Hardcoresim Racer Magazine???

Anyone know the latest on Hardcoresim Racer Magazine? Can't seem to get any reply from them via email lately, pitnotes emails have been sporadic, and now news on the last 2 issues that never got sent yet. An now the site seems down http://www.hardcoresim.com/ Are they still alive and planning to continue publication? Any idea if subscribers will get a refund if not?

On Sun, 5 Jan 2003 11:01:14 -0400, "Schooner" <[email hidden]> wrote: >Anyone know the latest on Hardcoresim Racer Magazine? This was in an email to me on the noted date. I suspect that it will go under. We pays our money and takes our chances. I don't see any money being returned when they can't fund the next issue... give em credit for trying. I continue to get periodic email updates and the last was on Dec 31... I suspect they'll try an ezine or something but am not counting on it. Speciality magazines for computer gaming areas are a real risk. We can glean most all the information they contain by using the web sites devoted to the topic and google ... November 18, 2002 Magazine Info: What was to be titled as our September/October issue, was far short of a profitable level on paid advertising... combined rising production and mailing costs we were caught in a serious cash-flow bind. In order to complete our obligations with our subscribers and advertisers we have combined what would have been the September/October issue with the November/December issue into a single issue. That issue is now in it's final stages of pre-press and will be produced and mailed as soon as we possibly can. All subscriptions will be extended accordingly. Again, our thanks for all of your support and patience while we get things back on track.

Response that was posted to OLR forum when same question was asked. Don Merpaw Precision Racing www.precision-racing.com Written by Michael Lathrop/HCS Magazine December 9, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st off, an update on HCSR.... I'll attempt to explain the situation here as clearly and as honestly as I can. If it sounds as if I'm whining, sorry, that is not my intent, again, I'm just explaining the facts of the situation. I certainly did not start this venture without knowledge of the risk and struggle of starting a print magazine, I did however grossly underestimate the reception of the magazine by the potential advertisers; initially, this was explainable that we had no product to show. After completing the first issue we sent media kits to hundreds of potential advertisers and did follow-ups accordingly. Also, subscriber volume was closer to projections, but still, quite a bit lower than we reasonably expected. Even following the production of the first issue, advertisers remained reluctant because our readership numbers were low. Yet, without advertising support, it was difficult to market the magazine to increase the subscriber count -.a bit of a "catch 22," still I produced issue two almost completely out-of-pocket. Several factors combined to put HCSR in a serious financial bind; the first two issues costs were far more than what I had brought in total revenue from both subscribers and advertising. I knew going into this venture that I'd need to support it out of pocket for a time, and did just that. In August, (quite un expectedly) I was laid off from the job I had which enabled me to support the magazine - at this time advertising revenue was still FAR below our production costs. Yet my belief in the concept of the magazine was as strong as ever. In order to try to keep things moving, I had lined up several new deals to continue the magazine including; a publisher of sim software who was going to purchase ads and include a coupon for subscriptions in the box, a hardware manufacturer who wanted to start a large ad campaign, and the sale of my own race car; any one of these on their own would have covered the cost production and mailing of nearly 2 more issues, and hopefully, enough "track record" to increase the subscription count and attract the advertising to make the publication self-supporting. With these deals lined up, I felt it was "safe" to make the announcement that we'd do the combined issue and extend the subscriptions accordingly. Within a matter of two weeks, all three of these deals had fallen through - regardless of the details, the end-result was the same; not enough cash to print and mail the magazine. I've spent additional time and effort pursuing various means of fulfilling our agreement with our subscribers and will continue to do so. I do not deny that looking in hindsight there are various things that could have been handled better, and have every intention of making things "right" with each and every subscriber. At this time I've taken a new job which has reduced the time I can devote to HCSR, but I've also spent time looking into various alternatives to continue HCSR, included in those options is the possibility of an electronic format; and most probably a single, annual printed reference guide of the hardware and software reviews and suppliers directory. I understand that this is not what many who have subscribed had in mind when doing so; to satisfy those we are looking into how to both fund and distribute rebates for those not interested in continuing with HCSR. I will dedicate much of my time between Christmas and New Years slated to finalize plans for both the future direction of HCSR as well as sort out the details of rebate program for those not interested in continuing with HCSR. I know the above explanation does not in itself correct things, but hope that I provided the insight of the past, present and probable future plans of HCSR. While obviously this is not the positive, upbeat status report I'd like to be able to post, it is an honest explanation of what has happened, where we are at and my assurance that I'll do everything possible to bring the sim racing community the information source it deserves. Michael Lathrop "Schooner" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:XMXR9.235568$[email hidden]... Anyone know the latest on Hardcoresim Racer Magazine? Can't seem to get any reply from them via email lately, pitnotes emails have been sporadic, and now news on the last 2 issues that never got sent yet. An now the site seems down http://www.hardcoresim.com/ Are they still alive and planning to continue publication? Any idea if subscribers will get a refund if not?

