Skateboarding is much more than footage filmed in a warehouse

Who knew Skateboarder had so many subscriptions? I always forget they are still publishing. What’s that? Right. This post title is from the latest Transworld Skateboarding sales pitch. If you’re selling a product, they want your advertising dollars. Key selling points:

We know that there are a lot of options out there, most of which are new to the game yet claim to be everything skateboarding, but skateboarding is much more than footage filmed in a warehouse, or focus on the so-called core or elitist scene. Skateboarding has moved way beyond those walls, and TWS covers the gamut.

More than footage filmed at a warehouse? Well that’s obviously aimed at the Berrics, and core or elitist probably refers to Thrasher. Transworld appears to have the largest circulation, but they must be hurting a little. Transworld Business recently went to a subscription only format. In five years or so, they’ve gone from a free, healthy sized dedicated publication for the business of skateboarding down to a very thin one that combines surfing and snowboarding too, and requires a paid subscription. It’s only a matter of time before they pick up Kiteboardng too. It’s no secret I’ve got a beef with TWS, even though I used to be a subscriber. Actually, my biggest beef is with the staff at Business. I tried for a couple of years to get into their so-called free buyers guide only to be alternately lied to and completely ignored. They wouldn’t even come clean and tell me that I needed to advertise.

TransWorld SKATEboarding Awards, a franchise event that will also 2010 is here, feature the premiere of the 22nd TWS film, Hallelujah.

So they support skateboarding by hosting an event for the people in their magazine and selling videos. OK, I’m being a little cynical here, obviously. I support skateboarding because I sell skateboards.

So ask yourself, where is my budget best spent: on a selfserving Web site/magazine with a low subscription base, or with media partner that has the print numbers and a Web site that covers everything skateboarding, all while supporting our industry since 1983?

This selfserving web site and former print zine has only been supporting the industry since 1985. We have about a third as many people reading our pages (Unique vistiors in a month) than subscribe to TWS, all on .005% of the budget. Or less? I’m not getting cocky. I’m sure their web traffic dwarfs ours. Read the Skate Publishers Letter 2010. These guys know how to relate to skateboarders. Aside from SKATEboarding, They publish Yachting Magazine and run the Yacht Broker web site. Alright, I’m being pissy. I am formally suggesting that all true skaters should only buy products that advertise in what is obviously the only true skateboarding magazine, Transworld SKATEboarding. TransWorld SKATEboarding has been the largest, most progressive and most respected skateboarding magazine in the world for over 26 years.

P.S. I usually pick up a copy in the airport when I’m flying. Last time I did it was actually a pretty good read.

P.P.S. TWS once appropriated one of my posts without any credit. It was no coincidence, they read the post on S&A and asked me directly for the source contact.

P.P.P.S. I used to work for Times Mirror when they owned Transworld Business.

P.P.P.P.P.S. I relaize the irony in potentially actually helping their advertising sales by making this letter available to a larger audience, but I don’t care because that’s just how much I support skateboarding!