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Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: vmx42 on September 10, 2007, 11:16:20 am

Title: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: vmx42 on September 10, 2007, 11:16:20 am
Hi Guys,
Just to let you know that Issue 31 has just left for the printers. Should be packing and mailing early next week.
Thanks
VMX42

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s255/vmx42/VMX_31_cover.jpg)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Hoony on September 10, 2007, 07:03:51 pm
great, looks like another PissCutter of an issue. i await it eagerly.
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: TM BILL on September 11, 2007, 09:58:12 am
Cool cant wait :)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: vmx42 on September 12, 2007, 09:35:43 am
Hey Bill,
It is even cooler for you as I am pretty sure you appear somewhere in the OZ VMX Champ photos. Looking good too I might add.
Jeff
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: crs-and-rms on September 12, 2007, 10:24:22 am
if only it came out each month  its so long to wait for each issue :'(
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Freakshow on September 12, 2007, 12:14:43 pm
great, looks like another PissCutter of an issue. i await it eagerly.

what in Gods name is a Piss cutter ?  hoony............ explain
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Hoony on September 12, 2007, 02:21:34 pm
old aussie slang saying meaning "great" i am unsure of origin. while i am on the subject anyone notice how our slang is quickly dissapearing from our vocabulary !

i also hate the way young aussies are talking like Americans (i have nothing against Americans) we are losing our colorful slang and identity as Aussies.
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Freakshow on September 12, 2007, 02:34:15 pm
na we stilluse it, i alway say cheers, and all my correspondance, even had an american reply recently saying " as you say " cheers.

maybe its a regional thing hoony cause no piss cutting going on here, although it might be a bottla, top shelf, kick arse, or a bloody rippa, but nope no pissing.
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 20, 2007, 03:44:28 pm
OK everyone, this is just an update letting you know that subscribers copies of VMX Issue #31 were mailed out today... ;D ;D ;D

Copies should appear in the newsagents about a week from now... ::)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: paul on September 20, 2007, 03:56:52 pm
actually piss cutter is slang for grouse
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Doc on September 20, 2007, 06:28:36 pm
Quote
OK everyone, this is just an update letting you know that subscribers copies of VMX Issue #31 were mailed out today...   
looking forward to it too AJay  8)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Graeme M on September 20, 2007, 06:57:15 pm
You bloody beauty! I've been hanging out for it... I've been reduced to buying a... gasp... modern MX magazine!

Now, is the YZ250G in this issue???
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: VMX Andrew on September 20, 2007, 07:53:28 pm
hope so...been hangin out for that for bloody ages...it was supposed to appear in the last two issues i think.... :P whats the go .....
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 20, 2007, 09:47:42 pm
Nope... the mysterious YZ250G has eluded this one....it is lurking in the archives though and will show up sometime soon  ;)

They look like this, don't they?

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1052255/YZ250G_1.JPG)

Doc, your copy is on it's way...I labelled it myself, so if it doesn't arrive, you know who to blame  ::)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Doc on September 21, 2007, 07:23:51 am
Thanks AJay..you the man! I'm getting myself as nice little collection now 8) nowhere near complete but it is still a nice collection and much better than those bloody quilting mags it replaces  ;D
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: gator on September 21, 2007, 09:05:48 am
in the next issue of vmx can we have DOC laying on top of YZ250G naked :o :o :as centre fold :P :P????
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Hoony on September 21, 2007, 09:13:37 am
Hmmm might just cancell my sub  ;D
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: dkupf on September 21, 2007, 10:49:32 am
Now that's somthing I don't want to see :-\Darcy
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Doc on September 21, 2007, 02:10:25 pm
 :D me on a naked Yamaha!!

 not in this lifetime Gator! ;D

Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: maicomc490t on September 23, 2007, 10:34:59 pm

VMX #31 hit my letterbox a couple of days ago and as always Ken, Ray (yeah I believe in divine intervention - Ray's still watching over his baby!) and all of the VMX crew have done a great job AGAIN !!!

