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Not trying to stir anything up with the people at FHB, but my issues don’t come often enough and I’m an information junkie. Can anybody recommend a subscription to JLC? I checked out their website (inferior to FHB in my opinion) and some of the topics covered seemed interesting and I noticed the crossover of some of the authors. Is the magazine worth a look?
Thanks,
John
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I think FHB and JLC are fairly comparable. Somewhat similar layout in terms of article presentation, somewhat simlar in article content. Different, yet close enough for me to consider them to be sisters in the world of construction-related publishing. I recommend both.
This forum is FAR superior. By a wide, wide margin. They (JLC) have good forum content, but it's sparse and laborious to navigate.
I let JLC expire a few years back, but kept FHB...have had it for over 10 years now.
To help satisfy your info-appetite, subscribe to JLC, then have Santa give you their CD.
*John, I never heard of JLC untill I heard about it here.I don't see issues of JLC at newsstands the way I see FHB.I now subscribe to both but If I could only have one I hate to admidt it would be JLC.FHB is a little "artsy" ,a little too House Beautiful.Also FHB doesn't really address any business issues.JLC seems to slant things a little more to people actually trying to earn a living in the trades----- the business and technical" how-to"this site is lightyears beyond the jlc site however.
*jlc would be my first choice...especially in re. remodeling...but i need both for balance..i get about 10 trade mags a month...FHB & JLC are the only ones i even open....
*Been a long time subscriber to bothfound JLC thru an ad in FHBOnly seen JLC at the lumber yarddo a search (if it works) at FHB, there was a discussion about the two.would recommend bothbetween the other posts here and the other discussion, should get a good picture.starting to see changes, small but changes, in JLC since it was sold.
*JLC - nuts and bolts of business and constructionFHB - decorating and design.JLC's market is contractors, no one else would be interested but their articles are often too basic and mickey mouse stuff. And after two years, you'll see thesame info repeated over and over again. Buy the JLC CD for all the articles inthe past 10 years and you'll have lots of info to go over.
*I agree with Ryan and some of the other guys. You need both for balance. JLC addresses business issues and tool reviews. FHB has a lot of design, archetechural and some how to mixed in. I think the 2 complement each other well.
*Believe it or not, I agree that the two magazines compliment each other. I've got to question Ron's assesment of our design to how-to ratio ("a little how-to mixed in"), however. About 60 percent of the articles in the last issue were nuts and bolts how-to. I think that's close to representitive, if you exclude Houses and Kitchens and Baths.I've got a question for you guys, since you're on the topic. Should FHB do more business articles? If you think so, what areas really matter to you?Andy
*I am a long time subscriber to both. JLC seems more hands on stuff, like watching a real guy in a beat up Toyota pickup. It is more tuned to home remodeling, as opposed to construction from the ground up. FHB can be more of a coffe table book with some interesting stuff, but not as real world for me.I like them both.To answer Andy's comment:Business articles:Basic Contracts 101: The standard AIA 1997 Contractors Contract (that everybody in my area seems to shove down our throats; Requests for Information and Change Order; Writing language that shifts the burden of unknown site conditions to the other side of the table (like owners and architects); delay issues and liquidated damages.
*Andy, a couple of years ago FHB started a regular feature each issue called drawing board,which as you well know deals with various design issues.Personally I would like to see a similar feature on business issues. Over time it could cover a wide range of things from simple estimating,sales aspects,insurance,accounting,legal issues,sheltering income etc.I believe a while ago I had a discussion with David Ericson about this idea and he mentioned that since you have a large DIY subscriber base a large amount of your audience wouldn't be interested in such a column.While that is true,I think you have a lot of readers who entered business through the back door.Come up through the trades and find yourself running a business of whatever size----without any business education other than balancing a checkbook.While such a column could in no way be definitive----it could be a good starting point and help point a lot of people in the right direction.BTW ,I NEVER read the design column because it really doesn't cover issues pertinent to my interests.A business column would have to be of some basic interest to most of us or we wouldn't be in business at all. If the DIY crowd isn't interested in a business column they can just skip over it the way I skip over the design column.
