I really don't like the new look of the new Coin World...

Longacre · November 8, 2007 10:34PM

I received the latest issue of Coin World in the new format yesterday. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed with the finished product. All of the same content was there, but for some reason, the edition looked "messy" and not well organized. I am not sure who to blame for this (perhaps the editor). The articles all seemed to merge into one another, and the layout just didn't seem right.

Additionally, the headers for the regular articles (like QDB's Joy of Collecting) were too small, and it was hard to determine whose article you were reading (other than viewing the disembodied head of the author buried at the bottom right of the page). As is typical, the whiny letters to the editor were included with reckless abandon, and the usual irrelevant editorial added nothing to the paper's content.

Personally, I didn't think the print quality was any better than the old style, and all of the different colors on each page added to the confusion, in my opinion. The one highlight of the new paper-- the CoinRaritiesOnline advertisement. It showed a toned darkside coin with the caption, "brought to you in living color" or something similar. Very clever for the debut issue of the "improved" colorized Coin World.

I just renewed my subscription, though, so I have 51 more issues to review and determine if any improvements are made.

CoinHusker · November 8, 2007 10:49PM

I thought it was a harder read than the old version. Maybe I'm just not good with change?

ricko · November 8, 2007 11:05PM

"He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. ~Harold Wilson"

Embrace change... it is inevitable. Cheers, RickO

Michigan · November 8, 2007 11:14PM

<< "He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. ~Harold Wilson"

Embrace change... it is inevitable. Cheers, RickO >>

Sometimes a U turn on a change is a good thing, anybody remember "new Coke".

291fifth · November 8, 2007 11:55PM

It strikes me as an odd change. I wonder what the reason for the change really was?

PerryHall · November 9, 2007 12:00AM

<< "He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. ~Harold Wilson"

Embrace change... it is inevitable. Cheers, RickO >>

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Cheers, PerryH

tincup · November 9, 2007 12:25AM

<< 

<< "He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. ~Harold Wilson"

Embrace change... it is inevitable. Cheers, RickO >>

Sometimes a U turn on a change is a good thing, anybody remember "new Coke".

>>

I agree. To make progress, change is necessary. But that does not mean that all changes are good!!

We went through that BS at my workplace about a decade ago. We got in a new group of manager that insisted that ' all change is good'. They even implemented a policy that everyone had to change something on a weekly basis! As you can imagine.... a very stupid edict. True, some necessary things did get changed for the better. But eventually things trended to chaos as 'stupid' changes were implented... just for the sake of change. Thankfully, eventually that philosophy was booted out after about a year.

Michigan · November 9, 2007 12:32AM

<< It strikes me as an odd change. I wonder what the reason for the change really was? >>

Publications often do these things to "freshen up" the look of a magazine or newspaper when they feel the old format
has gotten a bit stale, they also have to sell the new format to advertisers as a good thing that will attract more attention
to their ads, they probably also feel it will help CW stand out on newstands more than the old format.
There might be some cost savings as well for CW.

Casman · November 9, 2007 12:36AM

Smaller print, ink soaked tissue thin paper, whats not to like?

Longacre · November 9, 2007 12:39AM

<< 

<< 

<< "He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. ~Harold Wilson"

Embrace change... it is inevitable. Cheers, RickO >>

Sometimes a U turn on a change is a good thing, anybody remember "new Coke".

>>

I agree. To make progress, change is necessary. But that does not mean that all changes are good!!

We went through that BS at my workplace about a decade ago. We got in a new group of manager that insisted that ' all change is good'. They even implemented a policy that everyone had to change something on a weekly basis! As you can imagine.... a very stupid edict. True, some necessary things did get changed for the better. But eventually things trended to chaos as 'stupid' changes were implented... just for the sake of change. Thankfully, eventually that philosophy was booted out after about a year. >>

Do you and I work at the same firm?

ColonialCoinUnion · November 9, 2007 12:39AM

This is a tough crowd.

