Things have been quiet on the site lately, believe me, I’m not happy with those pesky crickets chirping either, but that’s only because I have been running like mad on the Cool & Collected Magazine. All of my efforts have been focused in that direction, which unfortunately, makes the blog look a little abandoned, but fear not good reader, good things are on the horizon!
On the magazine front, I made a major change that has set me back a bit, but not terribly so — for the new magazine, after running the numbers and giving it way too much thought, I decided to switch the format to a digest sized magazine rather than the standard magazine size. I reworked the entire layout, and set up almost an entire issue, before realizing that the smaller size just wasn’t going to make me happy. It would have been half the price to produce, but I know it would be a decision that I would regret, so… I went back and reworked the whole thing, again, to be a standard size publication — and I love it!
At this point, I’m planning to run another Kickstarter campaign, but rather than producing a single issue, I want to lock in FOUR issues. It just makes sense that if I can get people onboard for multiple issues, then this whole project will actually be able to find its legs and take off. The fact that I still have people buying the first issue of the magazine in both print and PDF form, tells me that there are pop culture loving fanatics out there, like me, who want to read this kind of stuff.
The first issue is jam packed with awesome articles by people you probably already know and follow online, and I have a long list of other bloggers and collectors who have asked how they can help in the future. This list is what is going to make the magazine achieve my vision — a magazine BY collectors FOR collectors. There’s nothing worse than reading an article about a topic that only covers the basics that you could find in any Wikipedia page. I want experts talking about their experiences and sharing those special tidbits that only the most seasoned collectors might know. Readers of the magazine will come away excited and with an interest in something “new to them.”
I’ve spent a looooong time finalizing the layout and pages. This will not be a no-budget ‘zine run off on the company Xerox machine after hours. If you bought a copy of the first issue, you know the quality to expect, and I can tell you that the new issues will be even better! It’s important to me that everyone who supports the magazine by buying a copy, feels like they got their money’s worth. Printing and shipping costs for a magazine are nothing short of obscene, but after publishing the first issue, I learned a few things that will hopefully, make the next go around much better.
This has definitely been a long and arduous process, but that time has mostly been spent in planning and taking care of all the little details. Once the ball really starts rolling down that hill, look out — the magazine is coming!
If you think you might be interested in contributing or advertising your business in the magazine, please send me an email!
Adam says
Great news! I can’t wait!
If you ever have any questions on vintage character/novelty watches, email me anytime.
vintagecharacterwatches.com
Brian says
Awesome. Thanks Adam!
Jon says
I can vouch for the quality of the original first issue! Glad to hear you’re not sacrificing quality. And while delays are never a good thing, it means I might get a chance to contribute!
Brian says
You are on my list Jon! 😉
Dex says
Waiting for the KS!
Brian says
It’s coming soon, just a few more hoops to jump through first. 🙂
CHESTER says
I am one of those who has recently discovered this website, and bought issue 1 and was impressed by it! I cant wait for the next issues!
Brian says
Thanks Chester — glad you liked the magazine! 🙂
George says
Awesome. Looking forward to it.
David says
Been waiting since 2014. Finally!
Philip Reed says
I’m all in for four issue Kickstarter!!!