*I don't know...I kind of like FH the way it is; don't really need a business article, because for those who are working at the level that most of your articles are at, they probably have a pretty good hand on it. It seems (biz articles), to fit with JLC a little more. And I guess I agree with most people here; FH is a little higher end, while JLC seems to be more day to day business and construction. If I'm going to build a barn, I'd expect to find an article on pole-barns in JLC, while building a timber-frame barn would be in FH. Both have the same types of information, just with a little different slant. Neither seems to be broke, is what I'm saying...
*does anybody know why "Builder" magazine is so expensive?? i got a introductory subscription for $29.95 a year, now they want to re-new it for $69.99 a year. i think this is outragous for one year.any ideas?? thanks
*As a very involved DIY (in the sense that I don't work in the trades for a living) I would say that many educated DIY's would be interested in the business side. Most DIY's that buy FHB are more involved than your average TOH, etc. subscriber. I think that many would appreciate the insight provided and also the udnerstanding of what actually goes into that price that a contractor just gave you.For those homeowners that the business advice/information did not directly impact, it would give them some insight as to what a solid reputable and ethical contractor might provide to you other than just a competing price. If you understand the business you can understand the pricing and that can lead you to weeding out fly by night groups and possibly help you zero in on a contractor that runs a solid business that will still be around a year or ten down the road. FHB could also use the proposed section to dispell some of the myths and communication issues between contractors etc. and the general public.I just feel it would be informative for all that read the magazine.Just my thoughts.SJ
*Andy, Kinda wish somebody would please profile the smaller operations...the one man does it all type remodeling companies. There are alot of them out there but no one gives them any ink.
*Peter, we don't really profile any business, large or small. I think you'll find though, that most of the projects in FHB are built by small outfits. Or did you mean that we should do an article that tells how a one-man show can make money?Steve, I'm ITA that business features, done correctly, could hold a great deal of interest for our DIY readers. These folks are frequently adventurous souls building their own place, and they face many of the same business issues as do small building concerns.Andy
*Andy,I subscribe to both magazines. To answer your question, I don't think FHB should run more business artlicles. JLC runs these type of articles alot because it's specifically for contractors. I read FHB for the design articles, Suzanka's columns and such. I think FHB should actually print more, not less, of these. There is no architectural magazine which comes close to yours as far as presenting articles on realistic residential home design. For example, we have a local "achitectural" rag, Seattle Homes and Lifestyles, which is nothing but of glass and steel yuppie homes and cooking articles. That's not "design". Other architectural magazines only focus on large commercial buildings. (more glass and steel) Darrell
*I second what Steve Joyce says, and I'd add that it's rare to DIY everything. The guy who hangs a few doors himself may well hire a contractor to re-roof or sandblast. So those articles are probably of interest to the majority of the subscribers. -- J.S.
*Jon, Builder mag is from the NAHB. It comes complimentary w/your dues. I guess they try to sell a few extras to recoup some costs. Join the HBA and it is free!
*The trouble with "business" is that too many issues are local: licensing varies all over the map; employment laws vary; insurance varies per area; taxes, well let's not go there; contracts, ... : write a book about these topics. I like seeing articles with a real person doing a real task; particularly if it's a new material or an innovative technique being used. If I was editor for a day, I might like to add a little historical page, sort-of a "this is how they did yesteryear" thing. I like the articles which demonstrate how a design was turned into a finished item. If you did add a business component, then I'd be more interested in efficency techniques (e.g. do something single-handed , using a helper, doing the same with a small crew, adding specialized tools into the mix - where's the breakage on each ?).
*Andy,please dont get me wrong. i like FHB. thats why i am a long time suscriber to it. JLC i pick up as a interest based issue by issue. I am considering suscribing to it but I do really like the drawing board (design) segment of FHB. what ever you do dont do away with the parting shot and the stories (forget what is called) at the end of the mag. I love it.
