Pilot Magazine
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Sent an email to pilot last week.
I was promised that my subscription copy would be here v. soon. Still waiting.............went out and bought one.
How many other businesses in the UK can get away with this sort of lax performance.
NEVER again will I renew my subscription after 7 years.
Why should they get away with it?
I was promised that my subscription copy would be here v. soon. Still waiting.............went out and bought one.
How many other businesses in the UK can get away with this sort of lax performance.
NEVER again will I renew my subscription after 7 years.
Why should they get away with it?
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OK....time for my two pennyworth.
First of all, I agree with other posters here. I used to get my copy via the Newsagent, and I picked it up promptly each month. Since I started contributing...it has ALWAYS come later than the local newstand. I don't think that is acceptable. Not a huge point, but irritating nonetheless.
More importantly is what is happening to the magazine.
It was mentioned previously that the magazine was bought by Military Pilots, Commercial Pilots, GA Pilots, Microlight Pilots, Glider Pilots etc etc....but mostly by PILOTS surprise surprise.. A common bond, but each with their own specialist interest.
It would, of course, be impossible to please all of the people all of the time, but the point is that the magazine appealed to a wide section of the aviation community including the more fringe activities like registration interests. The previous Registrations contributor, Ian Burnett (I mention the name as he was a long time contributor) was fired, and he found out when someone called him and told him that the column was not in the magazine and his name had been removed from the list of contributors.
Great management technique, and the column was dropped from the mag. Next thing we know, there was such an outcry that the column was restored under no name and little said except an editorial comment saying that it had been restored, by saying "I know, I know, it's back" Mike Jerram, IMHO one of the finest aviation journalists in this country, leaves the magazine at the same time. So where do these people go.?? Over to the opposition which is fast becoming what Pilot was previously and is obviously what the market wanted.
My real point is this..... Perception is absolute reality, and if the management of Pilot wishes to ignore this, then they do so at their peril. The perception here in several pages of PPRuNe is that Pilot have got it wrong. If you ignore this, then you must take the consequences. Don't just say, "Well, why don't you write to the editor about it" ........Listen to the people who took the trouble here to make their point. There are many people out there who know who I am....... I have no vested interest in this debate...I am simply a subscriber, but if this upswell of protest is not listened to, I will be an ex subscriber.
First of all, I agree with other posters here. I used to get my copy via the Newsagent, and I picked it up promptly each month. Since I started contributing...it has ALWAYS come later than the local newstand. I don't think that is acceptable. Not a huge point, but irritating nonetheless.
More importantly is what is happening to the magazine.
It was mentioned previously that the magazine was bought by Military Pilots, Commercial Pilots, GA Pilots, Microlight Pilots, Glider Pilots etc etc....but mostly by PILOTS surprise surprise.. A common bond, but each with their own specialist interest.
It would, of course, be impossible to please all of the people all of the time, but the point is that the magazine appealed to a wide section of the aviation community including the more fringe activities like registration interests. The previous Registrations contributor, Ian Burnett (I mention the name as he was a long time contributor) was fired, and he found out when someone called him and told him that the column was not in the magazine and his name had been removed from the list of contributors.
Great management technique, and the column was dropped from the mag. Next thing we know, there was such an outcry that the column was restored under no name and little said except an editorial comment saying that it had been restored, by saying "I know, I know, it's back" Mike Jerram, IMHO one of the finest aviation journalists in this country, leaves the magazine at the same time. So where do these people go.?? Over to the opposition which is fast becoming what Pilot was previously and is obviously what the market wanted.
My real point is this..... Perception is absolute reality, and if the management of Pilot wishes to ignore this, then they do so at their peril. The perception here in several pages of PPRuNe is that Pilot have got it wrong. If you ignore this, then you must take the consequences. Don't just say, "Well, why don't you write to the editor about it" ........Listen to the people who took the trouble here to make their point. There are many people out there who know who I am....... I have no vested interest in this debate...I am simply a subscriber, but if this upswell of protest is not listened to, I will be an ex subscriber.
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Been flying 45 years and buying Pilot for the past 10 or so since I discovered it. It was the world's best flying magazine. So good that I would buy a copy to read to get my flying fix when stuck in HK or somewhere away from my homebase and aircraft.
