BillC
on a new path
Reged: 06/04/04
Posts: 4391
Loc: Lake Stevens, WA, USA
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I have had some second thoughts about creating the once proposed binocular magazine. Debbie and I have had to pump so much money into our children, that with the fact I am in such an ever-changing, low-tech industry, we can see we are never going to be able to retire and know, too, that Social Security was not intended to be anything more than a supplement.
Consequently, I have again turned thoughts to publishing something (an e-Zine in particular) as a part-time business to supplement optical instrument repair or, perhaps, freelance writing.
All the years I have been handing out optical advice, I have been counseled that I should be charging for it. Well, I don’t want to seem mercenary all of a sudden, but over the years, I have grown so fond of eating on a regular basis, that I would like to keep the habit going. In addition, with so much really bad information floating around out there, I feel what I would have to say in an endless string of product reviews might be of worth to the Astronomy, Birding, and Hunting communities.
But, how much? I need your input.
I am currently considering the following:
1) Starting with the review of 8 popular binocular, some thoughts on the state of the industry (industry news), and some primers on optical aberrations—complete with graphic analysis—and a monthly section of questions and answers.
2) I would anticipate adding 3 more reviews each month, constantly taking recommendations from subscribers as to what they would like to see reviewed.
3) If subscribers were to climb to the level that some predict, I could see manufacturers buying ad space. But, we would have to make at least PART of a living until that could happen. In addition, mega-corporations are not prone to shelling out dollars to reviewers who do not review on a certain slant. And I’m not playing that game; it’s too much of a slippery, reputation destroying, slope.
Well, what think ye? Will it fly? How much would YOU be willing to pay?
(I should state that I would not just throe a bunch of data on the screen, but would rather making it look like a 4-color glossy magazine.)
Let me know what you think, I am still calculating and cogitating.
Cheers,
Bill
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William J. Cook, Chief Opticalman, USNR-Ret.
Ophthalmic Tech, Naval Station, Everett, WA
Optical Mechanic, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
Founder, Amateur Telescope Making Journal
21-year Mgr., Optics Dept., Captain's Nautical Supplies
Optics Mechanic, Ft. Lewis, WA.
Contributing Editor for Numerous Magazines
It's better to be a "has been" than a "never was." But only barely; the pay is about the same!
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Wes James
Postmaster
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 5477
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Bill-
I love reading about things I love... astronomy being one of them. I am one of those who was very sad about seeing Night Sky cease publication. I love the technical aspects of the equipment, and I love working with my hands.
I had just ordered a pair of binocs from Zach at Garrett... and commented that I had a friend locally here who was a retired Opticalman 1st class, wondered if Cory might know him. We discussed what a small community the Opticalman rating was, and now it's gone (the rating)... I wonder what will happen to all that knowledge when the retirees are no longer working on optics... who will collimate/fix our binocs. I would love to see you put out a magazine... I miss the amateur telescope magazines that used to be.. I have been getting back issues and find them very educational. Anything that furthers the hands-on aspect of the world of optics.
Not sure if you have ever dealt with self-publishing- my wife published a book last year through Lulu (www.lulu.com)-
they're a very good and affordable way to publish books. What about a book consolidating your articles from your days of publishing articles?
I have seen a couple of online magazines- I have subscribed to a couple related to acoustic guitar.. they haven't succeeded. I don't know what problems they encountered- I can do some asking, as I have a good friend who is a friend of a person who attempted it.
Regardless, I would love to see you publish a book on optics- amateur astronomy- binoculars- or a magazine. I would support it/buy it/subscribe to it. You as a former Opticalman have training and experience that will not be duplicated, and I- for one- hate to see that experience lost & not passed on, one way or another. So whatever you decide to do, I- for one- will support you. Yes, I am but one individual... but there are quite a few on this forum who I am sure respect the knowledge & experience that you have.
BTW, used to help the optical shop pull/reinstall periscopes out of FBM's on the USS Simon Lake.. I ran the antenna shop for 2-1/2 years (1977-1979)- am a retired ETC.
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Wes
Atlantic Beach, FL
Bino’s- Tak's, Fuji's, Nikon's, Canon IS and Garrett 20x110 Signature's,
Some telescopes from Carton & Zeiss 60mm's up through a couple of 8” reflectors… Orion 3.6" O/A- and a wonderful 4.25" Delmarva Schiefspiegler!
Some good friends, made here on C/N.
Oh- several cats and a wonderful wife!
Anyone want a cat???? :-O
"When your work speaks for itself- Don't Interrupt" -Gamble Rogers
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 17931
Loc: Oort Cloud 9
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Hi Bill,
For monthly access to your unbiased and extensive optical expertise, I would pay......oh I don't know, say $25-$30 a year? How does that sound? It's hard to put a price on something like that.
