Dear Peter
I have to take issue with you on the term gutter press.
About five years ago people within AT held the belief that the average angler read the Star or Sun, as a consequence there was an attempt to emulate this style. It was a very poor attempt and the sales of the title went down. It was a smack in the face the title deserved. I was with the paper as a reporter at the time and that wallop in the chops really did hurt.
In the past couple of years we have played a totally straight bait, covering some major news stories but putting most of our weight behind trying to help the pleasure angler catch a few more fish this weekend.
The result? Improved sales. Yes, accomplished specimen hunters and matchmen may deem it a little basic, but we have to cater for the majority. If we don't I get the sack. A simple equation.
Des Taylor is given a free role to comment on issues he feels strongly about, and sometimes he upsets individuals. That's just the way he is, at least people have an opinion about the man. And Ron is incorrect to say I don't print readers' replies, just this week there is an individual questioning his stance on Passion For Angling.
I don't expect everyone to like AT, fishing is just so varied these days that it is IMPOSSIBLE to keep everyone happy - that's why there are so many titles and websites on the market these days. And good luck to them, I can never devote lots and lots of pages, to say, barbel - it would be suicide as a commercial venture for the pleasure angler.
But nothing stands still. The market is constantly changing and I will have to relaunch again in the Spring to keep pace.
AT is still referred to, by certain people on this site, as a comic. There was once a time when that was deserving, but I really do believe that the paper is now well written and informative. With the tactical information provided by accomplished anglers such as Alan Scotthorne, Bob Nudd, Matt Hayes, and Martin Bowler, not to mention our array of 'commercial masters' why would people see this as gutter?.
So to those who insist on using derogatory terms, I urge you to reconsider your hard line. Angling Times is an informative manual for average anglers that is growing in popularity.
Ps I regularly read back copies of AT and believe Matt Hayes can give anyone a run for their money as a 'colour' angling writer. His latest article is excellent. I'd be interested in your views about Matt's work.
Kind regards
Richard Lee, Angling Times editor