Have never seen such a deterioration in a magazine's content as experienced by Pilot since Gilbert et al left.
If the present owners can't get it back to the top maybe Gilbert can buy it back at a cut price and restore it.
Have never seen such a deterioration in a magazine's content as experienced by Pilot since Gilbert et al left.
If the present owners can't get it back to the top maybe Gilbert can buy it back at a cut price and restore it.
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The most interesting thing is that people care.
In most cases, if a magazine I'd enjoyed for years went sour, I'd just stop buying and forget about it.
But Pilot's readers seem to be tremendously loyal - so much so that we're complaining in public about the degradation of something that was as much part of our flying as our logbooks and our headsets.
I resent the way something I enjoyed so much has been dragged down. I resent it enough to complain, in the hope that some of what Pilot once had can be restored.
In most cases, if a magazine I'd enjoyed for years went sour, I'd just stop buying and forget about it.
But Pilot's readers seem to be tremendously loyal - so much so that we're complaining in public about the degradation of something that was as much part of our flying as our logbooks and our headsets.
I resent the way something I enjoyed so much has been dragged down. I resent it enough to complain, in the hope that some of what Pilot once had can be restored.
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Having purchased Pilot for the past 10 years or so off the shelf. I noticed a distinct change in the magazine apart from the paper but could not put my finger on what it was. After a couple of editions the penny dropped, too many pictures and superficial articles, similar to Flyer and Today's Pilot when they started. Too big or too many photographs IMHO are often a cover up for poor text content. You only have to look a look at some of the boy racer magazines on the shelf as a example. I used to see Pilot as the professionals choice, its old format may have been staid, even boring to the eye but is that not the case with most 'manuals' 'educational' or 'text' books. I believe that as was stated previously that the Pilot team have got hung up on updating the look and format to coincide with the other two magazines in the field and have taken their eye off the content ball. Flyer and Today's Pilot should be climbing to Pilots level, which is happening, Pilot should stick with a tried and tested format and not allow themselves to drop down to the competitions level.
PS I think Flyer and Today's Pilot content is acceptable but I always thought that Pilot was more in-depth.
PS I think Flyer and Today's Pilot content is acceptable but I always thought that Pilot was more in-depth.
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Yes, sad. I think what we're saying is that someone has hijacked "our" magazine and spoiled it. Hence we feel angry.
I never subscribed - I got it each month from the local newsagent. Since 1980, and until October 2002. Now cancelled.
If it returns to its original quality (as reported on here) then maybe, just maybe...
I never subscribed - I got it each month from the local newsagent. Since 1980, and until October 2002. Now cancelled.
If it returns to its original quality (as reported on here) then maybe, just maybe...
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Any response from anyone out there who has anything to do with 'Pilot'?
Reading the thread throughout, there appears to be virtually no-one (aside from former employees) with an agenda, and there is some pretty valuable feedback from those who matter - the customers (PS They're the ones that ultimately pay the wages, as not only do they determine baseline sales revenue, but also how much advertisers spend to reach that audience)
So, come on, Pilot editor, let's have some constructive response!
Are you listening, or is it a 'head totally immersed in the sand' situation?
Reading the thread throughout, there appears to be virtually no-one (aside from former employees) with an agenda, and there is some pretty valuable feedback from those who matter - the customers (PS They're the ones that ultimately pay the wages, as not only do they determine baseline sales revenue, but also how much advertisers spend to reach that audience)
So, come on, Pilot editor, let's have some constructive response!
Are you listening, or is it a 'head totally immersed in the sand' situation?
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Pilot
Dear Under The Weather,
I am sure it is frustrating that the current Pilot team/ editor have not been goaded into a response by this thread.
However, think what would happen if they did. They have a magazine to run and - by the responses here - need to commit themselves 100% to the job rather than dilute their attentions elsewhere.
It is clear from the vitriol in some postings that the persons submitting them may not have an impartial view.
Heads rolled for business reasons. It is a tough world out there. Decisions made by the owners of the magazine - now facing competition that din't exist when they bought it - are hardly likely to please everybody.
Anybody posting here that wasn't directly involved in the why's and the wherefore's can only make a value judgement.