*I don't subscribe to either one anymore. Too expensive! Besides my realestate taxes cost me plenty and the library levy is $170 dollars a year. One trip a month to the library is all I need. Both magazines are very well done. I subscribed to them for some time till I become an el cheapo, Besides I am wanting to retire next year and only do a couple of commercial projects a year for pocket money. I am wanting to buy a boat (fishing type) so I can compete with my wifes passion with horses. I figger I can play a lot of golf and go on some nice fishing trips for what her stable fees cost. I think I will find her a nite job at Big Foot so I can afford a couple deep sea fishing trips. Yes I would recommend both magazines. There are good uns.
*I agree about the historical articles, they'd be of interest to anyone who does remodeling. Perhaps an article on identifying the age of existing work by the materials and techniques used.-- J.S.
*Hello AndyHow about a step by step guide for idiots to Quickbooks?
*I just subscribed again to FHB because of this site which is my favorite on the whole web. I had let the sub expire a few years ago because it seemed to focus more on the super dooper la dee da things that you only come across occasionally. The FINE in Fine Homebuilding. My best men are always bringing an issue around to share ideas. In the past 6-8 years, I've come to be doing much more high end work on specialty stuff like that.In 14-15 years, I've never missed an issue of JLC. Seems like they never have an issue that doesn't adress some aspect of building that I am faced with currently so I agree with the nuts and bolts way of describing JLC.Both set high standards for us in this profession with JLC more basic and FHB more polished and cutting edge.All the free trade journals have more articles than I care to read on the business management stuff but if you were to incorporate a business column, I would nominate Sonny L as the editor thereof.I love xJohn's suggestion about dating technices.
*Andy,I would like to see business articles geared toward small outfits concerns. The biz stories in Remodeling and Professional Remodeler are way too big-outfit oriented to be of much use to me. I read them to see what it might be like to try and run a real business rather than a craft-oriented small outfit. Contracts, book keeping, dealing with clients about this-n-that, estimating, are all things I should know more about and would read wherever it shows up.Steve
*Andy:Yes I think it would be good to add some business articles, IF they are properly chosen and focused. For example: Many of the businesses/individuals I deal with have no idea about lien releases, or at least they claim to be surprised when I ask for one when paying the bill. Other areas that would be good are Sub vs Employee definition, Payroll requirements, basic accounting controls, when to incorporate and why, general liabilities on the job, financing operating capital, where to get more info. All would be good topics.I don't think articles on specific accounting software, specific contract content or things like that would be very useful. In other words the general foundation structure kinds of subjects would be useful. But detailed selection would run the very big risk of leading someone into the cookbook kind of decision making. In business the fundamentals are the same for any business; but the owner of each business must find out just how to implement them. So the articles would give the basics and whet the appetite for more. Why the motivation? Because more than a few people in the trades think they don't really need any business knowledge. They really have a hard time comprehending and understanding the relationship between the trade they practice and running their business..
*Andy, as a one man start up, I have to agree with Steve Zerby and a few others here. stuff for the little or one man outfits would be great. realisitically most of the really big builders are are pour 'em, frame 'em and sell 'em types anyway that don't pay that much attention to the finer details and things like the small craftsman outfits.
*I would think a business artical wrote like a continuing story line over a course of months, rather than trying to do a complete job in just one issue would be a good way to cover complex issues.As FredB states it would be best focus on the general points of concern and possible responses than getting too detailed.Terry
*I can't believe I'm about to say this...I like FHB for the nostalgia. O.K maybe that's not the right word. More specifically, I like the people tackling design and craftsmanship problems. I worked in the trades as a summer job for many summers almost 20 years ago. Now I' m a dedicated DIY. I'm still inspired by the people I worked with and the things I learned back then. FHB keeps that alive for me. Yes there are some really informative things I have learned. There was an old mason's trick for drawing an arch I saw a few years back. I think I remodelled my whole house with that one!I can see room for more attention to trade issues, but that's not what I need. Andy, since you are researching how to pick your audience my vote is keep on the track you are on! The only other thing I would ask for is for you to cram more into each issue.
