Parachutist magazine IMHO

[JeepDiver 0]

I decided to spin this off the locked thread in bonfire - USPA MAG COVERAGE

I am always disappointed about Parachutist magazine's content.

Often it's the same stuff every month. Not to take anything away from all the competitors that work hard to compete. Every months it's the same teams, the same competitors, the same manufacturers, as a member organization I'd like to see more about it's normal fun jumping members.

The pros, the teams, the manufacturers, the big names are always there.... what about the members?

Skydive the Mag by the British Parachute Association publishes a much better membership mag every month. It's inclusion of students, up jumpers, and new license holders whether they received an A, B or C license and the fun goings on of different DZ's feels and reads more like it's focus is on the lifeblood of the membership organization. New Jumpers

The same boilerplate month in and month out... well lacks vibe.

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[plummeteer 0]

I agree.

Edo
Concumbui
Aethrae Cernuare

[Samurai136 0]

Last time I checked, Parachutist content is driven by member submissions.

"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian
Ken

[JeepDiver 0]

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Last time I checked, Parachutist content is driven by member submissions.

Last time I checked there was a publisher, an editor and a managing editor.

Granted there could be a more active membership submissions of news and stories but are they actively solicited?

Four stories were submitted this month. One an ongoing series. All good stories but four doesn't seem like a lot.

I don't take part in these forums ofetn - writing and dyslexia make doing so troublesome.

[NickDG 23]

It's funny, but I've been slamming PARACHUTIST for years, but the last four or five issues have "looked" really good, probably the best since I've been reading it (1975).

And besides the "look" maybe it's because they are finally using some pieces I suggested to them years ago. The "Logbook" and "Back When" were all my ideas . . . They also need a last page article called, "Last Out!" instead of the photograph they use now. The interviews they do are all right (also my idea) but they are way too formula driven and I'm surprised they aren't asking, "What's your favorite color?"

The problem is PARACHUTIST is a "house organ" and that's why you aren’t getting the harder hitting kind of stuff you see in "Skydiving." When I asked, "Why does it have to be that way?" The answer I got was, "That's just the way it is."

The one thing they have to absolutely get rid of is Chris Needles opening article. The first thing you read in a magazine sets the tone for the rest of the thing. And as it is now I always read the rest of the magazine feeling like I just got yelled at by my crazy uncle . . .

As for members submitted articles they are way more picky than say "Skydiving" is. Not in quality of writing, but the piece must be politically correct and in no way slam any gear, manufacturer, or DZ that's advertised. I've had several, what I thought were decent articles, rejected because I can't write "happy talk."

NickD BASE 194

[skybytch 273]

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I am always disappointed about Parachutist magazine's content.

So... send them something better to print.

[JeepDiver 0]

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I am always disappointed about Parachutist magazine's content.

So... send them something better to print.

It is very difficult for me to write, have you ever noticed all my posts have been edited by me. I have a terrible habit of mixing up the letters of words that I know how to spell.

I simply type them incorrectly.

...and as NickD pointed out it does appear "too formula driven"

What I dislike is it lacks a feeling of inclusion to new jumpers, what's happening with them and where as displayed in Skydive the Mag.

As an example. A story appears on page 19, a fine story yet it contains the quote "graduated from student status with a new A license. And while that by itself isn't terribly newsworthy"

Not to go into detail with what I feel is wrong with this sentiment. I feel it's a indicator of a wider feeling towards those who join the sport by the editors of parachutist.

Their news isn't quite as news worthy yet as reflected in the 2x1.5 pictures contained in the "to new heights" section followed by a summery of license numbers and ratings.. squeezed into 3 pages of adverts.

Where is the celebration, the excitement, the sense of inclusion towards these newbies/members that are going to be the one buying rigs from the manufacturers while they admire the competitors or have been. I feel they are overlooked. I feel it is an area that simply gets overlooked.

Sure it's great to be a big name in the sport and have your picture appear monthly. It does not appeal to me personally. I do know that to the few friends that I've seen show up in the pages of Parachutist it has meant a great deal to them.

Perhaps another way to promote the sport of skydiving as pointed out by distributing DVD at no cost to dropzones is to include those people newest to the sport in the excitement of seeing themselves in the pages of their membership magazine.

[kschilk 0]

I agree. The new look and layout is an improvement but it's only the packaging, content is still weak. There's some point to the readers' submission argument but for what we're paying, why should we be forced into the self-serve lane. I really don't see Skydiving magazine as being much better. If you're not into the competitions, there's not much worth reading. We should be able to opt-out on the mag, we're just killin' trees for sport.

"T'was ever thus."

[virgin-burner 1]

at least you guys get a magazine dedicated only to skydiving. we get the "aero-revue" if you're a member of the local aviation-organisation. not necessary, but makes the parachuting license considerably cheaper to get. our sport is maybe covered with two pages in each issue!?

