BillC
on a new path
Reged: 06/04/04
Posts: 2109
Loc: Washington, 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.
Founding Editor, Amateur Telescope Making Journal
20-year vet. of Captain's Nautical Supplies, Optics Dept. Mgr.
Optics Machanic, WG11-3306, Ft. Lewis, Tacoma,WA
Yata, Yata, Yata . . .
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Wes James
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 2457
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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
Some bino’s from Miyauchi 5x32 Binon's up through Garrett 20x110 Signature's,
Some telescopes from a Stellarvue 80mm NHNG up through a couple of 8” reflectors…
And a wonderful 4.25" Delmarva Shiefspiegler!
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: 14686
Loc: Hurricane Alley
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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.
Galactic Stone & Ironworks - Buy/Sell/Trade Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, & 35 different falls and types!
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10146
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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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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camvan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/02/05
Posts: 2086
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
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Wes James
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 2457
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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
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/04/06
Posts: 680
Loc: Nevada 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!
--------------------
'these things stand like stone - kindness in another's troubles, courage in your own' Gordon
Edited by Jay_Bird (02/07/07 10:34 PM)
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camvan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/02/05
Posts: 2086
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
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hallelujah
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 1660
Loc: Colorado Rocky Mt. High
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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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Pentax 12x50mm PCF WP II FMC/WP/FP
Pentax 16x60mm PCF WP FMC/WP/FP
Pentax 20x60mm PCF WP II FMC/WP/FP
Orion 12x63mm Mini Giant FMC/JAPAN
Orion 15x70mm Little Giant II FMC/JAPAN
Orion 16x80mm Giant FMC/JAPAN
Orion 20x70mm Little Giant II FMC/JAPAN
Orion 30x80mm MEGAView FMC/JAPAN
Barska 30x80mm X-Trail LW FC
Burgess Optical Series II 20x90mm FMC/WP/FP
Handel's Messiah**Hallelujah! For the LORD God Omnipotent Reigneth
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BillC
on a new path
Reged: 06/04/04
Posts: 2109
Loc: Washington, 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
--------------------
William J. Cook, Chief Opticalman, USNR-Ret.
Founding Editor, Amateur Telescope Making Journal
20-year vet. of Captain's Nautical Supplies, Optics Dept. Mgr.
Optics Machanic, WG11-3306, Ft. Lewis, Tacoma,WA
Yata, Yata, Yata . . .
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BillC
on a new path
Reged: 06/04/04
Posts: 2109
Loc: Washington, 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.
Founding Editor, Amateur Telescope Making Journal
20-year vet. of Captain's Nautical Supplies, Optics Dept. Mgr.
Optics Machanic, WG11-3306, Ft. Lewis, Tacoma,WA
Yata, Yata, Yata . . .
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DJB
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/23/05
Posts: 1267
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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: 2086
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
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pcad
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/05
Posts: 1501
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 15 - 88 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: 208
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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Carl Zeiss MC Jenoptem 10 x 50
Nikon SE 10 x 42
Nikon E11 8 x 30 + 10 x 35
Bresser/Meade x2 10 x 50(40)
Pentax Papilo 6.5 x 21
Minolta Activa WP FP 8 x 40
Praktica WA Lanthanum x2 8 x 25
Swift Audubon 804 FMC 8.5 x 44
Fujinon CD Phase Coated Roof 7 x 42
Opticron Minerva Porro 9 x 35
Opticron Vega 11 WA Porro 12 x 50
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sftonkin
sage
Reged: 02/25/04
Posts: 395
Loc: Kent, 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...).
--------------------
Stephen
Hindsight: The only truly diffraction-limited system
Edited by sftonkin (02/08/07 09:09 AM)
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Mark9473
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/21/05
Posts: 2699
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.
--------------------
Mark
Leica 8x20; Vixen 8x42; Swift 8.5x44, 10x50 and 20x80; TS 7x50; Orion 15x63
WO Megrez II 80 FD + Baader 90° T2 Amici
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ndelo
sage
Reged: 08/02/06
Posts: 485
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
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/04
Posts: 4423
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I am in,
edj
--------------------
n w arkansas
Binocular, Solar, General Amateur Astronomy
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777Guy
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/11/03
Posts: 574
Loc: 48'29N 122'37W
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count me in too Bill. I always read your posts and think I have learned alot in the process. I would look forward to reading your reviews and would subscribe to your service without hesitation.
