Is there room for a Scottish genealogy magazine?

[Chris Paton]

Hi Russell,

I wish I had ancestors in Kilbarchan - I filmed at the weaver's cottage there about four years ago for a project at the BBC, and absolutely fell in love with the place! My weavers were all Perth based though, but I did get the chance to see the loom and the spinning wheel in action, which gave me a real feel for what my lot used to get up to!

Chris

[Dennis]

Hi,

Would the mag have to be in hard copy or could it be an eMag that folk could subscribe to and download?

dennis


Oops. Excuse this post as the topic has already been broached.

[wini]

Chris

From your posts I know you are from a media background.
T.S is the best Scottish Genealogy on the web, however, it does have its limitations. Political Correctness play a large part in the site.
I have no knowledge of the economics of a magazine.
How about an online magazine.?
The "Peoples Friends" the "Sunday Post" etc. appear in newsagents here
\3 months out of date
Apologies to David, Russell and others who maitnain the intergrity of the site

wini

[Russell]

Hi Wini

Don't know what you're apologising for ?

This thread just proves my point that we all have differing ideas about our genealogy and what we want from it, in the same way we all have different ideas about what is 'politically correct' or what constitutes an appropriate topic for an open access site.
We'll never all agree on everything but its an ideal way to propose things, discuss them and perhaps disagree harmoniously.

Russell

[Chris Paton]

Hi Wini,

I have no plans to pursue a mag as such, I was just curious to know why there isn't one in Scotland. We're ahead of the game when it comes to the rest of the world in genealogy records access. Other magazines dealing with Scotland issues such as history, sports etc exist, and seem to make enough money to survive on the shelves, and yet somehow when it is suggested to put the two concepts together, Scottish genealogy and a magazine, people seem to insist that it can't be done, as the rules are somehow different - I just find it bizarre really, and a tad unconvincing!

I kept getting told the same at the BBC in Glasgow, nobody will be interested in a genealogy series, and then BBC London commissioned a series called Who Do You Think You Are, and out went that theory!

Some people have tried to get one up and running, and because they have failed it seems that means it can't be done. It was the same at the BBC in Glasgow, and yet it could be done. It just took a different approach, and confidence in the product that could not be found in Glasgow. I guess it all comes down to who you target, and how you target it. Quite clearly end users think there is a need for a Scots based genealogy mag. I guess an online mag would work, but I honestly believe a newstand mag has an attraction that an online edition wouldn't have - the ability to catch someone's eye whilst they are looking for something else. I think a mag should cater for those already interested, of course it should, but should also target those who just haven't realised yet that there is a whole new hobby waiting for them! It's why WDYTYA worked as a TV series, and why YFT works as a magazine down south.

I'd love to have a go, but whilst I have shed loads of editorial experience, that is in broadcast media, which is a different ball game to the print world, different funding etc. Also, I took voluntary redundancy from the Beeb to get away from it all, and I'm really quite happy working as a genealogist just now, and in continuing my studies at Strathclyde!! I was just curious to gauge people's feelings on it.

Maybe in the future though!

Chris

[G.Love]

I'd love to have a go, but whilst I have shed loads of editorial experience, that is in broadcast media, which is a different ball game to the print world, different funding etc. Maybe in the future though!

Chris

Chris, I'm the editor of a monthly Scottish trade magazine, the publishers of which also produce various other magazines. If you are interested in costs etc., I could maybe help out with advice. You can email me on loveATvivascotia.com if you're interested.

Admin. Note: E-mail address edited to avoid spam. mm

[DavidWW]

.....snipped...........Political Correctness play a large part in the site.
.....snipped..............

Ehhh?!

PC is, sadly, an ever increasing part of modern day life in many English speaking societies around the world.

TalkingScot has never set out to be deliberately PC, only to ensure that we conform to modern day norms.

A major complication for TS has always been how to maintain a balance between the views on PC of individuals; with these individuals spread across the English speaking world, plus a few in in an amazing number of other countries.

What it is perfectly acceptable to write in Australia can be unacceptable elsewhere.

What is perfectly acceptable to write for most members of TS may be unacceptable to those who have strong beliefs in terms of religion or politics.

Humour can be a major problem, especially when there are no visual or aural clues, - emoticons can only go so far, however much they help. "Glasgow banter", for example, is relatively little understood outside Glasgow city limits, or amongst those who have lived in the city.

All this not least on the basis that TS has no wish to expose TS or individual TS members to the possibility of legal action.

I had hoped that TS had struck a reasonable balance in terms not just of TS taken in the context of the modern day world, but also TS taken in the context of discussions and specific vocabulary and attitudes that have to be taken in the correct historical context of 100, 200 and more years ago.

David

[wini]

David,

This wasn't meant to be a criticism of PC on TS.
I fully understand why this site has to try and avoid any unpleasantness.
I had a look at another forum and couldn't believe some of the comments, it looked like a slanging match and I doubt anyone would want that here.

wini