Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Subscribe to Pond Boss magazine? Why, or why not?

We're doing an informal survey here. Do you subscribe to Pond Boss? If so, tell us why. If not, please tell us why not. We're looking to continue improving and need some honest answers.

I am new to the whole pond thing. I subscribe via the app on my iPad. I love that I can purchase a magazine at a time since it helps spread out the cost. I also plan to purchase back issues once I finish the January/February and March/April 2017 issues. There is a ton of information and I learn something in every article. In most magazines I hate the advertisements that take up so many of the pages. But with Pond Boss it is actually helping me find even more information on the vendor websites. I honestly don't see how anybody manages a pond, especially new people like me, without the Pond Boss forums and magazine.

I take the PB subscription and renewed it in Dec or Jan, I think CRS !
I enjoy all of the mag. cover to cover. If possible, it would be nice to see something each issue on a type of fresh water fish that can be added to our pond. Maybe a qtr page describing some forage fish or minnow that can be added to our ponds, depending on water temps, or area, and maybe a supplier or where we might trap our own, a nearby body of water. Picture would be nice also. Jut a suggestion. I really enjoy the Pond Boss Magazine like it is and I think anyone that has a pond needs the Magazine.

I have been a subscriber to Pond Boss Magazine for a few years now. Pond Boss Magazine is a unique, informative publication that brings together all aspects of the "Pond Boss World".

I enjoy the seasonal articles, the vendor advertisements, and the great pictures.

Unlike some other magazines I get in the mailbox, Pond Boss Magazine is always in great condition being that it comes in it's own sealed plastic container. Bob don't ever let anyone talk you out of the plastic sheath mailer.

I would highly recommend Pond Boss Magazine to anyone that owns a pond.

I can't remember if this is already done, but to increase subscriptions Pond Boss should consider a once a year "gift subscription" promotion around the holidays. Throw into the final issue of the year a renewal/gift promo card. Give a slight discount on "gift subscriptions". Current subscribers probably all know pond owners in our geographic area that are not subscribers that we could gift a subscription to.

Thanks for the great job in producing Pond Boss Magazine!

Delete. Was considered NVA.

Yes, purchased the 2 year plan last go around. Would not mind seeing a 5 year purchase option for say maybe $150. I live in a house full of females that wish to watch to much HGTV and to many Love stories (when it is cold out or the sun is down). I keep the mags around so I have something to read I have an interest in.

Yes, I subscribe. I do it mainly to support Pond Boss.

As much as enjoy reading it, I typically set the magazine aside for one of my trips on the road. I enjoy reading it when I fly.

One of my favorite parts are pictures of people I read on this site. It personalizes this site for me in a small way.

Finally bought a house with some land last year and had my pond built, will be subscribing this year. Last year donated to the forum but didn't purchase the magazine. The forum is a great tool, and happy to donate. The information received can be very direct to one's goals etc. Reminds me I need to donate this year.

Print is a tough business in the digital age, the information online and in this forum when it comes to pond management is vast. I think some wonder what will I learn from the magazine that isn't on the forum?

Hard to put a monetary value on all the information I've learned on the forum but it is well above a magazine subscription etc... Just the experience the members and moderators provide save a lot of time and money on mistakes that the average owner would make. For me subscribing to the magazine and donating is a way to give back and at the same time I know I will enjoy it.

I do subscribe too. For all the reasons above, super articles, great photography, ads for things that interest me, and to help support the forum. Been a subscriber for 4 or 5 years I think, but don't quote me on that one. I have purchased gift subscriptions too and pointed fishy friends in the Pond Boss direction. I get so excited when it comes in the mail, all other "to do's" get put on hold until it's read cover to cover.

If you think the forum is full of quality content, you should get the magazine.

I'm not currently a subscriber, but plan to as soon as my budget will allow. Since I've never read an issue, I'm not sure how to make it better.

Pictures of various Algea and weeds would be nice. Pro's/Con's of various fish. That's just a couple of ideas off the top of my head. It's probably already been covered by your magazine.