Thanks. Be nice if they would have emailed their subscribers that info instead of leaving us in the dark. I subscribed and support the venture but I would like to be kept informed as it helps dispel rumours. Hopefully they will get it going again. "Don Merpaw" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:DZZR9.104062$[email hidden]... Response that was posted to OLR forum when same question was asked. Don Merpaw Precision Racing www.precision-racing.com Written by Michael Lathrop/HCS Magazine December 9, 2002 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- 1st off, an update on HCSR.... I'll attempt to explain the situation here as clearly and as honestly as I can. If it sounds as if I'm whining, sorry, that is not my intent, again, I'm just explaining the facts of the situation. I certainly did not start this venture without knowledge of the risk and struggle of starting a print magazine, I did however grossly underestimate the reception of the magazine by the potential advertisers; initially, this was explainable that we had no product to show. After completing the first issue we sent media kits to hundreds of potential advertisers and did follow-ups accordingly. Also, subscriber volume was closer to projections, but still, quite a bit lower than we reasonably expected. Even following the production of the first issue, advertisers remained reluctant because our readership numbers were low. Yet, without advertising support, it was difficult to market the magazine to increase the subscriber count -.a bit of a "catch 22," still I produced issue two almost completely out-of-pocket. Several factors combined to put HCSR in a serious financial bind; the first two issues costs were far more than what I had brought in total revenue from both subscribers and advertising. I knew going into this venture that I'd need to support it out of pocket for a time, and did just that. In August, (quite un expectedly) I was laid off from the job I had which enabled me to support the magazine - at this time advertising revenue was still FAR below our production costs. Yet my belief in the concept of the magazine was as strong as ever. In order to try to keep things moving, I had lined up several new deals to continue the magazine including; a publisher of sim software who was going to purchase ads and include a coupon for subscriptions in the box, a hardware manufacturer who wanted to start a large ad campaign, and the sale of my own race car; any one of these on their own would have covered the cost production and mailing of nearly 2 more issues, and hopefully, enough "track record" to increase the subscription count and attract the advertising to make the publication self-supporting. With these deals lined up, I felt it was "safe" to make the announcement that we'd do the combined issue and extend the subscriptions accordingly. Within a matter of two weeks, all three of these deals had fallen through - regardless of the details, the end-result was the same; not enough cash to print and mail the magazine. I've spent additional time and effort pursuing various means of fulfilling our agreement with our subscribers and will continue to do so. I do not deny that looking in hindsight there are various things that could have been handled better, and have every intention of making things "right" with each and every subscriber. At this time I've taken a new job which has reduced the time I can devote to HCSR, but I've also spent time looking into various alternatives to continue HCSR, included in those options is the possibility of an electronic format; and most probably a single, annual printed reference guide of the hardware and software reviews and suppliers directory. I understand that this is not what many who have subscribed had in mind when doing so; to satisfy those we are looking into how to both fund and distribute rebates for those not interested in continuing with HCSR. I will dedicate much of my time between Christmas and New Years slated to finalize plans for both the future direction of HCSR as well as sort out the details of rebate program for those not interested in continuing with HCSR. I know the above explanation does not in itself correct things, but hope that I provided the insight of the past, present and probable future plans of HCSR. While obviously this is not the positive, upbeat status report I'd like to be able to post, it is an honest explanation of what has happened, where we are at and my assurance that I'll do everything possible to bring the sim racing community the information source it deserves. Michael Lathrop "Schooner" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:XMXR9.235568$[email hidden]... Anyone know the latest on Hardcoresim Racer Magazine? Can't seem to get any reply from them via email lately, pitnotes emails have been sporadic, and now news on the last 2 issues that never got sent yet. An now the site seems down http://www.hardcoresim.com/ Are they still alive and planning to continue publication? Any idea if subscribers will get a refund if not?