Also, if you would put some general optics-related articles in it, not just applicable to binoculars, but optics in general, then that would give it a broader appeal outside of the binocular crowd. For example, an article detailing chromatic aberration and how optics designers overcome this problem would be of interest to binocular owners and scope owners.
Regardless of what you decide for content, put me down for a lifetime subscription. Seriously. 
Regards and clear skies,
MikeG
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
☄ ⒼⒶⓁⒶⒸⓉⒾⒸ ⓈⓉⓄⓃⒺ ☞ www.galactic-stone.com
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KennyJ
The British Flash
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 20139
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Hello Bill ,
Amongst other things , Wes said :
< I love reading about things I love... >
< I would love to see you publish a book on optics- amateur astronomy- binoculars- or a magazine. I would support it/buy it/subscribe to it. You as a former Opticalman have training and experience that will not be duplicated, and I- for one- hate to see that experience lost & not passed on, one way or another. So whatever you decide to do, I- for one- will support you. >
I think that Wes has saved me a considerable amount of thinking time by stating above what amounts to MY feelings about the situation .
Good Luck ,
Kenny
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Milton Wilcox R.I.P
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camvan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/02/05
Posts: 2142
Loc: British Columbia
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I am with what Glassthrower states. if you create an online system with access to save and print the articles (PDF format) I would be willing to pay a subscription fee that lets me sign in and view during the year. I think I'd be willing to pay a maximum of about $35 for a yearly subscription. you could offer others a $5/month rate for temporary access.
on the aside, if you were to create a system like that, I could easily see the options for some online retailing of binoculars, their related paraphernalia,etc. perhaps discuss something with other retailers to provide a referral service (getting a small fee for that) or in fact start selling equipment (and making arrangements with the manufacturers to ship directly from factory).
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Cameron
"Aperture can only be replaced by even more aperture. Dark transparent skies cannot be replaced by anything else." - Stathis Kafalis
Intes MN66
Meade SN8
handfull of cheap ep's
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Wes James
Postmaster
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 5477
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I spoke to my friend tonight I referred to earlier: The online magazine I mentioned has pretty much flopped, and apparently the reason was it was a partnership between 2 people- and the 2nd one simply never got around to holding up his end of the work after a year. It was a lot of work to produce a product online every month apparently, and he just kept saying he was going to make it happen- but he couldn't hold up his half of the bargain.
Myself? I would think it certainly WOULD be a lot of work to produce something like that on a routine basis. Certainly would support someone of your caliber who could do it, though, Bill- and would be willing to pay $25-$30 to read.
Best Regards,
Wes
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Jay_Bird
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/04/06
Posts: 1493
Loc: Nevada, USA 36N 115W
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Your collective wisdom would be worth the same as a popular astronomy magazine subscription, $30-$35 or so, as a price I could justify or rationalize for subscribing.
Throw in a contest for a Helmsman or a First Mate if you need to pull in anyone on the fence.
You might enjoy reading the archives of "the Sunday Morning Photographer" column by Mike Johnston at
http://www.luminous-landscape.com or photo.net
for some interesting and honest insight into on-line self-publishing, he speaks of his experience with his subscription newsletter "the 37th frame" too.
Good Luck!
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'these things stand like stone - kindness in another's troubles, courage in your own' Gordon
C-8, SV80 & C102 achros, 6" Newt, Porta & GEM, Lunt 35; Binoculars 21mm-80mm & p-gram
Edited by Jay_Bird (02/07/07 10:34 PM)
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camvan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/02/05
Posts: 2142
Loc: British Columbia
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Quote:
Your collective wisdom would be worth the same as a popular astronomy magazine subscription, $30-$35 or so, as a price I could justify or rationalize for subscribing.
Throw in a contest for a Helmsman or a First Mate if you need to pull in anyone on the fence.
Good Luck!
^^^ QUOTE FOR TRUTH! ^^^
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Cameron
"Aperture can only be replaced by even more aperture. Dark transparent skies cannot be replaced by anything else." - Stathis Kafalis
Intes MN66
Meade SN8
handfull of cheap ep's
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hallelujah
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 3980
Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains
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A major question that I have is...How would your reviews of popular binoculars "differ" from everyone else.
Some reviews are so technical that it is obvious that they are not aimed at the beginner or "any" entry level person.
Other reviews are so far-fetched that they are laughable.
One large institution was doing reviews of binoculars while looking through plate glass windows.
Another individual does sport optics reviews in their home under artificial lighting.