“Some may never live, but the crazy never die.”
-Hunter S. Thompson
"No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."
-Yoda

[skybytch 273]

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There's some point to the readers' submission argument but for what we're paying, why should we be forced into the self-serve lane.

Would you prefer to read articles about skydiving written by non-skydivers? If not, where is non-weak content supposed to come from?

[kallend 2,106]

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I am always disappointed about Parachutist magazine's content.

So... send them something better to print.

It is very difficult for me to write, have you ever noticed all my posts have been edited by me. I have a terrible habit of mixing up the letters of words that I know how to spell.

So you're saying you don't like it but want someone else to do the work to fix it.

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What I dislike is it lacks a feeling of inclusion to new jumpers, what's happening with them and where as displayed in Skydive the Mag.

A

As best I know, Skydive the Mag is driven by member contributions too.

Maybe Brits just write better, and are more inclined to contribute.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[kschilk 0]

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There's some point to the readers' submission argument but for what we're paying, why should we be forced into the self-serve lane.

Would you prefer to read articles about skydiving written by non-skydivers? If not, where is non-weak content supposed to come from?

I was under the impression that the USPA was staffed by skydivers. Sorry, my bust.

"T'was ever thus."

[4wayFly 0]

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As best I know, Skydive the Mag is driven by member contributions too.

Maybe Brits just write better, and are more inclined to contribute.

Maybe the editor of the Brit mag has made arrangements to have a DZ rep at every DZ submitting pieces for every edition? Maybe the editor encourages more of a sense of community by supporting the national teams more actively and inviting submissions from them? Maybe the editor covers local news such as achievements of British athletes in every skydiving discipline, at every level? Maybe the UK Magazine doesn't object to articles on tunnel use as a training tool for skydiving? Maybe the Uk Mag doesn't require exclusivity? Why don't you take a look at the UK mag with that in mind and get back to me?

There are apprx 5000 BPA members and over 30,000 USPA members, go figure.

[JeepDiver 0]

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So you're saying you don't like it but want someone else to do the work to fix it.

Yes. The publisher, the editor and the managing editor specifically since they are the ones tasked to do so.

The look has been re-vamped yet the content remains the same although it has been improved, thankfully. Let's say the job is not finished IMO.

Here is a positive idea, lets find the best magazine out there, improve upon it and make the USPA publication PARACHUTIST the BEST.

Is there anything wrong with that?

I'm not going to do the job, it is not my job, considering the suggestions of others unhappy with the product is a way of making a product better.

I feel my point is valid. The vast majority of members out there are just that, normal fun jumping members. I welcome the newbies always. Let's include them a little more. They buy the gear, the gadgets, and the lift tickets too.

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Maybe the editor of the Brit mag has made arrangements to have a DZ rep at every DZ submitting pieces for every edition? Maybe the editor encourages more of a sense of community by supporting the national teams more actively and inviting submissions from them? Maybe the editor covers local news such as achievements of British athletes in every skydiving discipline, at every level? Maybe the UK Magazine doesn't object to articles on tunnel use as a training tool for skydiving? Maybe the Uk Mag doesn't require exclusivity? Why don't you take a look at the UK mag with that in mind and get back to me?

I think maybe you're right

[yuri_base 1]

How about this simple solution.

Every time you receive a Parachutist, affix a neon pink label "Crap Inside" to it, a couple of stamps and send it back. Or maybe something more nicely worded, like "I donate my copy of Parachutist to other skydivers as I do not find anything interesting in it."

It'll cost you about 10 bucks a year, but what a feeling!

Maybe if USPA receives a few thousand Parachutists a month with neon pink "Crap!" on it, Chris Needels' Capital Commentary will magically disappear, the all-the-same list of DZ's and stupid pics of stupid awards will no longer waste Amazon forests, the B*** word will no longer be banned, and magazine will be full of useful and fun information?

Hell, I'll start.

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[kallend 2,106]

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So you're saying you don't like it but want someone else to do the work to fix it.

Yes. The publisher, the editor and the managing editor specifically since they are the ones tasked to do so.

...

I'm not going to do the job, it is not my job, considering the suggestions of others unhappy with the product is a way of making a product better.

I feel my point is valid. The vast majority of members out there are just that, normal fun jumping members. I welcome the newbies always. Let's include them a little more. They buy the gear, the gadgets, and the lift tickets too.

It is not the editor's job or the publisher's job to write articles.

Maybe you'd like to pay for a staff of professional writers and photographers with your dues.

Otherwise you just have to put up with voluntary contributions from USPA members like you and me. And if, like you, they say "not MY job", well, then you get what you get.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[popsjumper 2]

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...As an example. A story appears on page 19, a fine story yet it contains the quote "graduated from student status with a new A license. And while that by itself isn't terribly newsworthy"

I was absolutely appalled at this statement. Even more so after reading recent Needle's commentary about lagging membership and what we all should be doing to change that. I am sending an emailed objection to it to Parachutist.