I don't believe the change will affect me greatly, and I will still spend about the same amount of time reading it as I always have.

ricko · November 9, 2007 12:46AM

"Without accepting the fact that everything changes, we cannot find perfect composure. But unfortunately, although it is true, it is difficult for us to accept it. Because we cannot accept the truth of transience, we suffer. " ~Shunryu Suzuki

All change is NOT for the good... but change is inevitable. Cheers, RickO

denga · November 9, 2007 12:50AM

tincup November 09, 2007

I agree. To make progress, change is necessary. But that does not mean that all changes are good!!

We went through that BS at my workplace about a decade ago. We got in a new group of manager that insisted that ' all change is good'. They even implemented a policy that everyone had to change something on a weekly basis! As you can imagine.... a very stupid edict. True, some necessary things did get changed for the better. But eventually things trended to chaos as 'stupid' changes were implented... just for the sake of change. Thankfully, eventually that philosophy was booted out after about a year.

I think you were in my school system!

Denga

Longacre · November 9, 2007 12:51AM

<< This is a tough crowd.

I don't believe the change will affect me greatly, and I will still spend about the same amount of time reading it as I always have. >>

I haven't been able to sleep a wink since receiving it.

ScarsdaleCoin · November 9, 2007 12:53AM

I said it before and I will say it again... it had a nice feel to sit with a cup of coffee and read as a weekly newspaper like Numismatic News.... if I want a magazine there are plenty to pick from..... It was a change to increase revenue .... I agree.... I dont like the new format

RichieURich · November 9, 2007 1:47AM

<< "Without accepting the fact that everything changes, we cannot find perfect composure. But unfortunately, although it is true, it is difficult for us to accept it. Because we cannot accept the truth of transience, we suffer. " ~Shunryu Suzuki

All change is NOT for the good... but change is inevitable. Cheers, RickO >>

Change is inevitable . . . except from a vending machine!

Julian · November 9, 2007 2:04AM

I am not crazy about it either. I think that I would rather read a newspaper than a magazine.

tahoe98 · November 9, 2007 3:54AM

maybe later they will offer a choice of formats, like they once did with the TV GUIDE!

BECOKA · November 9, 2007 3:57AM

I would be happy with the old format in a .pdf file for my computer. That is just about the only place I have time to read anything these days.

keets · November 9, 2007 4:02AM

for a group that routinely complains about things, this seems about right!!! strangely, if the fine folks at CW had kept using the old equipment to keep everything the same and subsequently charged a subscriber more, we'd hear complaining about that. i figure the quality of the product is better now, the quality of the pictures is better now, if i choose to save old copies it'll take up less space now, it'll be less notecable to prying eyes now, GEEZ, what's not to like??

in the end it'll just take some time for everybody to get used to, for our eyes to find the new style familiar enough. progress rolls on.........................

BECOKA · November 9, 2007 4:04AM

<< for a group that routinely complains about things, this seems about right!!! strangely, if the fine folks at CW had kept using the old equipment to keep everything the same and subsequently charged a subscriber more, we'd hear complaining about that. i figure the quality of the product is better now, the quality of the pictures is better now, if i choose to save old copies it'll take up less space now, it'll be less notecable to prying eyes now, GEEZ, what's not to like??

in the end it'll just take some time for everybody to get used to, for our eyes to find the new style familiar enough. progress rolls on......................... >>

True but a nice .pdf version would take even less space.

Tbar · November 9, 2007 4:12AM

I hated the old cumbersome format.

The new one is so much more practical imo.

from me.

BigRed · November 9, 2007 4:16AM

I like it because it does not take up the whole kitchen table and I like the pretty colored toned coins. I vote it's a keeper. The only drawback is the writing seems to be a little smaller but I am sleeping fine.

SMK · November 9, 2007 4:30AM

I haven't received mine yet but if has color pics that would work fine with me.