I am not trying to insult your intelligence, rather, I'm wondering if serious binocular reviews can be done that will appeal to the majority of readers. I am a beginner, so, I need things written in a language that I can absorb, and, that will help me to grow in my understanding.
Can you adopt some standard of testing that will ultimately help your readers to avoid unsound optical purchases, without incuring the wrath of optical manufacturers.
I would certainly be interested in investing my money in something that keeps me abreast of binocular optics and current technology of same. 
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Nikon7x35GoldSentinel 9.3*(2)+Pentax8x40PCFWPII+MinoxBD10x44BP+FujinonFMTRSX7x50
Nikon10x50GoldSentinel+Pentax12x50 5.5*Japan+Pentax12x50PCFWPII+Vixen8x56Geoma
Fujinon12x60HB+Pentax16x60PCFWP+Pentax20x60PCFWP+Pentax20x60PCFWPII
Tento20x60USSR+Orion12x63MiniGiant+Spectrum I 20x65+Orion15x70LittleGiant II
Orion20x70LittleGiant II+Orion16x80Giant+Orion30x80MEGAView+Barska30x80X-Trail
BurgessOptical20x90SeriesII
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BillC
on a new path
Reged: 06/04/04
Posts: 4391
Loc: Lake Stevens, WA, USA
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I have made more than 1,300 posts. I will let you ask around, read, and judge for yourself.
Cheers,
Bill
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William J. Cook, Chief Opticalman, USNR-Ret.
Ophthalmic Tech, Naval Station, Everett, WA
Optical Mechanic, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
Founder, Amateur Telescope Making Journal
21-year Mgr., Optics Dept., Captain's Nautical Supplies
Optics Mechanic, Ft. Lewis, WA.
Contributing Editor for Numerous Magazines
It's better to be a "has been" than a "never was." But only barely; the pay is about the same!
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BillC
on a new path
Reged: 06/04/04
Posts: 4391
Loc: Lake Stevens, WA, USA
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Wait a minute; let me put a PS on my last comment.
First you can't insult my intelligence any more than has already been done--I've raised 3 kids.
ONE of the institutions you refer to would be Cornell. But to answer your question further, I think you will find that while I know a thing or two about optical engineering, I don't believe in knowledge for knowledge's sake. It must be understood and acted upon to be any value. I don't work that way. Ask Kenny about my story on colored stones and the correction of chromatic aberration. Several folks liked that one.
Also, most of the people who do reviews have never been INSIDE a bino, know little about the industry, and know even less about lens design.
I've repaired and restored a few thousand binoculars, know the industry MUCH better than the industry would like, and some of those on this list are probably using telescopes that house lenses I designed.
I hope this helps,
Cheers,
Bill
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William J. Cook, Chief Opticalman, USNR-Ret.
Ophthalmic Tech, Naval Station, Everett, WA
Optical Mechanic, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
Founder, Amateur Telescope Making Journal
21-year Mgr., Optics Dept., Captain's Nautical Supplies
Optics Mechanic, Ft. Lewis, WA.
Contributing Editor for Numerous Magazines
It's better to be a "has been" than a "never was." But only barely; the pay is about the same!
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DJB
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/23/05
Posts: 1742
Loc: Lisle NY
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Hi Bill,
A great idea that would be a unique publication. I would enjoy it. I think US$35 to $45 would be appropriate these days. Hey, I'd go $50 really. Good luck.
Best regards,
Dave.
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camvan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/02/05
Posts: 2142
Loc: British Columbia
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Quote:
Hi Bill,
A great idea that would be a unique publication. I would enjoy it. I think US$35 to $45 would be appropriate these days. Hey, I'd go $50 really. Good luck.
Best regards,
Dave.
I will be bold...but not all of us could afford something like $50. 
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Cameron
"Aperture can only be replaced by even more aperture. Dark transparent skies cannot be replaced by anything else." - Stathis Kafalis
Intes MN66
Meade SN8
handfull of cheap ep's
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pcad
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/05
Posts: 2447
Loc: Connecticut
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Bill,
I've enjoyed all of your posts so far and would no doubt enjoy an e-zine captained by you. I'd be happy with any of the subscription prices mentioned so far.
Peter
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Peter
Telescopes 25 - 318 mm
Binoculars 12 - 100 mm
Microscope 50x - 1000x
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johnno
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 05/03/04
Posts: 807
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Hi Bill,
I have read probably most of your posts here,
And allways found them Helpful,Informative,Funny,even Blunt sometimes.(Usually deserved)
BUT,Most Importantly,HONEST.
Nuff Said.
