Is it just me or has MA gotten better with each coming issue. [sm=thumbs_up.gif]

I like the theme approach they're using now. Last month's float fly theme and this month's jet theme were very interesting and contained allot of good, informative articles.

I used to just skim over the articles but lately have found myself spending more time with the magazine.

I'm not knowledgable on the MA staff and internal workings but whoever is responsible for the change get s my kudos.

I also thought the issue was well done.

This is one issue that I will keep for a long time. The article on getting into jets is well written and answers many questions that I have about these fantastic models. I can't for the life of me see where anyone interested in modeling would trash the magazine before giving it a read, but some persons do just that. It's their loss.

How refreshing for a change. Speaking as just one of the contributing editors of MA, postive posts are much appreciated. We do try to bring to you material you can enjoy and hopefully use in your modeling.

Kudos to AMA!!! The turbine stuff was great! I expect the RCU Jet gang will be pretty pleased to get this kind of exposure for free. This one is a keeper for sure.

That is almost exactly the thought I had. The article on EDF's alone is worth hanging on to. The explanation of turbines and how available systems worked to much of the mystery out of it for me. As he said, once it's set up it may even be more simple than glow or gas.

I've put the issue away in a file so I don't misplace it. I do that with very few copies of any magazine.

Red, to be honest with you I think your "30 minute comment" above is essentially begging for just that to happen.

Inappropriate, IMO, and adds nothing positive to this discussion.

I too have been impressed with the mag of late......

go read the jet forum stuff.
seems that they are somewhat offended that the guy what rote the getting started in turbines, sorry-my copy hasn't arrived yet, isn't a waiver holder and doesn't even belong to the AMA.
thread is titled something like.....something supprising from the AMA.

not that i particularly care one way or the other, but the old adage about hanging with a new rope comes to mind around these forums sometimes.

Your comment caught my eye, and I went over and read through the whole thread.....three pages as of this writing.

The post that started the thread reminded me SO much of some of the stuff I see here.

The comments in the thread are overwhelmingly pleased about the article, though. 80%-90% based on my quick read. To say that the "jet forum" is offended really isn't accurate. Some of them are, but they are the distinct minority.

Bob,
I disagree that they are the "distinct minority" in that thread as you cite.

But then, whynot let the folks here decice themselves the degre of acceptance in that thread:
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7796870/tm.htm]Something unexpected from the AMA[/link]
Lets all pop over there for a quick count of the Article Praisers, the folks that dont want to complain, and the folks that thought is should have been done differently. Although, many of the Dont want to Complain folks also said there was something they'd like to seen different about it.

From the qbove thread in RCU Jets, I dont see that.
If you have a more accurate polling of the Jet Community,
please share it so we can all see the hard data that makes you say "distinct Minority"

MA is by far my favorite magazine. It covers more aspects of our sport than any other out there. Kudos to the staff at MA![8D]

The 13 ounce EDF jumbo jet is a masterpiece! When I see a construction article with such an intricate subject it makes me wonder how many readers will take it on?
That plane must be quite a sight to see in person!

No doubt for me that MA is getting better as time goes by. It certainly should, as it has 135,000 conscripted members supporting it.

The magazine is very informational in most of its departments. Every so often it misses, but generally it is good to excellent.

Now IMO, it has one big leap to go. Right now, I'm on vacation up here in Crystal Falls, MI. Yesterday I visited the Iron Mountain Prop Busters Fly-In. Lots of nice people having great fun. They had a number of local news media supporting their event with a lot of visitors coming and going.
Then I went down to the Iron Mountain Wal Mart to pick up some supplies before returning to Xtal. There was the largest magazine rack I have ever seen in a WM. Model Airplane News, Fly RC, and several Electric mags were on the rack. I was very sad that MA was no where to be found. NO MEDIA taking the AMA message to all those that must buy newsstand model mags. Definitely not the AMA's MA. []

It's a very disappointing thing to me that there are so many persons that only consider their personal satisfaction over the promotional opportunities for the model aviation sport/hobby. Thankfully there are also those that consider the magazine should be a profitable business for the parent organization, AMA, rather than a member subsidized playground for individuals unable to compete in a free market media.

Was the NRA's official publications on those racks either? How about the EAA's, AOPA's ???? There is a reason why you don't see membership based org's magazines on main stream media racks ... once you figure out why, you'll understand the difference between a membership based perk and a commercial rag. But I do find it funny how you accuse the AMA trying to become a privately held company (which it already is and always has been) and then sitting there saying that the AMA should now compete in the commercial magazine channels on the same breathe. Hoss you're a cool guy ... but you need to learn how to politik.

membership Perks are only on sale at one retail store rack but not others?
The retailer Walmart? No MA.
The reatiler Local Hobby Shop? I saw the PPP magazine (with a retail price on the cover like MA)

So I guess a retail store doesnt carry it, unless it is a retail store that does?
Just what regulation or regulating entity is prohibiting Walmart/Gas&Go/LocalHobbyShop from carying it the magazine with a price on the cover

GOOD POINT!!! There is nothing stopping ANY membership based orgs magazine from being stocked on retail store shelves. But my last point addressed why you do not see membership based org magazines on main stream media outlet channels. And once you learn why .... you'll discover that the AMA, AOPA, EAA, NRA and likewise are not just insurance providers and personal vending machines for guys like you .... they actually provide a SERVICE for their members and that #1 service is being part of something that for the most part, the public is not part of, unless they become a member. But I can understand why you don't understand, same with Hoss.

I also thought it was very good this month. And last for that matter. I read it every morn. during morning exercises lol.

Not too long ago I would have gladly opted out of receiving the magazine if given the opportunity, but now I think differently. Have not read the August issue yet. I’m actually saving it for a long plane ride coming real soon. That’s a first!

With this positive input about MA maybe Mr. Hahn will reconsider his “bottom feeder” comment?

Edit: Mistakenly remembered editor Michael Ramsey making "bottom feeder" comment in the April issue. Changed to Mr. Hahn. My apologies to Mr. Ramsey

Post reply unnecessary.

STL, there you go again, making statements about things you obviously have little knowledge or experience about. "AMA is a privately held company"?! Whatever happened to it being a "non-profit corporation"? Yes the magazine has improved, but I have always found it to have useful info.

Non profit is their taxable status. The corporation is privately held. Companies are either private or public, in this case the AMA is privately held. Never looked at their articles of corporation, but I assume the company is held in trust by a single trustee or in trust to the EC. They make all decisions and voting decisions in regards to the actual incorporation, i.e. private decisions.. Meaning that if the trustee wanted to fold the company, Jim Cherry would have no say in it, nor would the and most especially the "members".

Every issue is a great read. I wish it was larger so there was more to read. No file 13 here.

The last two issues have been spot on. I've thoroughly enjoyed them.

Still not a fan of the third person references to "the author" in all the picture captions, but thats just me.

I've loved their technical articles such as the Battery Clinic, the Engine Clinic, the Q&A and especially the Safety articles.
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