I subscribe. I find the articles very informative and pictures of fish and ponds are great. Even the vender advertiser pages are kinda cool to check new products or sales. On some other points I could do without the kids corner, maybe I'm just a grumpy fart. I would love tracking notifications for magazines being sent out too. Might be a nice idea to have a fish I.D. page on the last page and change the species ever issue. Just a thought.

I've been a subscriber for quite a few years, but the harsh truth of the matter is I'm not sure if I will continue to do so. I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't read a single article out of the last several issues. My interests are just too specific these days, and that's no fault of the mag. Tons of great info in every issue, every new pond owner needs to subscribe.

I have subscribed for 3 years now I think. Have always enjoyed it but also I feel obligated to help support the forum along with small annual contributions for all the professional help I got while building and stocking my pond and am still getting great info!!! Something I learned years ago with Bassmaster magazine is to keep every issue. I do the same with Pond Boss Mag. You might surprise yourself how much you would look at something in a back issue if you had kept them. It might even be just a phone number from an advertiser!! I would like to see a breakdown of how many members we have from each individual state. I think that would be interesting. On another note about the forum... I wish you could still figure out a simple way to post photos. Keep up the good work Bob and it was a pleasure meeting you at Brian's bbq a little while back.

Yes. It has lots of good information.

I let my subscription lapse, primarily because of time to read is quite limited. The plan is to renew when things settle down.

I just had my pond finished in September and it is still filling. I subscribed for 2 years couple weeks ago. got the jan/feb issue and it is a great magazine. if you use this website I think the least you can do is subscribe. the info you get here is priceless imo.

Tony, I also tossed them aside for a couple of years. Then, about a year ago, I started reading them. Not sure why I didn't read them for a year or two.

I hear you Dave. When we moved, I tossed out a stack of magazines, PB included, and some of those were still in their mailing wrapper. I don't like that, as its a needless waste of resources.

As I see it, there are three primary groups that make up the PB mag readership. The pond professionals, the new pond owners, and the pond fanatics. And before anyone gets offended, I use the term fanatic not in a derogatory manner, but rather to imply seriousness where a pond is concerned.

The professionals subscribe because, well, it contributes to their meal ticket. The new pond owners are in that excited, "I want to learn everything I can about ponds", phase, so they're reading anything and everything they can. Chances are we all went through, or are currently going through, that phase.

The fanatics are those who live, eat, and breathe, ponds and fish. Professionals may well be fanatics, but fanatics don't have to be professionals. I see this group as looking for that edge, searching for the smallest details to achieve their vision of pond perfection. I think this is probably the core group of subscribers, the ones who have read every issue cover-to-cover for years.

I don't think I ever made it to fanatic stage, certainly not if encompassing the entire spectrum of pond management is the yardstick by which one's degree of devotion is measured by. And definitely not these days, where I'm less concerned with all the details than I am with enjoying our ponds.

And for me, the details may well be the sticking point. From my perspective, there's not exactly a whirlwind of new and exciting development within the pond/fish industry. When I was younger I was heavily involved in hot rodding. I subscribed to most of the big name magazines of the day, and eagerly devoured them as soon as they hit the mailbox. Sooner or later however, you have to ask yourself just how many times do I need to see an article written about hopping up a small block chevy? And that was in the fast paced days of auto technology development.

Without fresh development in the pond/fish industry, what is left to write about? We could choose to delve deeper into the same subject matter, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces in an effort to educate and fill columns, and PB mag does that. But I'm not the world's brightest guy, and after a few paragraphs of excruciatingly detailed scientific evaluation, I'm ready to put the mag down and pick up a fishing rod. And I never get back to it.

Like I said, I'm not going to be a pond or fish expert now, or anytime in the future. When I walk down to the water's edge I can't tell you what family or genus that plant belongs in. But what I can do, is recognize that I've seen it before. And most importantly, I can walk right to the shelf at my farm store and point to the chemical that will take care of it, should the need arise. For my limited level of pond management, that's as far as I need to become involved. I know that's not the scenario that may be ideal, but I believe it is accurate for the vast, vast majority of pond owners.

For every fanatic, there are 20 more who buy their fish off a truck, and would never entertain the idea of hiring a pond consultant. I also recognize that's probably not a popular notion, but I believe it correct nonetheless.