So,Whatever you come up with,
I sincerly hope it works for you.
Best of luck.
Take Care.
Regards.John
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richtea
sage
Reged: 02/01/05
Posts: 309
Loc: UK Yorkshire
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Hi Bill
Imho one of the major attractions in your proposed venture is the fact that you have the experience to comment on what i would describe as "hands on and in " regarding binoculars and optical equipment
By this i mean whilst i enjoy reading people's perceptions persuasions and useage reports for various binoculars there is certainly other interesting info to be had most of which is far from easy to assimilate (unless a millionaire an optics manufacturer or in the sales/repair industry )
Maybe some folk can be all three it must happen surely !!
Joking aside some examples might be your take on build quality/longevity of models , basic design pros and cons, manufacturers ethos perhaps even your take on some of the different technical innovations that seem to have happened along the way over the years
Of course these may have to be "watered down" for "technodummies" like myself but they would certainly be of interest
The fact you have examined and repaired an array of models types and formats is potentially offering a "glimpse" into areas normal reviews may never touch (I recall your A1 post on the Swift Audubon variants)
I realise no one is about to expose myths and dreams of the optical giants etc and realistically the debates about "who makes or sells what" might not be freely disclosable but its an opportunity for something beyond spec sheets
Not all may even agree with everything stated (owners perogative and all that) but at least resulting debate would have the advantage of industry based substance
I suspect many including myself would subscribe to such a venture
As for costs its hard to place value on this but others have hinted at what might be considered fair to readers and at least partially viable to yourself
Regards
RichT
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12x Canon IS MK11 Porro
10x C/Zeiss Jenoptem/Nikon SE/E11/Swift Ultralite/Hawke B/Watch WP/ Praktica WA Porro/Olympus Wide /Brunton Porro
10 x Belomo Loupe + 10/20 x Silver Geo Loupe
10 x Celestron Regal LX Roof
9x Opticron Minerva Porro
8.5x Swift Audobon FMC Porro
8x Nikon E11/Minolta Activa WPFP/Praktica WA Porros/Smith Wesson(Pentax)Roof/Bushnell Discoverer Roofs/Olympus Wide PC Porro
7x Fujinon CDPC Roof
6.5x Pentax Papilo reverse porro
Nikon ED78A/38 x WA Scope/Eyepiece
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sftonkin
sage
Reged: 02/25/04
Posts: 401
Loc: W. Hampshire , UK
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Bill,
My £0.02:
I would subscribe to it and I would promote it.
BUT (there's always a bl**dy "BUT", isn't there?):
* Do you think the potential market is sufficiently large to make it worthwhile for you? (Maybe you'll never know until you give it a whirl...)
* Have you got sufficient articles, etc. in you to keep it going for years on end? 3 new reviews a month, 36 a year, 360 a decade (if the frustration doesn't take you down before that... )
* I think it would benefit from more than new reviews every month (maybe I misunderstood and that's what you intended anyway). In particular, I have found over the years you have a way of explaining optical stuff in a way that is (a) comprehensible, (b) accurate, (c) often thought-provoking and (d) occasionally delightfully idiosyncratic. I'd appreciate getting regular new doses of it, and I imagine many others would as well.
* Do you really want the purveyors of ruby-coated 25-500×25 super-zoom "higher magnification than some professional telescopes" collapsible paperweights to be putting out a contract....? 
Edit:
Oops, forgot to say how much I'd pay for it: depends on what's in it, but at a first approximation I wouldn't think $25 p/a would be excessive (however, some people resent paying more in a year for an e-zine than they do in a month for a paper one, regardless of content...).
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Stephen
Hindsight: The only truly diffraction-limited system
Edited by sftonkin (02/08/07 09:09 AM)
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Mark9473
Postmaster
Reged: 07/21/05
Posts: 6459
Loc: 51°N 4°E
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I would subscribe too, but if the readership is going to be just the people responding to this thread, you're in trouble.
You could consider setting up a website where people willing to pre-subscribe a few months ahead of launch get say 20% off the first year if the e-zine actually starts, or some token gift if in the end you don't start it up.
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Mark
Leica 8x20; Nikon 7x35; Vixen 8x42; Orion 15x63; Docter 15x60
WO Megrez II 80 FD / APM 107mm f/6.5 / Mewlon 210 on DM-6 + Berlebach Planet
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ndelo
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/02/06
Posts: 619
Loc: Light-polluted New Jersey
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Just out of curiosity, why stick to just bino reviews and industry news? Is there a place in your mag for articles about binocular observing?
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edwincjones
Close Enough
Reged: 04/10/04
Posts: 7980
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I am in,
edj
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