Your Thoughts, as Humans With Eyes and Brains

[Hydra]

So, I work for a long-standing woodworking magazine and we've recently released a "throwback" cover to test the waters as well as celebrate our 40th Anniversary.

A little back story, the magazine was started in 1976 in the attic of the then-owners house. It's been a staple in the woodworking and furniture building community and a huge percentage of our readers have subscribed since the black and white days.

Now, I won't assume anyone here reads it, so here's some covers:



The one on the left is from 1976: all black and white and not a lot of photos, but at the time it was the only magazine of its kind.

The center and right, are the current issue that was just released, #256. I'm simply curious which version you all like better.

The one on the right follows the same style we've had for years, and while it's attractive it also is very similar to many of our competitors. The center is a re-imagining of the original covers. Subscribers got the center one, and I believe newstands got the one on the right.

This isn't an official poll for work, I'm just curious how some outside eyes rate the covers.

[HeavyMetal]

right off the bat, the contemporary

[Lawn Guyland]

right. absolutely

[SupermanIce-J]

I prefer the middle one the best because the contemporary one looks like it would be camoflaged among other "contemporary style" magazines.

Sure there is a lot of dead space but that makes it stand out IMO.

[Hydra]

I prefer the middle one the best because the contemporary one looks like it would be camoflaged among other "contemporary style" magazines.

Sure there is a lot of dead space but that makes it stand out IMO.

This is exactly the idea, and the reason I like it.

[HeavyMetal]

so are we rating based on how good it looks, or how well it communicates heritage? I guess that is an important angle. In any case I would like to change my answer to the last option

[Buffalo Phil]

I like the middle one. Makes it look like an old 'how to' book.

[Hydra]

so are we rating based on how good it looks, or how well it communicates heritage? I guess that is an important angle. In any case I would like to change my answer to the last option

I guess you guys, unless you've been aware of the magazine, can't really get a sense of the heritage that's implied.

This, of course in much smaller terms, would be like if truly re-introduced something like the Grand Wagoneer, with all the guts of the modern JK, but a slightly revitalized but elegantly simple Grand Wagoneer style body on it.

The magazine doesn't have that kind of iconic stature to the majority of the world, but to alot of our readers this has been the most highly regarded source of woodworking information for 40 years.

[HeavyMetal]

I guess you guys, unless you've been aware of the magazine, can't really get a sense of the heritage that's implied.

This, of course in much smaller terms, would be like if truly re-introduced something like the Grand Wagoneer, with all the guts of the modern JK, but a slightly revitalized but elegantly simple Grand Wagoneer style body on it.

The magazine doesn't have that kind of iconic stature to the majority of the world, but to alot of our readers this has been the most highly regarded source of woodworking information for 40 years.

Good analogy. Undoubtedly the middle in that case.

[Burton58]

I'd go with the middle one. The right side photo seems too large and filled up, kinda like an HGTV commercial should look. I like the white border to give it some dimension

[Buffalo Phil]

I'd go with the middle one. The right side photo seems too large and filled up, kinda like an HGTV commercial should look. I like the white border to give it some dimension

[Burton58]

Meh, you get the point

[wannabejeep]

Center. Right looks like every other home and garden magazine.

[Pedro]

And see I was thinking right because it looks like every other home and garden magazine. Makes it looks more popular and more official.

[Hydra]

Center. Right looks like every other home and garden magazine.

That's what I think, and while it's good to have a current look, I think the negative space would increase interest at the news stands.