And that leads me to an area of pond/water/fish management that IS experiencing change and development....legislation. And unfortunately, that's an area deemed off limits for discussion. And it has the potential to affect every single one of us.

I subscribe to PB magazine and donate to the forum, and will continue to do both. I've subscribed to various coding and technical journals over the years, and all were priced in line and published at the same frequency of PB Magazine. What I found out is that if I discovered one snippet over that subscription period that saved me hours or days of work, then that annual subscription was very inexpensive. In fact it was a bargain.

I have subscribed to the magazine since I first found out about this website. Both are excellent resources and we are very lucky to have access to them. I leave my magazines in the front of my office for all to see and read and try to give old copies to friends who have ponds. I know they are great resources to keep but I am not an archivist. I almost feel a responsibility to try and help my friends and neighbors by telling them about the forum and getting them involved.

I subscribe. Useful information at a bargain price. Just one piece of info can more than pay for a subscription. I would like tol see the magazine expand to cover other topics.
Such as: Property taxes; liability issues; trespassing problems; dock building; high fences; water wells; tractors; zip lines; tree/plant/weed identification; weed spraying;
drone farm use; security cameras; container(ocean) uses and fix up; how to install culverts; fence water gaps and many others. One article per issue on general land owner problems would be great.

Great magazine, great price and any one who likes to fish should subscribe.

I was s subscriber from the day I found the forum almost (14) years ago.

I've been a donor since the day they set up the program.

Frankly, I'm surprised at the low number of actual donors compared to the overall active membership. Even a bit shameful when you consider the mag is only like $40.00 or so....as blunt as that may sound.

We appreciate the input. Keep it coming.

More than once, I've heard from readers, "Each issue, I get at least one nugget we can use at our property." The best explanation I've heard from several readers is, "A year's subscription to Pond Boss costs less than a Friday dinner date." That hit me pretty hard...

Our mission is to help people become better stewards of their land and water, with a focus on water.

I can see Tony's point, if he doesn't see the value, don't subscribe. Spend that $35 on something of greater value.

I also see Tentmaker's point. Diversify the content. I'd love to do that, if I can find a writer who can cover any of those topics.

I was asked a question a few years ago by Matt Rayl. He said, "Bob, what IS Pond Boss?" I'd truly not thought about that. 15 years ago, I would have said, "Pond Boss is a magazine that comes out six times a year." But, as I thought about it, I said, "Pond Boss is a big, extended family of people with like-minded goals, trying to be the best stewards they can be. Pond Boss is a website with excellent information, a lively, healthy discussion forum and a conference every year and a half to two years...a conference and expo that's similar to a family reunion...where everyone actually likes each other. So, Pond Boss is a family of people who share thoughts, absorb ideas and meet each other all over this nation. Oh, and yes, Pond Boss is a magazine." That magazine with its readership and advertisers fuels the economy of the business of Pond Boss.

Since the magazine is the economy (along with the great folks who donate to the forum) we're looking to continue to improve and expand the subscriber base. In order to do that, we need reader and forum members to spread the word. Our subscribership is interesting. We have a renewal rate of 55-60%, every year. What that means to us is that people value the information, and want it to keep coming. Compare that rate to traditional publications with renewal rates less than 10%.

As an owner and the editor, I truly appreciate the input. Everyone who participates in this forum is a volunteer. That's a pretty big word, VOLUNTEER. The moderators do a great job of keeping the forum totally family friendly. The people who contribute answers do it to help others, without reservation and often without thanks.

Believe it or not, it costs quite a bit to keep this forum going. If we depended on the forum to pay its way, we'd be in a hole. There's a little bit of revenue from ads and the donations cover about half of the hosting fees. Magazine subscriptions and advertisers drive it.

Please keep feeding this thread and let me know what you think about my original question.

This pond management industry is still very young, but it's not far from the cusp of a tipping point. Tony referred to regulations and rules. He's right. The last few years there have been some ridiculous interpretation of laws, with policies that squash good people's intentions. But, I'll stand by our rules. No politics on this forum. As divisive as things are in that arena, there's no way I'll allow that noose around our necks.