I am a businessman with a love of aircraft. I have read Pilot since Pontius was on the team. My loyalty is with Pilot. However, I take the others too and enjoy them all. Pilot and TP ( I have no axe to grind with Flyer) have featured my aircraft, new and old, over the last 18 months - I totally enjoyed working with both magazines - all nice guys committed to aviation.
It is obvious that the Pilot team will trawl through this thread very carefully - identify those who have constructive comments to make and get on with job of making an excellent magazine even better. However, dont expect them to stick their heads above the parapet.
The last issue was really good (I am too biased about the Nov. issue to comment! )
HP
I am sure it is frustrating that the current Pilot team/ editor have not been goaded into a response by this thread.
However, think what would happen if they did. They have a magazine to run and - by the responses here - need to commit themselves 100% to the job rather than dilute their attentions elsewhere.
It is clear from the vitriol in some postings that the persons submitting them may not have an impartial view.
Heads rolled for business reasons. It is a tough world out there. Decisions made by the owners of the magazine - now facing competition that din't exist when they bought it - are hardly likely to please everybody.
Anybody posting here that wasn't directly involved in the why's and the wherefore's can only make a value judgement.
I am a businessman with a love of aircraft. I have read Pilot since Pontius was on the team. My loyalty is with Pilot. However, I take the others too and enjoy them all. Pilot and TP ( I have no axe to grind with Flyer) have featured my aircraft, new and old, over the last 18 months - I totally enjoyed working with both magazines - all nice guys committed to aviation.
It is obvious that the Pilot team will trawl through this thread very carefully - identify those who have constructive comments to make and get on with job of making an excellent magazine even better. However, dont expect them to stick their heads above the parapet.
The last issue was really good (I am too biased about the Nov. issue to comment! )
HP
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This thread has been going for so long, I cant remember if I've posted my 2 penneth or not!
As a 'Pilot' reader since 1977, I'm really quite peeved at the way a few journo's can totally screw things up.. Yes, James Gilbert had some pretty set ideas, but everyone liked them. The present team, in an obvious attempt to 'make their mark' have shown how little they know about the way other pilots think, which is a sure way to lose readers....As someone else said 'Flyer' and 'TP', both pretty awful magazines to start with, should have risen to 'Pilots' standards, not the other way...
My subscription runs out in April, and I'm definately not going to renew it as things are at the moment. If i was the editor or owner, I'd be reading these threads and getting ready to offer James Gilbert the helm again.
Any response from anyone at the Pilot offices? What happened to the Photographer chap at Seething who was involved - He seemed quite vocal about things to start but has gone very quiet of late....
As a 'Pilot' reader since 1977, I'm really quite peeved at the way a few journo's can totally screw things up.. Yes, James Gilbert had some pretty set ideas, but everyone liked them. The present team, in an obvious attempt to 'make their mark' have shown how little they know about the way other pilots think, which is a sure way to lose readers....As someone else said 'Flyer' and 'TP', both pretty awful magazines to start with, should have risen to 'Pilots' standards, not the other way...
My subscription runs out in April, and I'm definately not going to renew it as things are at the moment. If i was the editor or owner, I'd be reading these threads and getting ready to offer James Gilbert the helm again.
Any response from anyone at the Pilot offices? What happened to the Photographer chap at Seething who was involved - He seemed quite vocal about things to start but has gone very quiet of late....
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HairyPlane,
Thats quite a condescending reply to my post, if I might say so. Your implication is that its all to do with 'business', and we should let them them get on with it. As a 'businessman' yourself, you presumably understand this desire for interference free management.
I presume that you also (hindsight notwithstanding) would have defended George Simpson and his 'businessmen' colleagues at Marconi against any strategy mismanagement charges when they set about changing the business that Arthur Weinstock had spent a lifetime buiding up? Oh dear, what happened to Marconi?
As a previous poster on this thread has said, it is amazing that so many people care enough about the future of Pilot magazine to have posted on this thread. It would be nice to hear from those who currently run the magazine that they are taking the well-meaning comments on board.
If they can't find 5 minutes to do that................
Thats quite a condescending reply to my post, if I might say so. Your implication is that its all to do with 'business', and we should let them them get on with it. As a 'businessman' yourself, you presumably understand this desire for interference free management.