Longacre · November 9, 2007 5:07AM

<< I am not crazy about it either. I think that I would rather read a newspaper than a magazine. >>

I agree with you. It's sort of odd when you think about it-- the content is basically exactly the same, but it is just in a different format (newspaper versus magazine). But for some reason it seems totally different. I don't want to get too metaphysical about this, though.

Bear · November 9, 2007 5:08AM

In the market place, new and improved usually means

a cheaper, smaller product, that screws the consumer.

keets · November 9, 2007 5:18AM

c'mon, Abe!!!

while that might be true sometimes, it seems in this case they had been using the same machinery for quite some time and it's plausible that the explanation of it getting old and cumbersome is valid. i don't think it's really fair of us to criticize CW for staying modern, is it?? i can't see this as screwing the consumer if my cost stays the same, maybe it's actually saving me money from stopping an increase in the subscription.

Prethen · November 9, 2007 12:07PM

I like the new Coin World. It seems like they're able to pack a lot more information on the pages plus everything can be in full color now. Something else Beth mentioned to me when I last talked to her about this new format is that the coins can show a lot more details than previously possible due to better printing techniques and the use of color. I don't have a problem "losing" where I am when reading the articles. I think they did a great job on the new format and should be commended.

ColonialCoinUnion · November 9, 2007 12:14PM

Mine actually arrived today so I'm in a better position to comment.

I like it.

The only thing I'll miss about the old version is the newsprint that used to get all over my hands.

messydesk · November 9, 2007 12:23PM

I probably won't receive mine until late next week, but one improvement seems to be the fact that if you wanted to cut out an article to save for posterity, it won't be brittle and yellow in a couple years.

COINB0Y · November 9, 2007 12:37PM

Modern vs.Classic, here we go again!

Damn the new format is GREAT

Bear · November 9, 2007 12:41PM

Bears tend to be grumpy.

RYK · November 10, 2007 6:24AM

I like the new format.

ksteelheader · November 10, 2007 6:42AM

Life is merely a series of choices.

Barndog · November 10, 2007 7:03AM

got my issue today (the decrepit pony express must deliver to me)...I like the new look and the new size. Better eye-appeal and readability for me.

Frankcoins · November 10, 2007 8:35AM

I'll bet it's now considered a "magazine" rather than a "newspaper" Many distributors don't deal in newspapers, which is why you often see Coinage and Coin Prices in grocery stores and bookstores, but seldom CW or NN.

Priest · November 10, 2007 8:43AM

I found nothing disagreeable with the new sizing of the magizine, as a matter of fact C.W. will fit in my mail box without being torn. I can recall when C.W. was larger in size than recent edtions. Most of the readers will adapt just fine in about 2 weeks.

derryb · November 10, 2007 8:44AM

don't mind the look or the size, but the pages or too thin/lightweight.

LindeDad · November 10, 2007 9:05AM

Kai San ?

oreville · November 10, 2007 9:07AM

I have not seen it but I probably would like it more if the Coin Values (formerly Trends -why DID THEY EVER CHANGE THAT NAME ANYWAY???) had stayed as part of the main publication instead of a separate magazine?

drddm · November 10, 2007 10:01AM

I actually like the new version. Like the feel of the pages and the color makes the whole "paper" uhh "magazine" come alive.

foundinrolls · November 10, 2007 11:58AM

Not sure if there is a post that answers the Why...

The press used for the old version was ancient and on it's last legs:-)

The idea of color is a benefit. I know certain varieties and such will appear more clearly using color.

The new presses are geared for that size and that style of copy.

It is progress based upon a need to retire the old press.

mrearlygold · November 10, 2007 11:59AM

I don't like it.

Do a poll!

CaptHenway · November 10, 2007 1:00PM

<< Not sure if there is a post that answers the Why...

The press used for the old version was ancient and on it's last legs:-)

The idea of color is a benefit. I know certain varieties and such will appear more clearly using color.

The new presses are geared for that size and that style of copy.