As we move toward tomorrow, and the rest of our future, there are quite a few new trends finding their way into the pond management business. I'll say this, I think pond management is 10% science, and 90% art. If you understand enough of the science, you become proficient in the art of managing your pond.

We look forward to more ideas, suggestions and reasons why you either subscribe, or you don't.

I'm not sure if there really is an elephant in the room, or if I'm hallucinating, but I'll pick up a sharp stick and poke the pachyderm, just to see if it moves.

If the forum exists in part, maybe even a substantial part, in order to try and drive up subscription rates, then maybe a quick look at the "who's online" box on the left side of the page might provide some insight. As of this moment, 12 registered users and 251 guests. 20 onlookers, most of which are probably non-subscribers, to every registered user. Most of which probably ARE subscribers.

We're all familiar with "why buy the cow when you get the milk for free", I'm guessing? Has the PB forum become PB magazine's biggest detractor?

In my own case it's isn't about the money. Never has been. I just hate to buy anything and then not use it. Resources went into it's production. Natural resources, monetary resources, time resources, and labor resources. And I'm not reading it? That's wasteful on my part, and I don't like that.

It appears that >40% of subscribers do not re-up. Why?

how do you get the fancy "I Subscribe" icon in your signature?

the way i see it is that information is so easy to get anymore via the internet thru forums like these and google searches that people take it for granted sometimes the answers they get for FREE. there are some of the best minds in pond management on this forum and they answer questions everyday for nothing. if you don't subscribe I would think a donation is the least you can do. just think how much it would cost to hire someone every time you had a question?

Contact a moderator and they will add it for you.

I used to be on an astronomy and telescope forum where you could also buy and sell, kind of like Tractorbynet. It was a great site to buy and sell equipment, and have discussions on how to use it. Every user was verified and used their real name. After a few years, donations started flagging, so the forum owner started charging $12 a year for membership. He was way ahead of the times, too far. There are only a handful of members now, mainly those who buy and sell a substantial amount of equipment, which no longer applies to me. The mandatory donation killed the forum. But, I think the future is paid forums. It keeps out spam and supports the good info obtained.

I think we either should subscribe to the magazine or support the forum by at least donating a little. All voluntary. Server costs are not insignificant, and the info received is quite valuable. Just my 2 cents, fwiw.

I wonder how many visit the forum, ask a question or two, then disappear? How many visit, never ask a question, but avail themselves of the HUGE library of info archived here? In my opinion there are few new questions, but many that have been answered before and will turn up with a little digging. I think it's probably a whole lot easier to get the fanatics on board than it is the new pond owners.

Bob's asking "how do you know what you don't know?" Good question. I wonder how many folks are tending to their ponds, unaware that they don't know. I'm guessing a large percentage. But it begs to ask, if you don't know what you don't know, are you really worse off? If everything is running in a manner that they are happy with, should they consider their lack of knowledge a debilitation? How's that old saying go...."you can't miss what you never had", or something to that effect.

If that segment is the targeted audience for new subscriptions, it may be a hard sell. The pondowners that fit into that category are the ones needing an answer AFTER the fact, not before. Sure, if they had set about expanding their knowledge base BEFORE whatever it was happened, they might've saved a whole lot of stress and/or $$$. And, after having seen what can happen, they might be open to the idea of spending some bucks on a subscription.

But there are thousands of non-fanatic, existing pondowners out there, blissfully unaware of their ignorance where water is concerned. And they're happy. They don't KNOW they have any reason for concern. Getting them to acknowledge their lack of knowledge, will be tough to accomplish. Especially if they only have a question or two, and the forum membership does what it does best....provide the answers, free of charge.

Captain KillJoy!

....when you know, that you don't know...that's when you know...

Delete. Was considered NVA.

I know, right?