*>I love xJohn's suggestion about dating technices. I think a personals column is taking it a little too far.Both are great magazines. I like the idea of more business articles. I also like the idea of 12 FHB's a year.
*Andy, I haven't seen a bad suggestion in any of the post. You have really got a job cut out for yourself.I think I may not have the first year or two of FHB,but haven't missed one in the last 16 or 17 years. Same for FWW. Almost 30 years ago I was a DIY that struck out on my own. I failed, and went to work for various GCs over the years. I am still amazed at how some of those guys manage to hange onto thier business. If FHB and JCL had been around with some sound business articles back then, maybe, just maybe, I would have made it.I think the DIY readers would really like any of the suggestions I have seen posted here.Dave
*I'd like to see more female skin in the ads. Maybe the "Liquid Nails" gal could have a fold out ad.
*....what he said....I've liked FHB for years and there isn't much that I don't like about the magazine. I do prefer the "nuts & bolts" articles the best. Even if I know the topic, I usually walk away with a different perspective or another useful insight. I could pass on the Drawing Board articles even though I do my own designing. The info is usually a little artsy for me, but I have "borrowed" an idea or two.I've never seen JLC on a magazine stand, so I'll guess I'll have to try a subscription. The other trade magazines like Builder are geared too much for the Big Boys. Too much production and little custom. I like to read about the little guys like me.As far as the business section, it sounds like it might not be a bad idea. A little insight or advice could always go far. I guess that's why I check this forum nightly.Thanks for the responses,John
*Andy, First FHB is first in its class, so its hard to come up with ideas to improve on your efforts. But it would be great to also publish a CD on the past 10 years or so of FHB with a really good search engine and more photos like the ones you didn't have room for in the mag. JMHO, Roger
*I currently subscribe to FHB,Electrical Contractor, and Builder,but dropped JLC because it seemed each issue got thinner and thinner. Almost all of my income comes from commercial work anymore, so FHB gives me exposure to methods and products that I wouldn't always run into on the job. For all of us in the trades we know there's a way to do the job that satisfies the customer, completes the contract, meets codes and specs; and then there's the way you would do the job if it was YOUR house. I see FHB as a primer on the best way to do things. The illustrations are excellent. I'd leave the business concerns for Builder.
*I've had FHB for 15 years or so and JLC for at least 10, but was getting perturbed for a while by what appear to be "clone" articles--it seemed like both decided to review circular saws, housewrap, foundation drainage, and on and on, within a short time of one another.I like the articles in JLC on legal issues by Quenda Behler and the articles on how to grow a business without growing too fast are very smart, but if this kind of material ends up replacing what FHB presents that differs from that which JLC presents, why even bother to get both? You could save time and money and call it the "Journal of Light Homebuilding"...
*"I'd like to see more female skin in the ads. Maybe the "Liquid Nails" gal could have a fold out ad." Jim - as a representative of the retired overwieght hairy plumbers assoc., I must communicate that my organization feels strongly under represented in the shower and infloor heat ads in FHB. Mr. Engel, perhaps you could rectify this lopsidedness by a pictoral featuring a cross section of our membership.
*Andy, I would love to see some articles on incentives and compensation and benefits for good employees.one that i could highlight and leave on the bosses desk!! I am serious! both JLC & FHB have had some excellent articles on this subject. But it seems to have been quite a while since I read one in a recent issue.Mr. T.
*Andy, If FHB were to start a regular column of this sort, I would like to see the actual articles written by experts in different fields.I understand an editor would have to oversee and co-ordinate the whole thing,but I would like to see professionals in different areas offer guidance in different business aspects.I don't think one writer could really do it all-----much like the way FHB has different writers handle,framing,drywall,electrical,plumbing etc.Gradually revolving and evolving topics written in tradesman friendly style.Kind of the counterpart of the advice we give our pencil pushing,cubicle dwelling,white collar friends and relatives at every social gathering.
