Hi all,
Following on from yesterday's announcement about John Bailey joining the team to write for Fishing Magic, we would be really interested to hear your views about the future direction of the site.
We know the loss of Angler's Mail leaves a gap for many people, and we are wondering how we can help to fill that gap.
What did you particularly like about Angler's Mail? How would you like to see Fishing Magic develop? Is there anyone you would particularly like to see on the site?
Please respond here or send me a PM if you prefer. Thanks!
Kirsty
Since 2013/4 when I was last properly active here I don't think much has changed on FM. That's not a criticism, merely an observation. Despite several editors having come and gone in that time, it seems that the basic shell and modus operandi of the site is still the same. Admittedly I haven’t clicked every link or looked at every sub forum, or looked back at articles, but I think the dates and styles of the articles on the home page tell a story.
In my opinion an active forum was the key strength of FM. Specifically the way in which all members were encouraged to participate, whether that be in forum discussion, submitting articles or attending events. There was a constant stream of new content. Reviews of equipment, digital diaries an excellent mix of articles by top class and knowledgeable anglers but also genuine encouragement for new contributors. It felt like a community.
However, it should be said that those who did contribute articles were then on hand to discuss, and sometimes defend, what it was they had submitted and I think this was what made the site so popular. So with respect to potential content from JB, and others, for me the acid test is whether such contributors are going to participate in the forum thereafter? A healthy debate is great for site traffic, but another article by a ‘name’ on the home page with little in the way of interaction afterwards, well isn’t that just going the same way that the Mail went?
Anyway, a few ideas. Firstly, I still think there are too many sub-forums. I think many a decent thread/discussion gets lost in the ether. For me, the forum categories only need to be basic. General coarse, carp/specialist, match, game, sea, bait box, plus maybe a few more that I've not considered. However there are currently 30+ categories, and that's too many.
The old tackle reviews submitted by members were excellent. No brand hatred, or bias, just genuine 'warts and all' reviews from people who had actually bought kit. The facility was also there to update your review at a later date, which probably made it
the best tackle review section I've ever seen. Sadly, I don't think the reviews were fully transferred across when FM was taken over by Fish and Fly Ltd. This was a big loss. Perhaps that could be reincarnated?
I think it would help if members knew what was realistic and what it is that F&F ltd are trying to achieve also? For example YouTube is now awash with some absolute first class video content, warts and all vlogs are increasingly popular, would FM be looking to branch out into producing content like that? Would there be scope for members to take part? Would F&F Ltd be able to assist with technical content for this? Someone to hold the camera, or editing, for example?
Other than that, a regular environmental/pollution feature would be good (I know a few people who could do that) although verging on political, potential dangers to the environment need to be raised.
) of say the best rod of each of the Last 5 decades with a comparison of their style, weight, action, longevity and quality would be worth reading. Has progress really been made and is an Acolyte or Sphere so much better than a Normark or Amorphous Whisker. There are many varied opinions on here.