Here's what I see. The forum is free, true. But, as extensive as the information is in the forum, it's piecemeal. Way better than any Extension Service publications, but still piecemeal. With the magazine, we try to weave the piecemeal stuff into a fabric people can use. The magazine articles are way more comprehensive (and still easy to read) than the forum. I see this forum as an introduction to people who are looking for information to get started, or for DIYer's looking for a specific solution and an affordable way to do things. I've had many advertisers make those two statements to me...and that's why some of them have stopped answering questions. They don't see the gain from the forum that they do from people who buy the magazine. I see the registered members who participate regularly as the passionate, die-hard fans who want to help others, or be involved in this fascinating community.
One of our big pushes for people to subscribe to the magazine is to provide information that not only educates them about what to do, but also what NOT to do.
I can't tell you how many times I get a call or an email from someone who thought they were doing the right things (because they didn't know what they didn't know) and now, four or five years later, they figured out they messed up. I see that all the time. With the magazine, we write about that stuff.
I see the forum as a friendly place to motivate people to learn and to become involved as they learn to help others. And, that's typically what happens. At the same time, for our team, this is a business.
For the question about the 40% who don't renew, some of them sell their places, others lose interest in pond management, others go away because they ignore their renewal notices. Believe it or not, that's a big one. Several times, I've personally sat down, called people or sent them a personal letter, reminding them to renew. They always do, with the statement, "I guess I just forgot." I'm thinking about setting up an automatic renewal system like lots of other businesses do. I bet our renewal rate would rise beyond 75% if we did that.
The other option is a push for advertising on the forum. More banner ads on the top, more ads on both margins, and a harder individual push on members.

Yes, there are quite a few people who register, ask a question or two, and then drop back. They go back to 'lurking' on the site. I'll never forget Bruce Condello telling me he 'lurked' for six months before he registered, because he was intimidated by everyone and was afraid he'd ask a "stupid" question. Of all people...

With our new marketing specialist, I expect subscription numbers to rise. That's a big part of her job. Get the subscriber numbers up. Here's what I know. There are between 4.5 and 6.5 million private ponds and lakes across the United States. Those ponds are owned by at least 500,000 people. All I want is about 1% of those people to get on board, and subscribe to the magazine. I totally believe they are out there. We just need this forum to help us reach all those people. That's why we offer free information. That's why we revamped the website. That's why we keep this forum healthy and moving.

If we need to make changes with the magazine, I'm in. We don't want to change for the sake of change, but we know change is inevitable and we'd like to change for the better, if that's what it takes.

Is this a survey or a debate between one side that sees no value in PBF and PBM and another side defending them?

I think the content/format has gotten better and better each year. After 16 years of this pond obsession stuff, I still learn or get an idea(s) from each and every mag. To me it comes down to positioning and exposure, at least here in the north.

IMHO- The value of the magazine most definitely outweighs the price.

I believe the request was for the honest reason (s) one did, or did not subscribe to the magazine. I'm not aware of a side that claims no value to either the forum, or the mag.

Sorry if that came out a little harsh. It was not my intent. If I have a magazine in my home that remains unread it is typically for one of two reasons. One, I don't have time to read it or two, I don't believe there is any content that will be of interest/value to me. Not saying it is a bad magazine, just not of value to me.

I subscribe to PBMag for the articles, not just to look at the pictorials.

I subscribe to the PBmag and regul - even though I don't think I've done so in 2017. My one acre pond is about 11 years old and I learned alot of lessons during the first few years of what to do and what not to do from both sources when I was "gung-ho" about creating a perfect fishing pond. Sadly, being gung-ho only caused sadness and stress while I realized there is no such thing as a perfect acre pond when you only can spend (most) weekends at the property and most of it is to perform other required duties, like cutting grass, herbiciding/pesticiding, etc.

The last half-dozen years I still enjoy the articles in the mag and the forum and I still learn things but mostly I don't use the lessons but save the mags in case I ever need to look up an articles. After all, sometime in the future I'll have to rebuild my pond. PB is the only subscription I receive and I'm happy to get it and usually read it from cover to cover in about a week after I receive it. Generally, the only thing I skip is the "kids corner" but my grandkids will be old enough to read that in a few years so I wouldn't suggest removing it. If I knew anyone else that owned a pond I'd quickly get a gift subscription but I do not.