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ronharper
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/14/06
Posts: 1006
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Bill,
Of course all us CN bino nuts would subscribe, but I have a hard time believing the disease is exactly rampant. I would like to see you get a regular column in birding, astronomy, and hunting magazines.
Ron
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camvan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/02/05
Posts: 2086
Loc: British Columbia
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ronharper has a point. there would need to be a way to make you're e-zine become a known quantity around the globe, being that is your target clientel. I would think about mass emails to every Astro club/organization asking that they notify the membership etc.
to help you out some, perhaps see if the admin of CN here would put an article on the mainpage with a survey asking pertinent questions so you can gauge what kind of reaction you would have.
are you interested?
- yes
- no
- maybe
how much would you be willing to pay for a subscription?
- $20 - $30
- $30 - $40
what would you like to see in it?
- binocular reviews?
- telescope reviews?
- general optics reviews/info?
- contests?
- observing guides?
something like that, which would let you get a better idea of just how much of the CN community alone would be interested in investing in your idea to make it a successful venture.
hope you don't mind ideas... 
--------------------
Cameron
"Aperture can only be replaced by even more aperture. Dark transparent skies cannot be replaced by anything else." - Stathis Kafalis
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BillC
on a new path
Reged: 06/04/04
Posts: 2109
Loc: Washington, USA
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Thanks Guys; keep the thoughts coming.
In the last few hours, a cold has hit me with both feet. I will try to answer more questions and explain more of my thinking next week.
Cheers,
Bill
--------------------
William J. Cook, Chief Opticalman, USNR-Ret.
Founding Editor, Amateur Telescope Making Journal
20-year vet. of Captain's Nautical Supplies, Optics Dept. Mgr.
Optics Machanic, WG11-3306, Ft. Lewis, Tacoma,WA
Yata, Yata, Yata . . .
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Silvio
super member
Reged: 04/26/03
Posts: 166
Loc: Gilbert, Arizona.
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Bill,
I really like your honesty - some of the reviews in the big national magazines obviously have a bias towards their advertisers!!!!!
I'd gladly pay $35 for a monthly e-zine, and I'd gladly pay $50 for a paper magazine mailed to my home (I'm old fashioned!!).
The content would be binocular reviews, letters section, a technical education page, and contributed articles from subscribers.
Best regards,
Silvio.
--------------------
TMB 115 LW Refractor
APM 80/480 CNC Refractor
8" F7 Reflector
Kowa 32x82 Highlander Fluorite Binoculars
Canon 18x50 IS Binoculars
Canon 12x36 IS Binoculars
Tasco 7x35 Widefield Binoculars
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JHollJr
sage
Reged: 06/10/06
Posts: 204
Loc: Quantico, Virginia
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Bill I have always read your comments here with interest and would subscribe to any magazine that you might publish, on the web or elswhere. I would pay between $30 and $50 per year.
--------------------
Justin
Northern Virginia
Celestron Nexstar 8i SE
Questar 3.5 purchased 1980
Leica Ultravid 10x50's
Oberwerk 20x80 Ultra Lights
UA UniMount Light Deluxe
Horrible Eyes
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4497
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Bill,
Have you considered a book detailing use, repair, collimation, designs, testing, ATMing and history? In my recollection there is only one book out there now on collimating binocs (Jan Seyfried's) and certainly the market isn't saturated. With your name recognition I would think it would sell well, especially if written with your usual no-nonsense style, self-deprecating humor and sprinkled with personal anecdotes.
Just a thought.
Keith
--------------------
He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4497
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Oh yeah...e-zines. Are there any out there that succeed? I used to subscribe to The Practical Observer and as a regular magazine it lasted many years. As soon as it went to e-format it tanked and last I heard it was up for sale with no buyers. People (at least me) like a tangible book or magazine that you can hold in your hands, not an electronic gizmo or a sheaf of stapled paper spit out of the home computer.
Keith
--------------------
He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12581
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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