I don't know about anyone else but I still thumb over my first copies like it was yesterday and to think we have 31 of the best mags on our shelves to trip back down memory lane in - cool !!!

See you at the back of the pack !!!
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: suzukimx on September 23, 2007, 10:56:46 pm
DOC--i visit the site and i see this ????shows you what happens when you get into YAHAMA stuff---they were the first major player with a mono---thats why my 95 yz 250---is kept clear and away from the SUZUKI herd--!!!!will e-mail you--got burnt bad on e-bay---and this guy has been good---latter  buzzymx45
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: gator on September 24, 2007, 09:20:51 am
What was the most poplar lssue of vmx and what's a number 1 worth or a set. ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: maicomc490t on September 24, 2007, 02:33:48 pm

OK - for my money I think number 4 is the one alot of guys seem to be after. To the value of a complete set , well I have seen  a couple go for good money but honestly can't remember the totals but an approximate tally of 31 copies at say $13 each on average would see $403 and i would happily part with that tomorrow if my set ever disappeared - they are simply that good !!!

Actually speaking of good - how many dirt bike mags do you know these days that you open the first page to see the contents index like you do with VMX !!! I was saying to the big guy I sponsor (my son james, Lol!) how it sucks when you open ADB, MXA etc and have ten pages of Fox, Thor, No Fear (shit gear by the way) before you get to the index of contents.

See you at the back of the pack !!!
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: 090 on September 24, 2007, 03:49:03 pm
I've seen 1 go for $350 us(no.4) a full set for nearly $1200 au, i jagged no. 6 for $40 odd dollars. But seen a set pass in at 800au, i bought 7-28 and no.1 for about $120. 2-6 inclusive are the ones that get the bucks as i found out being a late comer.
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: suzuki27 on September 24, 2007, 08:02:26 pm
My issue arrived today and I dropped everything and ripped open the packet like a kid at Xmas and stared quietly at  the Maico mounted cover- then unusally for me, I put it on the shelf and finished off some work- I will try to read it sparingly ,and not in one session. I am sure it will be another "Ball tearer", "Rip snorter", "Bottler", "Bobby dazzler", "Bewdy", thanks to the VMX crew for another "Bumper" edition to enjoy.
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Doc on September 24, 2007, 08:33:39 pm
 :'( I'd like another sticker pretty please..maybe with the next issue ;D the  VMX decal I had ever-so strategically placed on my hot-rod van got damaged :o by moi  ::) idiot!

only got my hands on the mag an hour or so ago but so far it's seriously good stuff!  :)
 
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Nathan S on September 25, 2007, 09:10:46 am
What was the most poplar lssue of vmx and what's a number 1 worth or a set. ??? ??? ???

Most of them are still available as back-issues - so they're worth $13 each.
But the ones that aren't available as back-issues are rapidly appreciating. I know of a few people sitting on multiple copies of the rare issues waiting to cash in.

It seems that complete sets are worth less than the sum of the individual copies.
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 25, 2007, 09:22:21 am
OK, time for a shameless plug. ::)

A little known fact is that the VMX distributor in the UK has stocks of VMX back issues, including a few that have sold out in Australia (like issue #23 for example) and also undamaged copies of the ones which are only available damaged here in OZ.

You can buy these copies and get them sent to OZ.  They will cost more than buying them locally due to the postage, but you can still get them.... ;)

Here's the link to the UK Distributor, if you're interested in getting the rarer copies... 8)

http://www.tmxnews.co.uk/website_content/subscriptions__merchandise/vmx/index.html (http://www.tmxnews.co.uk/website_content/subscriptions__merchandise/vmx/index.html)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: firko on September 25, 2007, 12:12:08 pm
Great issue chaps. Once again you got the balance just right. The MZ story is a nice bit of history and I liked Jeffs laid back take on the Coffs Nats.  There are, however some very ugly heads hidden behind those helmets on page 46's 250 EVO shootout! On a personal basis it's cool that my story on Kristy Rowlands Astro and my column are in there. The shining glory however is that I got a starring role in Roger Harveys cartoon along with all sorts of celebrities including Roger De Coster, Jim Weinert, Marty Tripes, a bewildered looking Ken Smith and a shitload  more. Even my favourite writer, Hunter S Thompson got a go! 
' Firko the farkin Prophet" can now stand with my previous appearance as ' Sheriff Firkin' in ADB a few years ago. Thankfully, despite all of this multi media stardom, it hasn't spoiled me and I'm still the same sweet and lovable teddy bear I've always been.
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Hoony on September 25, 2007, 12:41:28 pm

