 an issue?

Funny that this topic should resurface. Before internet, I was a magazine-aholic. There was nothing I loved more than to curl up with a magazine of my favorite hobby or interest or news. One of those would have been a photography magazine. In my youth, I dreamed of having a published photo.

That being said, remember when magazines PAID for photos? Well Vintage Camper Magazine solicits photos. Now, I do not have a trailer worthy of being published in a magazine, but if I did, I would not give them my photos for their profit. True that everyone is a photographer now, but publishing my trailer in a magazine would do nothing for me. A professional restorer could benefit from the exposure.

You can find vendors, rallies and articles on the internet for free. They are soliciting pics via internet from trailer owners who already post on the internet. Why pay $6.

I wasn't expecting everyone to see it through my eyes, especially you, John.

But if you make money selling restored trailers, you are a professional. If your trailer is spotlighted in a publication, that's like free advertising for you. And this is a free forum. But I've never seen any pics of your trailers here, John.

It is expensive to produce hard copy journalism. Internet is killing it. And I think my perspective is from a journalistic view. I worked as a stringer for a publication which sometimes furnished a photographer for me. It takes a lot of effort and work, more than just saying, "Send me your pics and they might get published in a magazine."

Also, when I was about 12 y/o, my mom wouldn't let me buy a Dr. Pepper t-shirt because she said she wasn't paying to advertise for a company. I never forgot that, even though at the time it didn't make me happy, it now makes a lot of sense. I applaud the small businessman; I support local businesses and craftsmen by buying their products. But I'm not doing work for them for free.

If the magazine would like to come photograph my trailer and write a legit story, that would be admirable and acceptable. True journalism. I get paid for my photography, even now, if it is done by request. Would you go work on someone's trailer for free if they were going to sell it for profit?

A passionate debate. I love it.

Does the magazine have page after page of interesting photos and articles? Or is it lean on content and heavy on ads?

$6 an issue for a yearly subscription would have to be a meaty magazine beautifully produced not a mom and pop publication. Know what I mean? More Life Magazine than Cub Scout Today.

So which is it?


On a side note, I really appreciate the info both SusieQ and John have shared with me. Free. If I paid $6 each time you help me I would appreciate you...just not as much.

Ok, I'll just go ahead and say it. It's 6 friggin bucks. How far does 6 dollars go these days. Geeze...

Ok, I can't argue with the Corona's!  But I'd still buy the mag and some Corona's to drink while thumbing thru it. 

I like the way you think Susie! John Palmer is obviously not a professional photographer.... But I am!! We all have our special place in the world. Happy new year everyone !!!