Tradition Bowhunter Magazine

[far rider]

I too buy mine off the shelf these days, and not always consecutive. I had so many periodicals coming to the house through either memberships or subscription that I had to cut back simply because too many found there way into the recycle bin unread. I have several years of TBM stored, and as many on here stated, the glued spine sure makes it easy to put in magazine storage boxes without damaging the covers. I think that was the point of the post, not a complaint about the content. I am concerned that they are cutting cost from either concern for losing readers through cost increase, or that Trad readership was falling off. None of us want either, so concern is valid.
I stayed with Trad Archer's World publication, it's shorter, comes less often, and keeps my short attention span with the short stories and pretty pictures(lol).

[John Nail]

it's time they got some new blood. The same small group of writers tend to repeat themselves

[johnnyk71]

only one i subscribe to. i also sometimes let the majority of it go unread until later, but i usually get through it before the next one comes. i was disappointed by the switch in the binding too, but there's no telling how much money it saved. probably had to be done to keep it going.

[Ric O'Shay]

I've subscribed to TBM since day one. I have ALL of the back issues stacked on the top shelf of my closet. Occasionally I'll pull one down and read it. Invariably, I'll find and remember reading an article and then say to myself, "That's good stuff. Why haven't you remembered that?"

[David Mitchell]

I have been a subscriber since the premier issue.  If you guys feel the need for new ideas and fresh blood, submit an article.  I have on several occasions and they welcome worthwhile submissions.  We must admit that the scope of the magazine is pretty limited.  A friend of mine once remarked about In-Fisherman magazine--one I guess is slanted heavily toward walleye fishing--"there are only so many ways to catch a walleye" and I guess to some degree that is true of the limited niche of archery that we pursue.  For my money TBM is by far the best mag we have.  I look forward to every issue and have read every article in every issue since issue one.

Oh, yeah, one more thing, I don't care how it is put together.  I didn't even notice when they went back to the stapled method until someone on one of the Trad forums complained.      :D

[Flingblade]

I've subscribed for years and will continue.  E. Don Thomas is one of my favorite outdoor writers.  I always learn something new from his articles.  For instance; I didn't know why bears in some areas were color phase and in other areas not until I read one of his articles.  I usually read Tips from the Old Timer first.  Also like G. Fred Asbell's articles.  I plan to submit an article or two someday but maybe first I'll change my first name to an initial.  ha ha  I say keep up the good work and I also don't care how it is held together.

[Brock]

been reading since 90s....never noticed about the staples or anything.  All I care about is the content and it still has color pictures.      

Also subscribe to Primitive Archer, Sticks and Strings magazine, Muzzleloader magazine, TradArchers World magazine and of course get the included magazines for The Comptons and PBS.

[kill shot]

killinstuff, you forgot the other popular stories about "I didn't get any game but thats o-k.

[acolobowhunter]

Have been reading it for years also.  I would like to see some new writers - the average Joe needs to send in some articles.  I can't believe they don't get articles from the average hunter. - seems like you have to be in the "in group" to get something published.  Tips from the Old Timer are always good.  Some of Fred's articles are a little long and drawn out.  Have you ever counted the advertisements for bow builders - usually about 50 in each issue.  I couldn't believe how many people are making bows.

I also like Trad Archers World.  Wish it was a monthly or bi-monthly magazine.  He published one of my articles - the story about my bow - the bow was telling the story.  I have a lion article ready to send.

[johnnyk71]

Does anyone have an online subscription to Stick and String? their price is only $5.99 for a year. i was wondering if you have access to all the back issues if you subscribe online. wouldn't be a bad deal.

[McDave]

I used to subscribe to TBM and pretty much read it every month.  The thing that got me off it was when I switched my subscription over to the on-line version.  I'm not sure why I switched, maybe because I would have access to back issues or thinking I would read it while I was away from home on trips with my computer or something.  But a funny thing happened: when I switched to on-line, months would go by and I wouldn't even open the thing; just didn't have the same interest.  It's funny, because hardly a day goes by that I don't open Trad Gang and I look forward to that, but it just didn't work the same way with TBM.  I think sometimes I should re-subscribe to the paper version, but I've gotten out of the habit of reading it, and haven't had the motivation to start a new subscription yet.  Maybe tomorrow....