Speaking specifically for the forum.... I attend that daily as much for the fellowship as the information contained therein. I like that there are several people on the forum (both professionals and regular pond owners) who spend quite a bit of time logged in with the only goal to help others. This is the reason I've also been to the last 2 PondCons and am signed up for PondCon VII.

As far as I'm concerned, Keep up the good work!

Thanks,
Dan

Just a thought on to why I didn't really push myself to renew the subscription a while back: My pond is only a small one, and I am more or less stuck with what I have. Budget and time limits and all... Some questions I run into are pretty easy to answer on the pond apart from getting the koi out of it (which incidentally a top-end aquarium store wants to fish them out and sell them!)

So to me at least, I would be more interested in a broader-scope publication that includes more land stewardship. For example my wife and I try to strike a balance between wildlife habitat, small-scale farming for the food cupboard, and other various things you do with a decent chunk of land (big for us at least).

What still draws me to the forums is looking at the pictures other people share of their ponds. It is a nice escape of being surrounded with electronics at work, and gets me dreaming of warmer weather and being outside. I also enjoy sharing in any help I can provide when I can.

I would be more apt to subscribe if it also came with a free forum membership, where the forum would cost a little less if you didn't wish to purchase the magazine. I would also be even more apt to subscribe if it covered product reviews on maintenance equipment, humor columns, and continues with the short stories. You now, bathroom fodder. Also a monthly owner property pond themed photography contest would be nice, where the winners would get published.

Just some thoughts.

me too liquidsquid...I really enjoy seeing pictures of other members' ponds and surroundings as well. It makes it a lot more personal and creates a bond especially of someone many miles away. It's interesting and can be educational too.

It's frustrating when I see others struggling to figure out how to post pictures and can't do it. I think we would see even more pictures if somehow we could walk people thru the process of posting pictures in the forum. The problem is...I find it really easy to do, but not easy to explain. If anyone ever wants to post a picture, but can't figure it out send me a PM and I will try to walk you thru it, and if that doesn't work you can text me the picture and I will post it in the thread you want. Maybe moderators could pitch in with this as well?

ps: maybe some Pond Boss Magazine issues could contain a highlight story about a member's property with pictures?

For me this is easy. I subscribe because of the information I receive both in print and from the PB app on my Ipad. I am not a fanatic. I am not an expert, I am not a newby. I am just a guy trying to add to my small piece of the puzzle. I feel the need to give back to nature. I have flown over every ocean and at least five continents more times than I can count. I have seen it all. So when I get back to the farm and see a wonderful sunrise or sunset where the colors are spectacular and I can see the angles dance, I have to stop and and thank the Lord for the gift of our farm and ponds. Stewardship is not a right, it is a privilege. And anything that helps me to be a better steward is good.

The friends I have met here are priceless as well. I have hosted several groups at our pond because I love to share. If someone learns form me, that is great. If I learn from them, that is great also. But for me, seeing those friends is the reason for the gathering. We have hosted the Wounded Warriors several times and look forward to doing it again. I set them up for success by tossing in several fin clipped bluegill every time I go out for a few weeks before the event, the guys who have never fished light up when they hook on to a four to eight pound bass and the game is on!

We have also had three PB meet ups at our farm, they have been some of the most fun. I have learned that it is about meeting the people and putting faces to names for most. I still have my projects ready to demonstrate, but most are not there for that reason. There has not been an event where someone asks if I have read a certain article from PB magazine. There was something in it I had missed, and that something made my ponds better.

So, why do I subscribe, I feel the need to improve, to share, and to learn, and I love the people that feel the same way. I have more finger than real friends, but half of them are friends because of PB.

The funny thing is I don't always read the magazine the month it comes out. Living at 500 miles an hour is time consuming, but one of the simple pleasures I have is sitting down and reading PB magazine when I finally get the chance to slowdown and see the sunrise or set at our farm. I then know I am home and at peace.

Bob, if you want to improve PB magazine, have a few more stories about failure and the process it takes to repair the damage. Oh, and I most likely owe you another installment from our pond. It is still getting better after the freefish guy's damage. Boy is this a long process or what. And the new brood ponds are coming along. I hope to fill the first one this month or next at the latest.