' Firko the farkin Prophet" can now stand with my previous appearance as ' Sheriff Firkin' in ADB a few years ago.

i liked the "Predicts the past" tag
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Graeme M on September 25, 2007, 08:38:41 pm
Yeah. "Firko the farkin Prophet - predicts the past". That's bloody brilliant. Loved it.

Firko, those mugs in the Evo Shootout may be ugly but who wouldn't have wanted to be in that one? And the shot of Goolies on the KTM, that's awesome! I want a poster.
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: DJRacing on September 25, 2007, 09:51:40 pm
Hey Guys, can ya keep a lid on telling us whats in the mag ;D, ours havnt arrived yet and its like your telling us the last page of the story ;) ;D

Hey Santa wheres me bloody mag ;D
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: 090 on September 25, 2007, 09:57:31 pm
It must suck to be a kiwi... you're first ones up in the morning ,yet last to get the great mag! ;D
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: DJRacing on September 25, 2007, 10:16:36 pm
I blame your postal service. I reckon our lot of mags get sent off with the Perth mags and have to travel the whole way round the world to get to us. ;D.
Lifes a bitch and then some bastard puts a coffee mug down on ya #4 vmx mag >:(
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: DJRacing on September 26, 2007, 09:06:59 pm
Its all good. The postie gave me my copy of VMX today, so if anyone ask me something I may not get back to them for a while ;D
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: maicoman18 on September 26, 2007, 09:45:05 pm
There is something seriously wrong with the postal service when the mag gets to NZ before it gets to me in TASMANIA
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: brent j on September 26, 2007, 09:56:51 pm
maicoman, even Darwin gets better service than Tassie.
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Tony T on September 28, 2007, 03:26:16 pm
No appearance my way yet either............... Aussie Post must need a new mule.  ;D
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: paul on September 28, 2007, 03:44:09 pm
tony this happens each issue  you are  allways  last it seems  ;)
i think i could drive too your state and back in less time
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Tony T on September 28, 2007, 03:54:00 pm
Definitely the way I've heard that you drive.............  ;)
No dramas though, the main thing is that I still get every issue.  ;D
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: maicoman18 on September 28, 2007, 08:20:31 pm
Got mine today
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Lozza on September 28, 2007, 09:08:35 pm
Was nice to see a pic of (genreflect) Walter Kaaden in there.
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: pokey on September 28, 2007, 10:10:57 pm
Bro chose not to  have me give him a birthday present of a subscription of VMX.
 His words "Too many pages of bloody ads in it"
 I do concur , ads have increased i believe and i realise for a reason. The mag suits the many not the few and it also must look after itself and while subs assist  advertisments pay very well to balance the books.

 For this quarter atleast i shall  be without my read
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: brent j on September 28, 2007, 10:59:51 pm
My only complaint (and it took me a few days to realise!!!!) the third part of the XT/TT500 rebuild wasn't there? next time maybe?

But I'm still rapt with the issue

Brent
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 28, 2007, 11:17:08 pm
Hi guys,

You may be interested to learn that ad content in VMX is not remotely close to what it was when Ray passed away - naturally we wish it could be, but it isn't  :( 

In issue 23 there were 25.3% ads (24.3 pages total) and in issue #31 the ratio is only 23% ads (18.4 pages total).  So in both % terms and of course outright pages, we are currently running less ads.

Certainly we have more ads now than we did in issue #24 when we first republished the magazine, but we still have less than the rough guideline that Ray mandated, i.e. 25% of magazine space was allowable to keep the magazine uncluttered with ads.

