"Every truth has four corners: as a teacher I give you one corner, and it is for you to find the other three." Confucius (China's most famous teacher, philosopher, and political theorist, 551-479 BC)
BoSacks Readers Speak Out: Where are Today's Mentors?
Click here for Original Rant
Re: BoSacks Speaks Out: Where are Today's Mentors?
You struck a nerve. I take for granted all my graphic arts knowledge though think back to times when I knew far less and read ever pocket pal, SWOP manual and took a loop to every color bar to be sure all materials were in compliance or just to see how another prepress shop prepared their materials. You state you were inquisitive though I don't find this to be the general sentiment out there these days. It is more let me program my itunes, download my custom ring tone on company time and IM or text my buddies then get some work in between these activities. Attention span deficit! The people who take the time to think about how their activities in NY can make or break hours of production at some midwest printing plant are the rare ones. I have to fight the same inclination myself sometimes and get sidetracked too.
Usually if I make a press check, I realize what a tightly integrated thing this publisher/paper manufacturer/printer/distributor/consumer business this we take part in and those are not even all the stakeholders involved. A lot of jobs depend on it.
(Submitted by a Publisher)
Re: BoSacks Speaks Out: Where are Today's Mentors?
I wholeheartedly agree. I too had many mentors and one in particular was George Carl Sr. He was inquisitive about everything and as such was a very detail oriented person. He made me aware of the things I had to know to do my job properly. Consequently ink was not just ink but a liquid that was made of chemical components for different printing processes, also paper was not just paper and printing plates took many forms.
I was also fortunate to have been in the business when there was more than one printing process. I made it my business to pass this information along to others. In all my dealings with my fellow workers I made it imperative that when they were taught something it was their responsibility to pass along what they learned.
It was why I enjoyed being so involved with the APPM and being Program Chairperson at least 5 times and President twice, it was a great association for learning. It has been 7 years since I retired and I know for a fact (and you have confirmed it) that there are no more mentors- they seem to have disappeared with the advent of computerization-I guess now we will have to rely on robots! Keep up the good work.
(Submitted by a retired Production Director)
Re: BoSacks Speaks Out: Where are Today's Mentors?
Bo, I couldn't agree more with the article concerning mentoring. I was fortunate to have several mentors on my way up the corporate ladder and nurtured those relationships to maximize what I could learn from them.
Much of what I truly learned about the publishing business and people in business came from my daily interactions with my mentor in NYC. I spent three years learning from him, being challenged by him and often being frustrated or anxious with him. Adolph Auerbacher (Meredith Corporation) was one of the last of a dying breed of classic publishing mentors. He taught his lessons through parable and personal experiences. He often didn't answer the question or critique the decision made, but would get his message across through example or a story. You always wanted to do your best because you knew he expected it of you.
I find today many people are too busy making a name for themselves through their "hard work" or "last big sale" and miss the opportunities to listen and learn.
The idea of an internal publishing school makes lots of sense and was initiated at Meredith back in 1989. Their "publishing college" program continues today and has spawned many great careers, including mine.
(Submitted by an experienced industry veteran willing to mentor)
Re: BoSacks Speaks Out: Where are Today's Mentors?
I completely agree where are today's mentors? You are right there does need to be a broader understanding of the roles and functions and cross pollination within publishing organizations.
I think more importantly the question is why does the industry limit itself by not developing and reaching out to those that get less exposure or are one level down within an organization. The industry continues to tap into the same key leaders. The future leaders are there Bo and ready to take a more upfront role in the industry. Tap into it.
(Submitted by a Director of Mfg. & Dist.)
Re: BoSacks Speaks Out: Where are Today's Mentors?
The mentors are here, Bob. There are a lot of people like me who spend a great deal of time teaching and helping anyone who asks. But, a couple of things have changed in this industry - and not for the better, I'm afraid.
Companies aren't so willing to invest in training employees now - they don't send them to conferences or industry luncheons and events or pay for subscriptions to the trade press or encourage others in the company to help train the staff. The truth is there is not a lot of inhouse training going on in most companies today. I see it all the time in client companies and hear about it from other consultants to the industry. Too often when training is offered, some employees resent it because it "adds to the work load and stress". Yes, I just heard that sad story this week. Amazing, isn't it?
The trade press has stopped publishing real "how to" articles that concentrate on building core skills in each important publishing area. It's weird. No pme thinks it's important to understand the basics of anything anymore. A foundation for your profession just isn't exciting to most. It goes along with the attention deficit syndrome most people seem to value now.
Events managers expect seasoned professionals to show up a conferences on their time and dime to make money for someone else's company. A lot of experienced, talented speakers and seminar leaders have gotten off the speaking circuit because after 40 years, we think it's important to be compensated for travel expenses, if not for our time. So what I'm seeing now at these events is a lot of sales presentations for supplier's companies or the wisdom of people who haven't much experience. This type of conference content is a real event killer.
Lots of people mentored me. I owe my career and my business to them. I'm willing to do the same for others but often help is not wanted or easily available to those who do want it.
I hope you're able to encourage the industry to find a solution.
(Submitted by an Industry Consultant)
Re: BoSacks Speaks Out: Where are Today's Mentors?
Right on. I've been in sales for more years than I want to remember. But, before I went into sales I was in magazine and book production. The knowledge I gained, the mentoring I had, is no longer there.
The problem goes beyond magazines, it's in book publishing also. Both magazine and book production are the very similar. Technology has encroached upon both. Publishers are scrambling to figure out what is happening to their business models.