Yes I received that email as well. I was also told the last issue would go out before Christmas but from Tom's post is seems that is up in the air as well. Hopefully things can be worked out as it is a great concept and I have tried to support and spread the word on it all I can. "Jeffrey Haas" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

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> On Sun, 5 Jan 2003 11:01:14 -0400, "Schooner" <[email hidden]> > wrote: > > >Anyone know the latest on Hardcoresim Racer Magazine? > > This was in an email to me on the noted date. I suspect that it > will go under. We pays our money and takes our chances. I don't > see any money being returned when they can't fund the next issue... > > give em credit for trying. I continue to get periodic email updates > and the last was on Dec 31... I suspect they'll try an ezine or > something but am not counting on it. Speciality magazines for > computer gaming areas are a real risk. We can glean most all the > information they contain by using the web sites devoted to the topic > and google ... > > November 18, 2002 > > > Magazine Info: > > What was to be titled as our September/October issue, was far short of > a profitable level on paid advertising... combined rising production > and mailing costs we were caught in a serious cash-flow bind. In order > to complete our obligations with our subscribers and advertisers we > have combined what would have been the September/October issue with > the November/December issue into a single issue. That issue is now in > it's final stages of pre-press and will be produced and mailed as soon > as we possibly can. All subscriptions will be extended accordingly. > > Again, our thanks for all of your support and patience while we get > things back on track. > >

"Schooner" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:XMXR9.235568$[email hidden]... >Anyone know the latest on Hardcoresim Racer Magazine? >Can't seem to get any reply from them via email lately, pitnotes emailshave been sporadic, and now news on the last 2 issues that never got sent yet. An now the site seems down >http://www.hardcoresim.com/ >Are they still alive and planning to continue publication? Any idea ifsubscribers will get a refund if not? Am I the only one who thinks that a printed magazine about what most would consider an online hobby - is something of a dichotomy that imho - was always going to fail. Major judos for starting the magazine - a brave and laudable effort - but I saw copies of the first two issues and without offence - there was nothing on offer on the printed page that isn't covered more comprehensively or in a more media rich format on the 'net. So even as a hard core sim racer - hard core sim racer magazine didnt really appeal. Cheers Doug

It was a risky venture for sure, but I tried to support it as anything like this can only help the sim community. It's also nice to have a mag to read offline or take on the road with you. but I agree most of the info is available online. Most print magazines are facing the same issue. I rarely even by print mags now, they are typically overpriced and short on content. "Doug Ellison" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:sD_R9.2510$xE1.394945@stones...

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> > "Schooner" <[email hidden]> wrote in message > news:XMXR9.235568$[email hidden]... > >Anyone know the latest on Hardcoresim Racer Magazine? > >Can't seem to get any reply from them via email lately, pitnotes emails > have been sporadic, and now news on the last 2 issues that never got sent > yet. An now the site seems down >http://www.hardcoresim.com/ > >Are they still alive and planning to continue publication? Any idea if > subscribers will get a refund if not? > > > > Am I the only one who thinks that a printed magazine about what most would > consider an online hobby - is something of a dichotomy that imho - was > always going to fail. > > Major judos for starting the magazine - a brave and laudable effort - but

I > saw copies of the first two issues and without offence - there was nothing > on offer on the printed page that isn't covered more comprehensively or ina > more media rich format on the 'net. So even as a hard core sim racer -hard

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> core sim racer magazine didnt really appeal. > > > > Cheers > > > > Doug > >

"Schooner" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:HP_R9.235641$[email hidden]... > It was a risky venture for sure, but I tried to support it as anythinglike > this can only help the sim community. It's also nice to have a mag toread > offline or take on the road with you. but I agree most of the info is > available online. > Most print magazines are facing the same issue. I rarely even by printmags > now, they are typically overpriced and short on content. > I bought Autosport this week for the Diary stickers and the Demon Tweeks catalogue :D Doug