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If you could only take one magazine,which would you and why?
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"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
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I see them as complimentary (that the right word?) Slightly diferent takes on the same topic, even though they sometimes have similar articles. Funny thing, in Gary Katz's forum, someone suggested an article, and he thought it might be more appropriate in FHB. sorta like food and water, good to have both. I just hope there won't be disruptive changes at JLC since they were bought.
*I have got the both for a while now (FHB much longer though!) and although they are both more or less about building, they cover it very differently.I'd say JLC is much more about the business of building, and FHB is more about asthetics and makin' stuff. I'd pick FHB. The business aspects of my day are my least favorite parts but are important. Oh... to just be left ALONE with a good project.PB
*.. i can only have one wife....(and that's a good thing)no reason i should only have one mag....i'll take both, thanks
*There's no such thing as too much information, especially when your livelihood rides on what you know, what you can do and how you go about convincing the new customer, as well as those already in the fold, that you are the best thing since sliced bread.Although I may never buy, recommend or even touch a table that is worth $250,000, I still subscribe to Architectural Digest so that I know what is available and where to get it. I also get ideas that can be scaled to fit the less affluent customer. The same goes for JLC, QR, and OHJ and those "other" magazines that everyone takes a poke at once in a while.
*I've been taking FHB since issue#19 and have gotten a lot out of it all these years;It has grown up some,as have I(hopefully!). JLC came along like the kid from the wrong side of the tracks,big and lean....Didn't know if it was going to make it(or I)but it did(me,too..so far).It still seems to speak more directly to me than FHB.If I had to pick,I would pick JLC...Glad I don't have to.Was unaware of change in ownership at JLC,hoping for the best.
*This isn't going to get me kicked out of Breaktime, is it?
*Tools of the trade seems to me a little diluted of late. Hope JLC doesn't get putzed with. Nother good source of info. We're lucky to have these mags and their sites.
*James,
View Image © 1999-2001"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle
*Joseph,Point well taken.I suppose sometimes one will ask a question only to hear the answer they wanted in the first place,instead of simply making an observation or offering an opinion.It's all a matter of perspective:You want to share with others that have a similar perspective in order to find common ground,or to see if anyone else perceives things in the same way.It seemed to me that FHB over the years became very successful,and that led to more ads and a glossier look.The content and direction have been fairly stable,but I have noticed more and more projects that most of us(meaning me)will never even get to see,much less work on.More esoteric,from my perspective.JLC, on the other hand,seems more meat and potatoes in its presentation and content,which seems to appeal to me more.I suppose I was searching for kindred spirits to announce themselves and jump on my bandwagon.Maybe I was feeling lonely!I feel that both mags are essential for the dedicated tradesperson.Thanks for your input.James
*I've never heard of JLC, now I'm curious. Some of us only have time to read a certain amount of material so it's only normal for certain things to give way and be replaced. In my case, it's gonna be hard to let go of FHB because one of my old girlfriends, still guilty about having left me, has been keeping the subscription coming for years, and I hope she feels guilty for a few more! Now I should mention JLC to the gal next door...fv
*James...Get the Heck outta here !!b : )
*Luka,Heard that one a few times!I've used the name to my advantage some..check out this advertising slogan:"Gotta building problem?Go to HECK with it!"James aka J.W.
*what the heck!?go for both.
*Had no doubt you had.b : )You just set yerself up for it so wellllll...LOL
*Nope, this is an interesting thread. I'm following it, and I know that at least one JLC editor (Hi Dave)is following it as well. Both magazines need to hear what we're doing well and what we aren't. Keep the comments coming.Andy
*Actually, I like both magazines in an equal amount (if that makes sense). I live in an area with many old homes, and lots and lots of new ones. The customer base is just as diverse; multi-gagillionaires living almost next door to trailers. FH gives me a glimpse of design sense (that I don't have) and provides insight into the best practices and materials. Because of FH, I've been able to successfully sell and then install different types of trims, high-end siding (at least for my area), and even a circular porch. On the other hand, JLC gives me the day-to-day knowledge to improve my core business and bread and butter. It is almost spooky that the conincidence that my several issues arrived this year just before I was going to do a vinyl job (three days before and there was an article), and a exposed fastener metal roof (two weeks before the job). I need both pieces and types of information, both to get better at what I do now and to grow and become better. I'd hate like hell to see either of them change; I don't want to see FH talk about vinyl that much, and I don't want to see JLC talking about $1000 lighting fixtures. Just keep everything the same......
*I doubt FHB would be doing as well as it does if it didn't include the bread and butter stuff that seems to show up on a regular basis, like framing for a new window in a bearing wall (this issue). I think it is the mixture of articles that satisfies me. I definitely would like to see more stuff on alternative construction. I see a lot of it being done around Northern California against the grain of accepted standards and the reticence of the building department. I am afraid that a lot of precious information will pass us by if we do not start to recognize that alternative construction methods are on the rise, and will end up making a noticeable difference in the way the future generations use their resources.
*Indeed, an interesting thread (Hi Andy).Please do keep the comments coming, positive or negative. That's what makes both magazines work, and you can be sure that we're paying careful attention.It's rewarding to hear that FHB and JLC are generally regarded as complimentary. That's how I see it, too, and the reason why I subscribe to both.
*Andy and Dave,It would seem that your publications are so important to most that they are unwilling to make a choice.The original hypothetical question was posed to force a choice,yet the general unwillingness to part with either must make you feel pretty good.At this point,all I could add would be:Keep up the good work!
*I like 'em both, but one thing that JLC has that i blows away FHB is the JLC CDrom. Makes me wonder why I keep those old FHBs hardcopies.
*Matt,
View Image © 1999-2001"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle
*Good points Joe...BTW - do you have the JLC cdrom? The renewal price this year is only $25, a real bargin in my book. And, I can give last year's edition away to one of my buddies, and he'll feel good about getting something for free!
*Their fear of cyber space and their lack of experience with the computer Joe, is not the only thing that can potentially keep people from coming back. On my first day of posting, you, yourself tried to ridiculize me, and it made me very upset and confused, for I did not understand the reason for it. Back on this thread, I would agree that access to articles could be an incredible asset.fv
*Gulp,...... Who or what's JLC? God, I must be stupid. I don't know what you're talking about. NO Blue, you may not answer that....
*For you Frenchy, I'll do it in french!JLC= Le Journal de la Construction Legerefv
*FV,
View Image © 1999-2001"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle
*Matt G.,I've been thinking about getting the JLC CD for a while now-if it works like I think does,it would be a wonderful resource.Imagine the time saved not having to look through(and for) back issues.I bet I could find the CD somewhere on my desk easier.Hope FHB does this also.By the way,Frenchy,JLC is "the Journal of Light Construction" - A fine trade publication...I would give you the link to their web site if I knew how.Maybe someone else will put that up for you, or go to jlconline.com
*FV,
View Image © 1999-2001"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle
*Et al,
View Image © 1999-2001"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle
*Thanks for the explanation Joe. I have since changed my email address to something less compromising. My company is indeed FV Construction as per my initials. I hold no grudges. Thanks for your incredible input on this site.fv
*FV,
View Image © 1999-2001"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle
*Don't we all, Joe? I'm glad we got that cleared, but I sense we are going to be asked to move this discussion somewhere else...Sincerely,fv
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If you could only take one magazine,which would you and why?