It used to be that I could go into Borders (before they went bust here) and have a selection of electronics magazines to chose from, some European, some US titles). Nuts and Volts, Elektor, Everyday Electronics ..... Heaven, I could even get a decent cup of coffee while I browsed. Very civilised.
Even WH Smiths used to stock Elektor. Now, nothing! My local WH Smiths stocks Carp-Ticklers weekly and Ferret Keeper monthly - but not an electronics magazine in sight.
Alright, some of the electronics magazines could be a bit quite Engineering heavy, which might reduce the potential readership, who spotted some maths in them. But really! Nothing - and I live in an aerospace dominated town!
Is it just me, or is there a gaping hole in the market over here for a Make Magazine type publication?
Or, am I just old fashioned for wanting to read a paper publication on the loo or in the bath?
While proper thorough engineering style electronics may be in decline, I think the whole 'Maker' concept seems to be growing.
I suppose its not just about electronics, and not just about building from scratch, but there is a long element of re-purposing devices with 'Hacking and Modding'.
Sort of 'electronics-light'.
But, for all that, no less fun and a lot more accessible.
OK!! you just identified the market for 50 feet (more) waterproof tablets also to be used during diving lessons, school swimming, fishing etc. Don't tell Steve Jobs
Si:
It used to be that I could go into Borders (before they went bust here) and have a selection of electronics magazines to chose from, some European, some US titles). Nuts and Volts, Elektor, Everyday Electronics ..... Heaven, I could even get a decent cup of coffee while I browsed. Very civilised.
Even WH Smiths used to stock Elektor. Now, nothing! My local WH Smiths stocks Carp-Ticklers weekly and Ferret Keeper monthly - but not an electronics magazine in sight.
The nice people in WHSmiths will usually order any magazine in for you and put it to one side (usually in a filing cabinet next to the tills) if you ask them. Or have you considered taking out a subscription with the magazine? No more missed issues or trips to the local high street
Si:
... yeah, its not the same as being able to browse and pick the one you want.
I think subscriptions are probably the way forward. That way I will actually get mail that I actually want!
I know when I as a student many years ago the main public libraries were always a good place to browse and read the latest magazines, even technical magazines !
I don't know if that's still happens today with all the cuts backs etc.
I know when I as a student many years ago the main public libraries were always a good place to browse and read the latest magazines
Nostalgia Alert!
.. oh yes - I was a very un-cool teenager, I used to spend hours in Wolverhampton Central library reading Practical Wireless, and copying out the stripboard layouts and component lists! I did also fancy one of the library girls, but it didn't go anywhere, when I did finally pluck up the courage to ask her if she would accompany me to the local Wimpy (height of sophistication in late 1970's Wolverhampton) she very nearly laughed.
@Simon,
It sounds almost like a plot in a nerd soap
You should know that girls working in libraries (not Arduino, real ones) are all vegetarians, so Wimpy was maybe a bad choice
I enjoyed those eight principals, I'll get started on them tomorrow - or maybe next week - or maybe a bit later if I can find the time - or perhaps next year - or maybe wait until I retire.
I suspect you are right about the vegetarian thing. Although there may have been other factors.
I did also fancy one of the library girls, but it didn't go anywhere,
Odd I had the same experience.
At the Uni we had to fill out a form when ever we borrowed a book. I said to her, "do I have to fill one of these out, when ever I want to take something out?" She said yes so I handed her a form asking her out.
With exactly the same result as Si!
It was a narrow escape most of the librarians I know are very fussy and ordered, they would not have coped with electronics.
Si:
I enjoyed those eight principals, I'll get started on them tomorrow - or maybe next week - or maybe a bit later if I can find the time - or perhaps next year - or maybe wait until I retire.
You might join the Procrastinators Society. If you ever get around to filling in an application form, you're automatically disqualified. XD