I love this place.

i was thinking the same thing Zep. would be neat to see one members pond per magazine and have them explain all about it with pics and maybe things they did right and wrong or whatever they wanted to share.

Xray,

Bob has published several of those articles in the past. The pond owner needs to be able to write their story. Bob can edit well, but the story needs to come from the owner.

FYI Mine took four articles and the story is not finished...

Before building the pond, I called PB and ordered as many of their past magazines as possible. Cost money, but saved more in mistakes I avoided.

Sure, I still made mistakes. But I felt more confident with more knowledge, and did a better job.

True...I guess we all better start the process of "writing our story" to submit to Bob one day in the future.


and HF it never will be....especially with you!...mr DIY cool project engineer!

people asked me all the time...
"so when are you gonna be finished out there"

i politely giggle and say "never"

is anyone ever really "finished" with even their own house where
there is not one single item they would like to change or update?

it's the journey....not the finish line!

who wants to be "finished"?....then what?....lol

That is me in a nutshell as I will miss the renewal. The reason why I also suggested a 5yr subscription option is because I also do not like to do anything auto renewal. I personally would not even require a discount in price, but just figured it would work better for getting others on board. Also I do not know how many times a spouse has decided to order their special someone a different kind of magazine (because they did not understand the difference) for a gift when they see the renewal notice. I know I read those power motor yacht mags. LOL



Something I noticed starting more in other places (even at my U sports forum) is a push for extras for donating / paying members. Note nothing involved in doing any less for the non-paying. It goes something like this you have extra forum exclusively for verified Pond Boss Magazine Subscribers / Forum Donators of xx AMOUNT. Have it were content can only be viewed by those verified after they log in. Also Like in my sports forum we have people that have earned a near permanent status even if the never make another donation due to their past body of work. Non-paying persons can see this Forum but do not have access until they are verified. All Advertisers & financial supporters also have access to offer any specials or bounce ideas off of these people since they are a verified specific target audience. As long as you can make that forum beneficial and the verified members talk about it publically others will join / purchase a magazine subscription just to get in there. It is also a lot easier for someone on a more restricted budget to justify membership if they can present to ones spouse how it is going to save them money in the long run. You know a hey honey I would have saved if I would have been a member and purchased that Texas Hunter feeder (not to mention I would have got that cool magazine.

I subscribe to PB to support the cause. I don't read it as much as I thought I would, because it's never close when I do most of my reading, at lunch. I really think the best thing PB can do is go more toward the mobile friendly side of marketing. Make the magazine and forum mobile friendly, and my guess is use will go up.

Heck, now the old men at the coffee shop are even on their phones. How often do you see someone reading a paper or a magazine these days?

This site, Pond Boss IV, Bob's Outdoor website, and the magazine have taught me so much over the last couple years. Thanks.

Brian L,

Try the Ipad app it is greatness away form home.

A man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a Heaven for?

BUT I have an android.....

There is an app for that as well. I have it on my android phone. I just like the bigger screen of the Ipad.

What is the app called in Google Play store?

I was a very early subscriber to Pond Boss magazine years ago. I saved and catalogued my copies and referred to them many times. This was all well before "forums".

Sold my place and did not have a pond to manage. Then was blessed to a year ago to buy another place with a pond so I now subscribe again. Great info

The android app is not on google play. It is my understanding that there will be more on it soon from the right people. Stay tuned!!

I'm a subscriber, and as a pond pro there are still things that I learn or re-learn from the magazine. I have clients that *GASP* are NOT on a computer. I either steer them to the magazine for information, or give them a subscription for a year.

Like Sprkplug said (or was it Bob?) "you don't know what you don't know".

Many, many things are touched upon in the magazine and in greater detail than are typed here. It's not just the articles too. I'm talking about the advertisers.

Where do you buy your pond supplies? There are advertisers in the magazine.

Did you know that there is a solution to your problem if your problem is geese staying on your pond 24/7? And it doesn't involve gunpowder......

There are people who live in areas that don't have reliable cell service, and might have iffy internet service. That's where reading comes into play! Save the back issues, there's probably an article on something you need an answer to in there.