January 2011

Pundits who lament the end of civility in society often reference the poor conduct that takes place on various public internet forums. In fact, this loss of civility is especially problematic on such forums precisely because the users are allowed anonymity. When I launched the Rodbuilding.org website (www.rodbuilding.org) in early 2002, I created a different…

When RodMaker Magazine debuted in early 1998, it consisted of a small page number, black & white publication. Mid-way through 1998, I doubled the page count. At the start of 1999, I added a full color cover and full color photo gallery for the centerfold. But the bulk of the magazine remained in black &…

Following is the current floor plan for the 2011 International Custom Rod Building Exposition. While minor changes and/or additions are likely to take place over the next couple of weeks, what you see here is pretty much what you’ll see in person on February 26 &27, 2011. Out of necessity, the exhibit hall has been…

I like working with numbers. Viewed in the proper context, they can tell you a great deal. The International Custom Rod Building Exposition has grown each and every year. Starting in 2004 with a crowd of just over 500 rod builders, the event pulled in almost 2500 rod builders in 2010. At some point, it…

Where is the average custom rod builder? I’m talking less about geography and more along the lines of where you’d be most likely to run into the bulk of those who practice this craft.  Where does the mainstream craft reside? Because I deal with two vastly different mediums, the internet (www.rodbuilding.org) and the print industry…

Continued from yesterday… As Tom Greek was telling me that he was dropping his collective advertising service for his organization members, I countered with an idea for doing the same thing in a manner that wouldn’t require as much of his time. Something that would be almost self supporting and require far less of his…

In November of 1998, I received a call from Bob McKamey at Custom Tackle Supply in Tennessee. Bob said that he had a friend there that wished to speak with me if I had a spare moment. So we spoke. The man’s name was Tom Greek and he said he had a business proposition to discuss…

Some stories can only be told after the subject is no longer with us. Shortly after commissioning Gene Bullard to write for RodMaker Magazine in 2005, an episode began in which one of the very earliest rods which Gene had built in the mid-1960’s began a voyage which resulted in both a sad and a…

The year 2010 and Volume 13 is now complete. The best year in RodMaker’s history with not only more readers than at any time in our history, but the biggest and best issues we’ve ever produced! RodMaker Magazine remains the premier publication for custom rod builders. RodMaker also remains the least expensive publication for custom…

Shortly after I launched RodMaker Magazine, I got a call from a former magazine editor/publisher who wished to offer me a great deal of advice.  After listening patiently for about 30 minutes, I asked him how his publishing ventures had faired. He quickly admitted that all 4 of the magazines he had been responsible for…