[David Mitchell]

acolobowhunter, it is not true that you have to be in the "in group" to get something published. I hear that from time to time and it is just sour grapes! I certainly am not in the "in group".  I am a nobody as far as anybody at TBM knows!  But they have been very kind to consider my submissions and I have had maybe 8-10 articles published as well as a couple of book reviews.  If all of the people who are wishing they had some new writers would get off their duffs and write a decent article, there would be some new writers!

[Ray Lyon]

Originally posted by acolobowhunter:
Have been reading it for years also.  I would like to see some new writers - the average Joe needs to send in some articles.  I can't believe they don't get articles from the average hunter. - seems like you have to be in the "in group" to get something published.  Tips from the Old Timer are always good.  Some of Fred's articles are a little long and drawn out.  Have you ever counted the advertisements for bow builders - usually about 50 in each issue.  I couldn't believe how many people are making bows.

I also like Trad Archers World.  Wish it was a monthly or bi-monthly magazine.  He published one of my articles - the story about my bow - the bow was telling the story.  I have a lion article ready to send.

I've written two articles for TBM and four for TAW. Both magazines are great for our sport.  Don Thomas has been very generous with his training and guidance with my submissions. Tom Colstad is also very easy to work with at TAW.  It's interesting that the TAW magazine that just came out has an article by Billy Berger on photo support.  Don Thomas has mentioned this in his editorial's and TBM ran articles on photo's by Jerry Gowins a few years ago.  Good photo's are part of the story and help sell your story!  Also, the editors are looking for new material, from whomever (not just the big names, because I'm for sure not).  I've had some stuff turned down on whitetail hunting that had average photo support.  If you're going to write about common topics, have great photo's and a unique story, otherwise you're going to be competing for a couple of slots that open up each year in the magazines.

I'm glad both TBM and TAW publications are out there. I'm also glad that Tradgang is here.  They all serve a purpose and are good for our sport.

P.S.-if I considered the time invested into writing/re-writing, taking/submitting pictures, ect., I probably averaged about 10 hours per article. There are a few gifted writers who can whip stuff out, but this bow hunter is not in that group.

[Al Kidner]

I have been lucky enough to be able to say I've had 5 or 6 articles submitted to TBM over the years.

Now I'm no fancy high flyer, nor am I Hemingway but I do enjoy writing and do enjoy what TBM has to offer... that being quality writing and or photographs. I would have have more published but the editors are only willing to print articles from people overseas every so often, and I am fine with that.

They do their best and from what I know its sure is a labour of love keeping it fresh and in tune with what us readers want.

Guess it comes down to not being able to please everyone...


ak.

[Steve Jr]

It's what brought me back to recurves and longbows. I picked up a copy at our local grocery store back in the summer of 91 I read that magazine over and over I sold my wheels and bought a Martin hunter recurve and have never looked back. Thanks TBM I will be on the  3 year plan until you stop printing it !!!!

[Wulomac]

Been a subscriber for 6+ years.  I get it electronically.   What a great read!

[Bow Bum]

Go buy a wheel bow mag, and you'll quickly have a new appreciation for TBM for sure!

B

[Kevin Dill]

Originally posted by Bow Bum:
Go buy a wheel bow mag, and you'll quickly have a new appreciation for TBM for sure!

B

Best comment on this entire thread!

I was there when the magazine rolled out the first issue and bought it. TBM is STILL the benchmark magazine, and really has no serious competition in its market.

[centaur]

Originally posted by Bow Bum:
Go buy a wheel bow mag, and you'll quickly have a new appreciation for TBM for sure!

B

AMEN, Brother!

[wingnut]

Well it worked.

 

Henry wanted to read the Bear story but it got too scary so we read the squirrel one instead.

Mike