Thread: The Family Handyman

When was the last time you saw a glossy mag openly criticise a product?

I only know of one (a boating mag) but there is generally too much advertising money riding on telling the real truth.

I bought a few of the early issues of the Family Handyman when it was construction oriented (albeit recycled from a sister publication in the US), but it quickly changed into a more general mag - gardening articles, tuning the lawnmower etc.

Though they were honest enough to acknowledge the change of direction after they received a couple of complaints in the letters column.

Now I don´t even bother flipping through it at the newsagency.

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

As I said initially, the magazine is worth a look!

Based on this advice I borrowed a few copies of the mag from the library to see what this is all about. All I can say I shouldn't have bothered.


Peter.

Thanks Sturdee

I was similarly interested but you've saved me the time

Jamie

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Based on this advice I borrowed a few copies of the mag from the library to see what this is all about. All I can say I shouldn't have bothered..

Fair enough! I guess I was really thinking of the ummm... less experienced among us! Which is why I actually said "It's worth a look for those who want info on general handy stuff rather than pure woodwork"

Never mind, a trip to the library is always fun!

Originally Posted by Stephen H

. . . .but it quickly changed into a more general mag - gardening articles, tuning the lawnmower etc.

That's why it reminded me of here as well!!! Go looking for an answer on how to set up a band saw, and come away with all the info you'll ever need on making a foil beanie!

Cheers,


P (Currently finding a clearer way to communicate!)

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

Never mind, a trip to the library is always fun!

I agree, I regularly visit libraries to see what new goodies they bought just for me to read.

The gem I picked up earlier this week was " Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Choosing & Installing Hardware " 200 plus pages with lots of pictures which cost them $ 42. :eek: Interesting reading worth borrowing but not worth buying.

So yes trips to the library are always fun and most of the time worthwile.

Peter.

I quite like the magazine.

Admittedly I enjoyed it more when it was more focused on construction projects whereas now it has a few general articles like washing machine reviews.

What I like is the detail it goes into: eg I'm about to tackle a garden fence for the first time and they've had a couple of articles on this topic taking you through every step. Also they're quite good at showing jigs etc with different parts in bright, contrasting colours so you can easily see what they're talking about.

It isn't a mag for the experts (some of the gurus on this site probably wouldn't get much out of it!) but I think it's not bad for beginners. The advertorials are obviously biased towards certian products, but they can still contain snippets of useful advice.

Tony

No Frill Magazines make their money from advertising, the price on the cover is wishful thinking, just like the local paper that states it is worth $1.00 .

A friend of mine published for years a magazine full of ads and here and there some interviews, a bit of art, food and travel all done by himself, printed in a backyard printer shop on second best paper. He use to ask for permission to the newsagencies to place it with the other mags for free. It was priced realy low and sold well. It was a fun way to make a buck.