Three weeks ago today, I wrote this …
“Earlier this year, we asked CAA members (the Carriage Journal’s “subscribers”) to complete a reader survey. This was in an attempt to get a better idea about what our readers like (or don’t like quite so much) about the various articles typically featured in the magazine. Most of those who responded are very interested in learning more about the history of driving and carriages, seeing and learning more about collections of carriages and carriage- and driving-related items, and learning about the history of the horse-drawn era. About half of the respondents are very interested in “how-to” articles, reports on CAA events, histories of carriage makers, and information on the restoration and conservation of horse-drawn vehicles. We’ve taken all of the survey results and the suggestions to heart, and we’re re-formatting the magazine a bit. Starting with the January 2010 issue, the layout will look ever-so-slightly different (better, and easier to read and navigate, we hope!). And our readers will find a number of regular departments covering the things they’ve told us they want to read more about: personal collections, general carriage information, history, horses (including harness and how-to), and personal stories. We’ll also be including images and information from the treasure-trove that is the archives and library of the Carriage Museum of America. In addition, each issue will feature several long, in-depth articles with lots of the stunning photos the Carriage Journal has become known for. And, last but not least, we’ll still have driving-related news bits, letters to the editor, book reviews, and the back-page personal-opinion column. Intrigued? Look for the January 2010 issue after the beginning of the year.”
As the slightly re-envisioned Carriage Journal continues to take shape, I wanted to give you an update.
The five new, regular departments now have names! “The Road Behind” will include articles on the history of carriages and driving; “In the Carriage House” will include articles on members’ personal collections of carriages or carriage- and driving-related items; “In the Stable” will include how-to articles on driving and articles on harness and equine breeds; “The Spares Kit” will include articles on carriage details such as parts, identification, restoration tips, etc.; and “Memory Lane” will include personal stories. With these departments, we’ll be able to cover many of the content topics that we like to include in every issue of the magazine AND put them in recognizable, easy-to-find places.
If you have a story idea for the magazine (or if you’d like to learn more about writing for the CJ), please let us know!
The blog plays a part in our future magazine plans as well. For several of our upcoming longer feature articles, we’ll post behind-the-scenes stories and photos while we research and prepare the articles for publication.
So stay tuned. We’re excited about these changes and hope you will be too!
If you’re not a CAA member but would like to learn more about the organization and our publications, please visit us at www.caaonline.com.
The Slower Road 