*Ron, I never doubted that you like FHB. Thanks to you, and everyone else who buys it.Please understand that I mean to be a little bit provocative when I enter into a thread such as this one. The feedback helps to guide the magazine's course. Andy
*SG, there is little that disturbs me more than picking up the new JLC and seeing that they've beaten us to an article by a month. Still, I've come to know a few JLC editors. They're great guys to drink a beer with in the evening at trade shows. There seems to be an understood taboo about discussing what articles either magazine is pursuing. Both sides joke about there being a mole. I think that we overlap sometimes simply because the pressing issues in residential construction are the same for both mags.Andy
*If we ever did any business features, Stephen, I'm pretty confident that we'd handle them as you suggest. Andy
*> Please understand that I mean to be a little bit provocative...The feedback helps to guide the magazine's course.That's an easy thing to sayb afterthe fact! A great strategy. Does that work in a marriage? "Gee, Honey, I meant to be provocative when I asked 'Are you gaining weight?', the feedback helps to guide me!Rich Beckman
*Rich, my favorite line in that vein is, "I didn't say it was the jeans that make you look fat."Andy
*After some soak time I've got a few more thoughts about a business section in FHB. Maybe they will be helpful, or maybe they will be worth just what they cost, y'all decide.First, the focus should be on Business Fundamentals not on exactly how to do anything. For example you might have an article on various ways to market a business. The article might give some info on just how to do the different kinds or marketing. But the details of which one to pick, whether to hire someone else, use of a marketing software package,etc would be left to the individual. I won't lengthen the post by further example unless requested.Second, there is a wealth of knowledge and bias swapping in the Business section of this Forum. I would think a competent editor could make that a pretty good series of articles out of what is posted here. Plus, I don't know what you pay authors, but you already own what is in the business section.From experience I know that a valuable part of helping someone get on track in a business is referring them to someplace like a Small Business Center, Coop Extension or somesuch. These folks are a wealth of info at very reasonable prices. So, whatever you do should include those kind of references.Never print an article without something to motivate the reader to explore business development. One of the things I have learned from this Board is that Many haven't made the mental transition from tradesman to businessman. They see themselves as a super carpenter, or whatever, instead of as a businessman selling carpentery, or whatever the skill is. Anything that would help people see the difference can't do anything but help.Well, there are my biases. Hope they are useful.
*I like Steve Merrets suggestion on focusing on the small contractors . It seems JLC focuses on the issues of the big builder. But the majority of contractors I know are One and Two men operations. I really like Jim Blodgetts suggestions FHB should really consider having a "shorts" section. Fold out mandatory. Add it just after the parting shots.
*Andy,I'm with crazy legs blogdet. I can picture it, the "GLC" issue (girls of light construction). So politically incorrect it would sell out in one day. Darrell
*Andy, these guys might be on to something.The "GLC" issue would almost be enough to get me out of the field and back into editing.The only problem I forsee would be the brawl that would ensue over who got to do the photo shoot.Maybe we could do regional issues . . . could fit in real well between the annual issue on Houses and K&B.Whaddaya think?Dave
*The annual safety issue of GLC would be interesting too. I'm not talking hardhats & glasses either. Though, the proper use of a harness...
*rein.. and restraints..... CPR...fall safety... confined spaces.......hmmm.. youse guys are definitely onto sumpin
*Don't forget lockouts on hot circuits
*Ok.... now seriously,.... about the CD thing (as Roger said). This is one aspect of JLC that I think is real appealing, and when I raised the issue a couple of years ago, it fell on deaf ears. I plan to buy JLC's CD before we start our next house. Has FHB thought of this market? PDF files are pretty quick and easy to make.... Or.... think about a subscribable web delivery... like Consumer Reports.Or... perhaps a pay-per-view delivery where you only pay for the articles that you pick from a web-based catalog....IMHO, anything beats the tired old model of buying back issues.... slow, cumbersome, bulky,..... antique....Good luck,Scott.