Check out any other dirt bike magazine sometime and calculate the % ad content.  I think you'll find VMX usually has less than half the content of ads when compared on that basis  ;)

And of course, that's how it should be! 8)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 29, 2007, 08:38:08 am

  is all good Ajay but adds still suk.. well for atleast me the minority who dont give a damn who use to buy the mag who wont till it changes but againb I and my brother and the guy down the road and his mate are the minority

Well, I'm afraid it sounds like we're not going to be able to make you happy Pokey. :(  Thats a pity, but there's nothing we can do about it. 

Ads are here to stay as they are critical to the survival of the magazine, and new bike ads are especially important as they generally are the larger size and value... ::) And of course, VMX still has the lowest ad content of any Aussie dirt bike magazine by far. 8)

I suggest you go and revisit issue #23 and see how many new bike ads were in there - you will be surprised, I'm sure.   :o

There are actually less ads in VMX now than during "the old days" ;)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Graeme M on September 29, 2007, 08:53:34 am
Hell's Bells Pokey, how could you complain about VMX? At least most of the ads are worth reading. I buy RacerX Illustrated as well, and while that's one of the better US mags, it's still a big job to actually find the articles. Even the Table of Contents is after about 30 pages of ads.

But I have to ask as well... where'd that TT500 article go?
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Lozza on September 29, 2007, 08:55:44 am
Without trying to sound all 'sucky' the articles seem a bit more in depth and better reaserched than in Ray's day.I'll be sending you a nice pedantic 'letter to the Ed' soon  ::).
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Noel on September 29, 2007, 08:56:25 am
I'm with AJ on this one ,
I only see the adds when I'm looking for them,
I'm enjoying this issue heaps
2 of my favorite bikes 77CR125 and AW Maico's
Just doesn't get much better
Noel
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: 090 on September 29, 2007, 09:07:10 am
Ditto & ditto Noel
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 29, 2007, 09:10:09 am
Yes, the non-appearance of the XT/TT500 article has got a few people worked up... ::)

The basic problem was that the contributor didn't get the article to us to be able to print it in issue #31 as planned :(   

Nothing we could do about it unfortunately  :'(

We are hoping to have it for issue #32 of course (but we still don't have it yet). ::)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 29, 2007, 09:14:45 am
I buy RacerX Illustrated as well, and while that's one of the better US mags, it's still a big job to actually find the articles. Even the Table of Contents is after about 30 pages of ads.

Actually RacerX was my favourite magazine from the USA as well, but to my eyes it has gone downhill in a big way, due to the proliferation of ads.  Clearly they are making a lot of money from those ads, but you do have to wonder if they ever take a look at what they are doing and be self-critical about how unreadable the magazine has become... >:(

It would be interesting to see at what point they start losing sales due to ad content... ;)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: firko on September 29, 2007, 09:34:24 am
With due respect to Pokey and his brother, I can't understand why it's taken you thirty one issues to realise that there are "too many ads" in VMX. Like Graeme says, have a look at the other motorcycle magazines on the newsagent rack, including VMXs main opposition, Great Britains 'Classic DirtBike', and you'll find the advertising to feature ratio much, much higher.
On another level, the majority of ads in VMX are vintage dirt bike specific and are in effect, a service for us to source services and parts for our old bike restos and maintenance. Often those ads become the most important thing of the moment, especially when you're chasing down that obsure gizmo that's missing off your Sprite 405 or whatever.

I don't pretend to know all of the financial ins and outs of producing a magazine but after twenty years in the game I know enough to realise that without advertising a magazines life is extremely tenuous. Advertising pays the bills. The advertising revenue far outweighs actual sales in regard to financial income. Rather than whinging about there being too many ads in VMX we should be hoping that they can find more 'big end of town' advertisers like Suzuki that can throw some significent advertising moolah at our magazine.

