ryn

Thanks for the thoughtful responses thus far. Clearly anything in actual print these days -- books, newspapers, and, yes, magazines -- struggle to keep revenue above costs. For what it's worth, trade magazines do not use a subscription base as it's largely predicated on attaining advertisers to pay to get their products in front of the people in the industry -- store owners, labels, etc. I could go on with more of the details, but I'll stop there. If anyone else would like to mention what content would be important to them it would be appreciated. Clearly every music magazine/ site/ blog/ facebook page does record reviews, but what content is lacking coverage? News on the state of the vinyl industry? Info on how to open your own store? Interviews with labels or distributors? Well known columnists?

This is admittedly a very broad question, but as a longtime lurker I want to get a sense of what people are thinking and what your opinions are. I am in the process of starting a trade magazine for record stores and the enthusiasts that frequent them. I am very much one of these people and know what I would like to see in a magazine like this which is why I’m starting one. I want it to be heavily focused on vinyl while featuring new LPs, record labels, industry news, and, of course, record stores. However, I would love to hear what people here would want to see out of a record store trade magazine, especially if you own a store or distro. Do you get enough info on new albums from the internet? Should we focus more on vinyl quality and pressings? Feature new turntable/stereo technology? More on state of the vinyl industry? Any and all comments would be very much appreciated!

Located in different parts of North America, but these are two of the best record stores I've ever seen. Do yourself a favor and spend a few hours in both if you're anywhere close to them. Small, but incredibly good stock. The staff clearly knows how to select the right records. Especially great for garage rock/punk LPs and 7"'s. Stock is split about 50/50 between new and used vinyl. Much like Treehouse, but it's larger and they have more titles. Soul, blues, indie rock all great categories in the store, but maybe the best selection of experimental/garage LPs I've ever seen in a store.