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Where is the celebration, the excitement, the sense of inclusion towards these newbies/members that are going to be the one buying rigs from the manufacturers while they admire the competitors or have been. I feel they are overlooked. I feel it is an area that simply gets overlooked.

I totally agree.

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Perhaps another way to promote the sport of skydiving...is to include those people newest to the sport in the excitement of seeing themselves in the pages of their membership magazine.

I would love to see more of that.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[popsjumper 2]

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...the all-the-same list of DZ's and stupid pics of stupid awards will no longer waste Amazon forests...

Stupid? Lists of DZs? Pics of those who achieve? Wasting Amazon forests?

Hopefully I missed the tongue-in-cheek tone.


List of DZs.
Very helpful to non-skydivers to find out where to go to amke their first jumps. If you're hiding your issue under the toilet, let me suggest giving it to a non-skydiver instead...or donating it to your doctor or dentists office or dropping it off a local college student activities center.

Pics of those who achieve
What a wonderful way to celebrate your achievements and to let others know that you did and inspire them that they can too.

In the new format, they have included a couple of new things that I think are good for the sport...the little blurbs about a specific DZ is one of them...a different one every issue. Submit one for your DZ. November's issue featured one on page 59. Another is the inclusion of more miscellaneous photos of fun jumping all around the country - one of which is shown on page 62.

One of the things that bore me though is the length of the articles about one specific boogie or event. November's issue had 11 pages (not counting inserted ads) about one event with so much fluff in it that reading the article was mind-numbing...I finally just skipped to the final standings on the last two pages of fthe article.

Funny thing, though. Right behind it was a great two-page layout of first-timers - good for the sport if non-jumpers ever get to see it.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[popsjumper 2]

My email to communications@uspa.org:

I am registering my dissatisfaction with a comment made, and printed, in the article, "Family Builds Its First 6-way" on page 19 of the November, 2007 issue.

The dissatisfaction centers on the comment, "..."graduated from student status with a new A license. And while that by itself isn't terribly newsworthy...".

I am appalled that Parachutist would print such a statement. It is a direct insult to all new jumpers making milestone achievements in the sport. The statement is in direct opposition to USPA's drive to increase membership by discouraging new jumpers.

Thank you,
---

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[JeepDiver 0]

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It is not the editor's job or the publisher's job to write articles.

I am aware of this.

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Maybe you'd like to pay for a staff of professional writers and photographers with your dues.

unnecessary, but thanks for offering a positive solution of some kind.

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Otherwise you just have to put up with voluntary contributions from USPA members like you and me. And if, like you, they say "not MY job", well, then you get what you get.

My computers senor indicates that your reply is shorter than the post your replying to. Personally I feel your trying to be helpful however.

Anyone out there.
Pick up a copy of Skydive the Mag by the British Parachute Association. Take a look at it's contents.

PARACHUTIST can be improved upon with out being so critical of the hard work that is put into the publishing and editing of our (USPA members) current magazine.

[DanG 1]

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We should be able to opt-out on the mag, we're just killin' trees for sport.

You can opt out of the magazine. Just send them a letter or e-mail. My wife opted out since we really don't need two copies and she stopped getting them immediately.

- Dan G

[kschilk 0]

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We should be able to opt-out on the mag, we're just killin' trees for sport.

You can opt out of the magazine. Just send them a letter or e-mail. My wife opted out since we really don't need two copies and she stopped getting them immediately.

- Dan G

"T'was ever thus."

[popsjumper 2]

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...Thanks, I'll do that. I've been dropping stacks of mine off in various Dr., hospital and car dealer waiting rooms.

Please continue what you have been doing...I wonder if any new jumpers have come aboard by reading one o the issues you left behind...hmmmmm.

Surely a seed or two has been planted at the very least.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[rehmwa 2]

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We should be able to opt-out on the mag, we're just killin' trees for sport.

You can opt out of the magazine. Just send them a letter or e-mail. My wife opted out since we really don't need two copies and she stopped getting them immediately.

Opting out of the mag should then get a discount on dues - which it doesn't. We get two a month which we don't read (anymore) either.

I'd like it online and the money save be either returned in reduced dues, or targetted towards something more productive. Like our lobbying function, etc.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[kschilk 0]

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...Thanks, I'll do that. I've been dropping stacks of mine off in various Dr., hospital and car dealer waiting rooms.

Please continue what you have been doing...I wonder if any new jumpers have come aboard by reading one o the issues you left behind...hmmmmm.

Surely a seed or two has been planted at the very least.

Still, I think more grass-roots, fun-jumping or newbie related articles and features would be a bit more enticing to the average whuffo, than the ever prevalent professional competition coverage. If someone is considering getting into a new sport, I think they'd rather read about what is more immediately possible....as opposed to what they might be able to "try for" , 5 or 10 years down the road.

"T'was ever thus."