It is progress based upon a need to retire the old press. >>

I was working for Coin World when the old press was installed, in the Spring of 1974. Absolutely state of the art at the time.

They must have made it out of the stuff they made ball parks out of back then, that needed to get torn down after 30+ years......

TD

CaptHenway · November 10, 2007 1:03PM

<< I'll bet it's now considered a "magazine" rather than a "newspaper" Many distributors don't deal in newspapers, which is why you often see Coinage and Coin Prices in grocery stores and bookstores, but seldom CW or NN. >>

Bingo!

tahoe98 · November 12, 2007 5:25AM

<< In the market place, new and improved usually means

a cheaper, smaller product, that screws the consumer. >>

YOU NAILED IT BEAR!!

JJM · November 12, 2007 5:27AM

I dont care for it

StampAlarm · November 12, 2007 5:29AM

<< 

<< I'll bet it's now considered a "magazine" rather than a "newspaper" Many distributors don't deal in newspapers, which is why you often see Coinage and Coin Prices in grocery stores and bookstores, but seldom CW or NN. >>

Bingo! >>

The last thing I saw in newspaper print at my grocery store
was ShotGun News. Haven't even seen that in years now that
it's been mentioned about distributors.

Jerry

500Bay · November 12, 2007 5:32AM

I like the color and print quality.

Is it just me, or does the print itself seem smaller?

quarterlvr · November 16, 2007 12:29PM

I think Amos Publishing is doing the same thing to all it's publications. I recieved my latest copy of Linn's Stamp News today and was SHOCKED at how small it had become. It used to be a stamp NEWSPAPER-meaning about that size. Today it was about a third of it's original size. They say it's bacause its a NEW FORMAT, smaller with MORE COLOR PICTURES. Apparently, what collectors want...I don't know. I think they are just responding to the cost of publication issue and shrinking the darned thing down, yeah the color is nice but for the same price I was paying for the BIGGER paper before. The APS just sent me my latest renewal notice and they raised my membership dues 10 dollars. Jeez, I gave up coins, now I can't afford to collect stamps either!

firstmint · November 16, 2007 2:22PM

I found the new, smaller size to be acceptable for a magazine, not a newspaper. Perhaps it will be marketed as a magazine in the near future.

However, there are a few things to remember in all of this change.

This is the second downsizing of this publication within the last 10 years, and there were color advertisements before this new downsizing. Having color appear in all printed publications has come down in price with the new technology available to publishers. This same technology was already in use at Amos press in their Coin Values monthly magazine, which came with Coin World if ordered to be included with a yearly subscription.

Speaking of subscription, the price was $41.95 for 52 issues in 2004. This was after the first downsizing. With the color magazine size, Coin Values included, the subscription went to $47.95, as seen in 2006. That wasn't a bad increase at $8. for 12 issues. In the January 1, 2007 issue, new colorized front and rear covers were added; so was a subscription rate increase to $49.95. Interestingly, with this newer smaller size and all the color added to the ads, the subscription has remained at $49.95.

Why? or How?

Because, the biggest impact of this "new format"has to do with advertising prices. They have increased significantly, while the space in the publication has been considerably reduced.

There is no longer a rate chart printed in the back of Coin World. Hasn't been one for years. You now have to call an account representative. The people who advertise are the ones that will have to charge more for their product to pay for all of this - nothing new. This only supports higher prices in the end.

I remember when CW used to print the circulation number of copies sent out for each issue. To me, it was an indicator of the market. Now, that information is gone as well.

We'll just have to watch the number of pages in each issue. That should be a key factor on whether or not the new CW format is a benefit.

I do find it very interesting that Coin World is now the same size and basic format as the publication from the American Numismatic Association, now called "Numismatist". Surprisingly, at the start date of this new format for CW (11/5/2007), they have nearly the same number of pages (CW is at 125, while Numismatist is at 120).

What will the printed competition be like in the future for the numismatic dollar?

I really don't like the new look of the new Coin World...

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