*More on the CD idea Andy. Have you seen the National Geographic CD set ? I give full credit to PC Magazine for being innovative here, but the Geographic set is amazing. I like the idea (forgot who first proposed it) of adding unpublished photos and I'll add the idea of cross-linking letters to articles. I'd bet every library in the English-speaking world would buy a set before you even sold a copy to "subscribers only" (I'd market it as a check-box on the subscription/renewal form that for $X more you can get the CD along with your first issue; I'd also include a CD-summary option where a subscriber could buy the current year on CD to add to their base set.).
*Having been a subscriber to FHB and JLC for several years (and honored to contribute to both magazines), I'm happy and relieved to share so many of the same opinions about these two great publications. I've always recognized the subtle difference between the two, and it's been that difference that attracts me to both--one for the matte finish of construction, one for the glossy. I'm glad they're both around--each has saved me many times; both have saved me from the strange methods I've ‘developed' on my own--learned in the dark. Good information is more than a flashlight.Gary
*How about an annual swimsuit edition ?
*annual shorts addition
*Toolbelts edition?
*You got my vote for a swimsuit or toolbelt edition (female models)!Ditto on the CD.I've heard no response from Andy on this one.Is FHB trying to sidestep this question?John
*Like I said.... it was side-stepped two years ago too. Must be a technical issue, because the business case seems perfectly sound. I suspect that because the early editions of the magazine were produced with ancient software, putting them to CD might pose a few problems.Anyway..... I guess I'll ask Santa for the JLC CD....Scott.
*Andy,I'm a former framer, now a journalist in possession of a nice little 110-year-old Victorian, which makes me both a masochist and DIYer. The general remodeling code for me has been to rip out almost everything done on the house in the last 70 years (except the updated mechanicals) and start over.Since this thread has developed into a FHB suggestion box, let me suggest this: More technique/hands-on stories specifically about older homes. There are a lot of 50-plus year-old homes out there right now — the infamous brick ranches are reaching that age — and many of the products used in their construction are reaching toward the end of their usuable life. Since FHB is, in my opinion, fairly heavy on small-outfit remodeling, it seems there would be a considerable number of stories in this area.Just my two cents.
*I haven't been sidestepping the CD question, I've just been making magazines. Taunton has kicked the CD idea around for at least 4 or 5 years now. The reason that we haven't done it is exemplified by the recent Supreme Court decision that went against National Geographic. As I understand it, the courts say that copyright agreements that don't include electronic rights becuase they weren't thought of yet, well, don't include electronic rights. Although we've since amended our copyright agreements to include electronic rights, that only covers the last few years. While we'd likely be happy to renegotiate with past contributors for electronic rights that would enable us to produce a CD, finding these people would be a huge undertaking. Jay, remodeling stories are very popular with readers for the very reasons that you state. Potential authors take note and contact us. If you've got a good story, don't be intimidated by writing. Almost no one who writes for FHB is a professional writer. We know that and the editors help out contributors considerably.Andy
*We could call it "Jimbo's Bimbos". Each sponsor is responsible to provide one fold-out per year. Not saying that we should limit it to one fold-out per issue either. Maybe even a special issue like Kitchens & Baths once a year. Yeah, every page folds-out. And a free subscription for me for thinkin' of it. Yeah, that's the ticket.
*Andy,As for finding past contibutors, just publish the CD. They'll come looking for you!!! Problem solved. ;-)Eric
*
Not trying to stir anything up with the people at FHB, but my issues don't come often enough and I'm an information junkie. Can anybody recommend a subscription to JLC? I checked out their website (inferior to FHB in my opinion) and some of the topics covered seemed interesting and I noticed the crossover of some of the authors. Is the magazine worth a look?
Thanks,
John