Did I understand the info on the home page correctly? Is the new PDGA in-house publication going to replace Flying Disc magazine as the pub that members will receive?

I am sure there is a lot of effort put into Flying Disc magazine and they seem like really nice folks. I am just not interested in reading about ultimate, or disc dogs, or other disc games. (Doesn't the UPA have its own pub?)

<font color="red">Did I understand the info on the home page correctly? Is the new PDGA in-house publication going to replace Flying Disc magazine as the pub that members will receive? </font>


Yes.

Man, I got all excited that the PDGA was opening a pub at the IDGC! Beer and disc golf go hand-in-hand!

:D

I have no idea how much time or money it takes to produce a publication. I'm sure it takes a ton of writers, photographers, and volunteers to pull it off. I know it's not easy.

I did not enjoy Disc Golf World and I opted out of Flying Disc Magazine. Most of the information was outdated in both magazines.

I'd love the PDGA to use the in house magazine resources on major events covered like Worlds was last year with a camera man and reporter. Youtube is such an awesome tool. Not only would events get covered they would be recent and fresh. Along with that there could be interviews with players and TD's. Courses could be showcased.Top players would be there forthrowing clinics. All of what the magazine tries to capture in the span of months could be captured each weekend.

The magazine is pretty much limited to members. On youtube nonmembers are exposed and even people who do not play disc golf. This would be a good opportunity to promote the game and maybe draw some more members.

The magazine is pretty much limited to members. On youtube nonmembers are exposed and even people who do not play disc golf. This would be a good opportunity to promote the game and maybe draw some more members.




Most of the information was outdated in both magazines.



I disagree with the first part of your statement. It is the new or non-member that the magazine is or should be directed.

Deep breath and loosen the fingers.....

There is no doubt that an uploaded video can provide timely information in a way that publishing a magazine cannot. And that can be a very important part of the publicity for the PDGA or disc golf in general. For the organization, production of professionally edited videos would be crucial. An amateurish video could hurt the cause. An official PDGA presence on YouTube or similar site(s) would be appropriate.

But there is an important place for a well done periodical as well. When meeting a prospective sponsor a well produced magazine that can be put in someone�s hands is far more personal and compelling than asking them to sit at their computer and look at a video. There is nothing like the physical aspect of touching that glossy colorful group of pages while sitting back on the sofa, away from that desk and computer.

At this time in the sports development, given the digital media shift in so much of our lives, having both hard copy and online access to disc golf information is beneficial. The hard copy part can very effectively complement the online part and be focused on a slightly different audience. The periodical can better address the audience who don�t really care that Kenny had another great round and beat Avery and Dave again last weekend. They may be attracted to pictures of beautiful courses and places they may take the family on vacation. The disc golf cruise kind of thing. Instructional articles, new courses and less event information may appeal to that audience. The web based part can fulfill the needs of those who have to know that Angela beat Burl after 3 playoff holes yesterday as well as some less timely videos of the beautiful places etc.

The real key to both is excellent images. You can always create good copy (text or voice over) but without the proper visual content neither is nearly as effective.

There are probably only a relative few golfers who have proper equipment (video or still) and the skill set necessary to reliably record quality images who are also willing to forgo playing in order to document tournament competition. People with the necessary equipment and skill set are probably not going to volunteer time and travel costs etc very often. If we don't fund skilled staff then we must train volunteers who have the equipment and are willing to do the image gathering (that documents who, where etc for every image) that is really the base for any publication, paper or web.

Having the PDGA coordinate both print and web would be appropriate. But not getting the appropriate images would trump everything. We can serve both audiences and benefit the organization as well and now with the FDM transition the time to coordinate and address this is optimal.

So as I understand it, a membership for 2009 will include (no-opt out or extra $10) the new pdga publication, and FDM will only be available by subscription, which is $14.95 for 1 year, according to the insert in my latest issue.

Can some one fill me in?

When should I expect my first magazine? I renewed my membership in Dec, and was just curious when the Magazine should be arriving, as I recieved my renewal pack. Also, is the magazine monthly?