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What do you think of our new issue?

Brian Pontolilo, editor

8 users recommend

Water's worst enemy: On the cover of the current issue, Mike Guertin wraps up a skylight installtion. Inside the issue he shows us how he uses flexible, peel-and-stick flashings to guarantee a leak-free skylight.

Photo: Chuck Bickford (inset: Chris Ermides)

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As a magazine editor, I'd say that one of my favorite things about the Web is how easily it allows me to connect with readers. So from time to time, you can bet that I'm going to use this blog to gather feedback. Because I work behind the scenes, every issue is exciting. However subtle, we're always trying new things, like the "Project Gallery" that quietly replaced "Finishing Touches" in the April/May issue (#202).

How is replacing a department subtle? In this case, the mission of the "Project Gallery" is the same as it was for "Finishing Touches," to inspire readers with a collection of exceptional work. The new department is even in the same place and has a similar look and feel as the one it's replacing. The difference is simply where the projects are found. Instead of scouring the archives of photographers and architects, we're picking some of our favorite projects from our new online gallery to share in the magazine. In this way, the department is truly a celebration of readers' work and we've long prided ourselves on being a reader-written magazine (meaning that most of our best authors and editors were readers first).

Surprisingly, we didn't hear anything from you about this change. Why is this surprising? Because magazine readers rarely like change, at least not right away. We also replaced a long-standing department with something new in the current issue. This change is not so subtle. But I'm not going to tell you what it is, or explain why we did it. I'm going to let you find it on your own and patiently await your feedback.

Changes aside, I think issue #204 is strong: New Orleans remodeler John Michael Davis shows us how to use hidden fasteners and a herringbone border to make an Ipe deck more elegant; associate editor Rob Yagid digs deep into the differences between open- and closed-cell spray foam insulation so you can learn how to use each for the greatest results; contributing editor Mike Guertin promises leakproof skylights; and San Diego-based trim carpenter Kit Camp reviews 2 1/4-hp router combo kits, one of the most versatile tools purchases you'll every make.

I could go on listing what I like about the issue, like the cool "Master Carpenter" on sculpting plaster crown molding corners, but that's not what this blog is all about. It's about hearing what you like (and don't like) about the issue. Good or bad, your feedback is always helpful as we plan the future of FHB, so let me have it...

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There's a Better Way: Installing Crown Molding

Comments (4)

BrianP writes: gman,
What was boring about the issue? The topics? The way they were presented? Both? What are you interested in seeing in FHB?

If you have a minute to elaborate, I'd like to hear more.

Thanks,
Brian
Posted: 9:16 am on June 9th

gman37 writes: sorry about the type o!

Posted: 8:01 pm on June 8th

gman37 writes: i think the new issue was a bit boring.even though i really enjoyed learning about spay foam insulation.
Posted: 8:00 pm on June 8th

DoctorDoug writes: In the article Flipping Green, George Ostrow states that single lite windows (I assume these are single pane also) can't be reused. Our local recycling center has a good supply of single pane windows all year until spring comes, and then they can't be found. They make excellent greenhouses here on the Northwest coast where I can't get tomatoes to grow well (just too cool for too long) without a greenhouse.
Posted: 10:39 pm on May 31st

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