The owners of VMX aren't basking on the yacht in Monte Carlo or driving Dodge Vipers or Maseratis with the income from the magazine. The bottom line is that there isn't a fortune to be made producing a niche market magazine, cult following or not. Ray Ryans continual battle with VMX was to find enough lucrative advertising income to be able to maintain the quality and content of the magazine. It was a very hard battle that I'm sure the currnent owners are still fighting.

Pokey,rather than criticising the publishers for having too much advertising in the mag, you should be celebrating that the magazine is surviving despite being under Rays 25% advertising/feature ratio. I'm proud to be a part of VMXs history over the years and I'm still thanking my lucky stars that the boys managed to bring it back from the dead.


Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Noel on September 29, 2007, 09:44:06 am
You mean that this isn't the VMX corporate boat  thats in Sydney  Harbour at the moment



http://yacht-images.com/albums/Yaakun-Al-Menwar/MYALMENWAR001.thumb.jpg
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 29, 2007, 12:18:25 pm
Noel,

'fraid not. :'(

Actually, who needs boats when you can have bikes? ;)

Firko,  the cheque's in the mail of course..... ;D
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Tony T on September 29, 2007, 12:44:17 pm
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 29, 2007, 12:51:31 pm
Tony, have you been looking over my back fence.... :o
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Doc on September 29, 2007, 12:53:14 pm
one of Firko's margarita's no doubt! :D :D :D I personally don't mind the ads either..it's all interesting  8)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Tony T on September 29, 2007, 01:29:35 pm
Tony, have you been looking over my back fence.... :o

Don't try and pretend you've got a big house like that, Ajay. I kinda suspect that would be more likely to be Jeff's shed..........  ;)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: paul on September 29, 2007, 03:14:28 pm
the rich getting richer
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g120/ibop/castle.jpg)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: paul on September 29, 2007, 03:15:05 pm
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g120/ibop/chopper.jpg)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: paul on September 29, 2007, 03:15:40 pm
and
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g120/ibop/car1.jpg)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: firko on September 29, 2007, 04:43:50 pm
or this
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/IMG_0508.JPG)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 29, 2007, 04:57:54 pm
Or maybe this...

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1052255/VMXVan2_2.JPG)
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: Tony T on September 29, 2007, 05:43:28 pm
But you know what, I reckon this is the place that the boys are most proud to have the famous VMX logo displayed.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1063360/_MG_2756.jpg)

How about running a competition for the most 'interesting' location of a VMX sticker? The more way out the better.
Must be a real photo, i.e. no Photoshopping.  ;)
Wadda ya reckon?
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: pokey on September 29, 2007, 06:53:21 pm
Im not saying the guys from VMX do make pots of money from the mag as I wouldnt have a clue. What I am saying and only saying is to "MY Eyes and My brothers eyes" , the  Advertisment "Appears" to be increasing. If as Ajay says  the percentage has not increased Im sure he is correct.

I do remember having to thumb through several pages in the middle of last quarters mag  which was  several full page adds. Perhaps it is that  en masse advertisments which has given me  the perception of more advertisment? Anyway it left me with a hollow feeling.

I do realise the mag  needs to find a balance and it cant cater for every potential reader but perhaps  the crew  could take  the above and work with it as  If I percieve  the ads have  increased all be it apparently  wrongly,  Im sure other potential readers may hold this opinion but  wont  give feedback and just not purchase the mag.

A critique is an opportunity knocking and with competition im sure VMX would like to know how it can  keep its market share or indeed increase it.

 cheers
Title: Re: VMX Issue 31 off to the printers
Post by: AjayVMX on September 29, 2007, 10:18:40 pm
As I said before, our ad content is still below that of the magazines which were produced by Ray, not only in outright number of pages but also in percentage terms. This is actually quite disappointing from our point of view. :(

So I'm sorry to disappoint you Pokey, but as we are not at anywhere near our full "quota" of ads in the mag as yet, if we get the opportunity ad content will be increasing further. :o

We won't however, be going down the "other mags" route in trying to achieve 50-60% ad content and we will still bear in mind Ray's ideals as they have been and are important to us still. Same old dirt, same old bikes, same old fun...  ;)