I presume that you also (hindsight notwithstanding) would have defended George Simpson and his 'businessmen' colleagues at Marconi against any strategy mismanagement charges when they set about changing the business that Arthur Weinstock had spent a lifetime buiding up? Oh dear, what happened to Marconi?
As a previous poster on this thread has said, it is amazing that so many people care enough about the future of Pilot magazine to have posted on this thread. It would be nice to hear from those who currently run the magazine that they are taking the well-meaning comments on board.
If they can't find 5 minutes to do that................
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I'm a relative newcomer to Pilot - I have subscribed for 2 years and was an occasional reader prior to that. I have to confess that I haven't enjoyed the last few editions as much as I used to. A change of personnel didn't really show up on my radar, but that maybe does explain a few things. I have struggled to put my finger on exactly what has changed. My gut feeling is that it is lacking in strong opinions - the odd article or editorial that prompts a reaction, whether positive or negative. I read Flyer on an occasional basis and I think that it has the edge. Excellent articles from John Farley - which admittedly I've had trouble getting to grips with, but hey, I like to be challenged!
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Exactly that! 'Pilot' was opiniated because Gilbert was his own man with no one to answer to but himself. He also encouraged such forthrighness in his contributors.
That's why 'Pilot' was always such a stimulating read. Now, it's got the corporate blandness and inoffensiveness of the other mags (save for the few articles still in the pipeline from the 'old school', like Grim Bedstead) and probably always will have.
Maybe the days of the opinionated owner/publisher have gone. If so, the magazine world will be much the poorer for it.
SSD
That's why 'Pilot' was always such a stimulating read. Now, it's got the corporate blandness and inoffensiveness of the other mags (save for the few articles still in the pipeline from the 'old school', like Grim Bedstead) and probably always will have.
Maybe the days of the opinionated owner/publisher have gone. If so, the magazine world will be much the poorer for it.
SSD
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This is a worthwhile debate and demonstrates that the aviation community is not short on opinions and long should that remain the case.
The shortage of responses from the PILOT team is, in part, a result of experience. If you trawl elsewhere in this forum you will find that the level of abuse and criticism can be monumental when members of the PILOT team dare to venture into the forum.
For the record I am not actively involved in the day to day management but am a director of the business which owns it. I am also a dedicated pilot who cares about the sector and the magazines supplying it.
The comments on this and other forums are certainly noted and taken into account when considering actions.
PILOT still outsells the other magazines by a significant factor and although the team is not complacent about this it is one of the best polls available.
Failure to be drawn into a debate on a rumour network should not be taken as an indication that the people involved are not interested in readers views.
As for subscription the process is handled by an external company and problems are frequently reviewed.
The shortage of responses from the PILOT team is, in part, a result of experience. If you trawl elsewhere in this forum you will find that the level of abuse and criticism can be monumental when members of the PILOT team dare to venture into the forum.
For the record I am not actively involved in the day to day management but am a director of the business which owns it. I am also a dedicated pilot who cares about the sector and the magazines supplying it.
The comments on this and other forums are certainly noted and taken into account when considering actions.
PILOT still outsells the other magazines by a significant factor and although the team is not complacent about this it is one of the best polls available.
Failure to be drawn into a debate on a rumour network should not be taken as an indication that the people involved are not interested in readers views.
As for subscription the process is handled by an external company and problems are frequently reviewed.
niknak
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Well, I read Pilot at the newsagent today.
I had been prepared to buy it if it had improved at all, it hasn't, and it's still on the shelf.
I can appreciate where Formationfoto is coming from regarding a direct response on this forum from the Pilot team, but I would of thought the least that they would have done is take the constructive critisism from this long running post seriously - apparantly not.
I had been prepared to buy it if it had improved at all, it hasn't, and it's still on the shelf.
I can appreciate where Formationfoto is coming from regarding a direct response on this forum from the Pilot team, but I would of thought the least that they would have done is take the constructive critisism from this long running post seriously - apparantly not.
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Niknak
This is the problem - responding doesn't achieve anything much other than invite further criticism (not getting at you in particular - just making the general point).
I know that the constructive criticism from this long running post is taken seriously and the team are working hard to publish a magazine which can justify its position as the leading title in the GA market.
