I realize that our yearly dues does not cover all the costs of producing The Vintage Ford but I counted 27 pages of advertising in the current issue.
This is close to 50%.
I think that’s a little high.
It’s a criticism I have read previously from members dropping out. It may or may not be accurate but i think it’s worth considering.
IMO, it isn't high as long as the ads don't crowd out the other content.
We are lucky to have so many parts and service suppliers compared to many other makes of antique cars.
I can't believe what Tony said! This is how I find out who to call or visit when I need a part or special service! The articles are something one can read and keep if interested in it, and the technical articles are of special interest to someone who does his own work on the cars. I have used the advertising a couple times already this month. I would rather have ads in print which I can ignore if not interested. It is ads on the internet which cover what I am reading which infuriate me.
Norm
Tony,
Actually to qualify for periodical rate postal requirements we are limited to no more than 30% paid advertising. This last issue was actually a few percentages lower than 30%!
Our activity listings are free for antique car club events. The display activity listings are also free when placed by an MTFCA Chapter. They are a public service and one of the things many of our members really appreciate. On rare occasions we do have paid display listings; when we do, they count toward our 30% limit.
There are also things that may look like ads, but really aren't. When we have empty potential spots in the back advertiser section, we usually fill those with club notices...like the Lesson Plan Kit on page 57 of the last issue.
This is probably way more than you ever wanted to know about postal department definitions and requirements for publication ads. But thanks for asking, it gave me a chance to explain how this works and to let everyone know what our limit is for paid advertisements.
Thanks Aleesa, this kind of info is what most members want to know about. This is what keeps us getting a mag in the mail every two months. As many things I do get in an e-mail, I love getting the VF in the mail. It has taken me 15 years to back fill all the issues I had missing and now can say I have a complete set. It's something that would be diminished if mailings were to stop and the only way would be electronically.
VF Readers,
One angle, not having been brought up yet, New T members.
New to the hobby, needing parts and services, the ads in VF are perfect for us to find quality vendors outside of our local areas.
Thank You Aleesa. You are doing a great job.
Terry
I was away from the club for a few years. Now I got my second issue. Overall the publication is nice, but the advertisements were a highlight for me.
Thanks for the good work!
Matt
I have ran a small brief text ad in the service directory for several years now.
I don’t think it has resulted in any work for me but it is just another way that I choose to support the MTFCA.
FJ
Well I will try this again! I look forward to getting the magazine every two months like a kid in a candy store. The format is slightly different but still a great piece of work. I am looking forward to some info on the years from 2000 to now.Just keep up the great work in the stories in the magazine.
The ads are a valuable resource in the VF magazine. Where else would you find information in the form of ads pertaining specifically to the hobby. I look forward to every issue.