Seeking Reader Input

The online revolution is causing everyone in the publishing business to rethink their strategies for serving readers, and we are no different here at RV Life.

Our challenge is to keep our magazine relevant in a rapidly changing world, and to do that we need to hear from readers. Last month and again this month, you will find in our magazine a survey form asking you to tell us your preferences among the columns and features we carry. I hope you will fill out and mail in this form.

In addition to the survey, we always welcome comments on the magazine and any suggestions for new features or topics. The Internet makes it convenient to dash off communications, so if you have an idea, don’t hesitate to send it along. You can send e-mails to me at editor@rvlife.com.

For years, the media has used surveys and focus groups to help guide content, although editors are sometimes skeptical of the practice. A top editor at one of the best newspapers in the country told me that if he allowed focus groups to determine content, nobody would read the paper. People will often say they want to read more “good news,” but that’s not what sells. They will often say they want more news of their own neighborhood, but if you let routine neighborhood news crowd out livelier stuff, you’ll lose readership.

Nevertheless, as an editor, I think reader feedback is important and helpful. We need to know what readers like and don’t like, and although we have our own ideas about what should be in the magazine, the more responses we get from readers, the better job we can do.

We also want to give readers an opportunity to share their experiences as RVers. Starting with this issue, we plan to periodically invite readers to become magazine contributors.

This month, we are soliciting stories from readers about memorable camping trips. Do you remember your first camping experience? Did you ever have a trip where everything went wrong? Did something unexpected happen? Did you encounter something that was amazing or hilarious?

Whether it’s a funny anecdote or a sentimental remembrance, we’d like to hear your story. You don’t have to be a skilled writer; just tell the story in your own words, and if we select it for publication, you will receive an RV Life jacket.

Keep the story fairly brief, up to 500 words. And be sure to include an address and phone number. Stories may be submitted to editor@rvlife.com or by regular mail to 18717 76th Avenue West, Suite B, Lynnwood, WA 98037.

While we are soliciting more input from readers, we continue to place a high value on the work of all the writers who regularly contribute to this magazine. Their willingness to report on and share their experiences as they travel by RV throughout the West is one of the keys to our success.

In closing, here’s wishing happy holidays to all our writers and readers and a joyous new year.

Write to Mike Ward, editor at RV Life Magazine, 18717 76th Avenue West, Suite B, Lynnwood, WA 98037 or e-mail editor@rvlife.com. Find First Glance on-line at rvlife.com