All comments, criticisms, and praise warmly received and passed on to the relevant people.
The magazine might not be what you want it to be but this doesn't mean that the comments are being ignored.
Ian Davies
Head above the trenches waiting to be shot at!
This is the problem - responding doesn't achieve anything much other than invite further criticism (not getting at you in particular - just making the general point).
I know that the constructive criticism from this long running post is taken seriously and the team are working hard to publish a magazine which can justify its position as the leading title in the GA market.
All comments, criticisms, and praise warmly received and passed on to the relevant people.
The magazine might not be what you want it to be but this doesn't mean that the comments are being ignored.
Ian Davies
Head above the trenches waiting to be shot at!
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Formationfoto.....
I am delighted that the team at "Pilot" are listening, but it IS a two way street and they should be talking to their Customers...yes Customers, for that is what we are.
We have spoken...it is clear to see in these pages what people feel right now, and a few platitudes are not going to change that at all. If you consider how many people have joined this debate and then factor in those who do not have a computer, or a registration with PPRuNe, and those who don't look in these forums, then maybe you will see that perhaps reliance on the loyalty of the readership is not enough.
As I said before, ignore this at your (Pilot Team) peril.
I used to really enjoy Maxi Gainza's write ups, because it was done in such a readable way. It gave me some well remembered Walter Mitty time when reading in the smallest room..... so where is he these days.?? The fact that he writes on military aircraft has no bearing, because the mag had a wide readership base, from all flying disciplines. Ian Burnetts registration columns are gone too. Yes, yes, I know that a reggie column is back, but where are the background remarks which filled in the gaps.
Where is Mike Jerram also.??
So, Formationfoto, if you as a Diriector have any influence, please persuade the Editor, and others, that IMHO, they have NOT got it right and get them to bring back the people and style that made Pilot the best, by far, of any General Aviation magazine around, before TP or Flyer becomes the best etc etc etc.
Now before I get accused of having a vested interest, I have no repeat NO connection with this magazine or the previous magazine except that I have been reading it since Nineteen Hundred and Frozen to Death.
It is terribly trite to say that subscriptions are handled by an external company.....Nonsense. I signed up my subscription with Pilot and that is, as far as I am concerned, who I am dealing with. I get it well after it appears in W.H. Smiths EVERY month. Now it is up to your people at the mag to put pressure on whoever. I care not who, but I would like the mag on time please. Ta
Over to you.....Your choice.
In any case, A Happy Christmas and New Year to all at Pilot.
I am delighted that the team at "Pilot" are listening, but it IS a two way street and they should be talking to their Customers...yes Customers, for that is what we are.
We have spoken...it is clear to see in these pages what people feel right now, and a few platitudes are not going to change that at all. If you consider how many people have joined this debate and then factor in those who do not have a computer, or a registration with PPRuNe, and those who don't look in these forums, then maybe you will see that perhaps reliance on the loyalty of the readership is not enough.
As I said before, ignore this at your (Pilot Team) peril.
I used to really enjoy Maxi Gainza's write ups, because it was done in such a readable way. It gave me some well remembered Walter Mitty time when reading in the smallest room..... so where is he these days.?? The fact that he writes on military aircraft has no bearing, because the mag had a wide readership base, from all flying disciplines. Ian Burnetts registration columns are gone too. Yes, yes, I know that a reggie column is back, but where are the background remarks which filled in the gaps.
Where is Mike Jerram also.??
So, Formationfoto, if you as a Diriector have any influence, please persuade the Editor, and others, that IMHO, they have NOT got it right and get them to bring back the people and style that made Pilot the best, by far, of any General Aviation magazine around, before TP or Flyer becomes the best etc etc etc.
Now before I get accused of having a vested interest, I have no repeat NO connection with this magazine or the previous magazine except that I have been reading it since Nineteen Hundred and Frozen to Death.
It is terribly trite to say that subscriptions are handled by an external company.....Nonsense. I signed up my subscription with Pilot and that is, as far as I am concerned, who I am dealing with. I get it well after it appears in W.H. Smiths EVERY month. Now it is up to your people at the mag to put pressure on whoever. I care not who, but I would like the mag on time please. Ta
Over to you.....Your choice.
In any case, A Happy Christmas and New Year to all at Pilot.