Look at books. Google decides to scan books and the major book publishers raise the flag to say, you can't do that. But, Google did. The technology was there, but book publishers either did not know about it, did not understand it, or could not see the application.
How many publishers, magazine or book, understand XML?
(Submitted by a Printer)
Re: BoSacks Speaks Out: Where are Today's Mentors?
Well said, Bob. My belief is that companies have cut "to the bone" and we're all working so much and at a fast pace that there is not time for mentoring & coaching, much less the quiet time for deep thinking about strategy development. The "younglings" are not able to learn about developing and maintaining relationships that will can them when its crunch time or they're in crisis, either personally or professionally. They don't know how to properly communicate verbally or in writing and rely too much on emails; all of which actually hurts their interpersonal skills. In fact, we just lost a young sales rep in training since he could not get over the fear of talking to people, relied too much on email contact, and lacked the business maturity to operate effectively in an office environment. A "very young & immature" 30 years old, did he not spend enough time being mentored or coached?
So how will business find the time to develop better mentoring programs? That's the $24 million question that could hinder business overall; not just the publishing industry. Thanks for your insightful musings. Keep up the good work!
(Submitted by a 20+ year employee on both sides of the printing and publishing industry)
Re: BoSacks Speaks Out: Where are Today's Mentors?
I completely agree where are today's mentors? You are right there does need to be a broader understanding of the roles and functions and cross pollination within publishing organizations.
I think more importantly the question is why does the industry limit itself by not developing and reaching out to those that get less exposure or are one level down within an organization. The industry continues to tap into the same key leaders. The future leaders are there Bo and ready to take a more upfront role in the industry. Tap into it.
(Submitted by a Director of Mfg. & Dist.)
Re: BoSacks Speaks Out: Where are Today's Mentors?
Bob, I consider myself one of the real lucky one's. Your mentorship of me back in the mid-1980's at xxx- xxx publishing, was excellent. You opened my mind to ways of thinking that were extraordinary then and now. The two most special golden Bo-rules that I remember are the following:
Never panic. . . there is always a solution if you look in the right place and ask the right questions.
And my very top favorite Bo-ism, that I have used in every application wherever possible is:
if something isn't working, see if it's plugged in.
That little gem is as deep and as good as anything Aristotle ever said and I have put it to good use over the years. (Submitted by a Senior Director of Mfg and Dst)
Sunday, April 29, 2007
BoSacks Readers Speak Out: On Celebrity Titles
He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.”
Winston Churchill (British Orator, Author and Prime Minister during World War II. 1874-1965)
BoSacks Readers Speak Out: On Celebrity Titles
www.bosacks.com
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Honestly Bob, you need to get a grip.
Adults are reading less, because they are working more. We no longer work a 40-hr week but rather 60- 80 hrs. And when we get home—it’s time to spend with kids, lovers, etc. And those readers that once read books during commutes now have fun little trios that allow them to start working before arriving to the office.
Celebrity titles selling better on newsstands: Well, I’m sure that this has something to do with the fact that Wal-mart places celebrity mags in checkout lines and only celebrity magazines. And even though consumers believe they are spending less time in self-checkout lines, I’m sure the stats would surprise us all. Or, if you want to restrict this conversation to the big cities—when was the last time you stopped by a newsstand for coffee? Find the right magazine and sell it through the right chain—such as Travel and Leisure sold through Starbucks—that’s a nice pairing.
Calm down, Bob—the industry just needs a crash course in Freakanomics and then we could construct a battle plan.
(Submitted by a Publishing Data Manager)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
There are good reasons to be wary when discussing studies, particularly when communicated by the media. The NEA study doesn't say that reading has declined 10%. It says that "literary reading" has declined. The study defines literary reading as novels, short stories, plays, and poetry. It doesn't include philosophy, essays, history, narrative non-fiction, or other types of writing that one might consider literary. According to that definition, magazines by and large don't exist. Gay Talese's "Frank Sinatra Has A Cold"? Doesn't exist. E.B. White's Talk of the Town pieces? They don't exist. Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief? Doesn't exist.
(Submitted by a Writer)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Agreed, the widespread focus on celebrity titles suggests the focus on beauty instead of substance that’s prevalent in this society. It’s the gradual dumbing down of the American empire.
(Submitted by an Industry Supplier)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Bo, You talk about celebrity magazines. What a joke. These folks are just reporting the garbage that the other media has conjured up. Britney Spears was a fabricated thing set up by the media folks to do what, sell her talent? no, she had no talent. What she did have was exploitive parents who allowed the media to use her as a symbol for the young women and parents who bought into the hype. . .
(Submitted by a Paper Person)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
for the record it is not about how many you sell these days but how profitable n/stand is.
One - does n/stand number continue to help fill-in the rate base.?
Two- if you take 100,000 out of the draw at $.50 x 50 weeks=$2,500,000 in saving, + increase cost per copy - so some drop off in sales looks bad but $.50- 1.00 more a copy viola you make more money.
(Submitted by a Senior Director of Mfg and Dst)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Bo, I have been a reader of yours for over twelve years and in that time you have proven to be an accurate and consistent visionary and industry pundit. You pushed CTP and PDF before anyone else had even heard to them. I have always found your no nonsense publishing insights practical, pragmatic and above all else delightfully honest.
But now I see that I must add another accolade to your repertoire . . . that of mind reader.
I have been fuming lately over the very subject you just vented on. I am a multi-title publisher with what I think are quality books with an excellent editorial package.
We have a respectable performance on the newsstand, but I am as horrified as you are that the celebrity titles have such a giant and disproportionate share of the market. And a market when viewed in total that seems to be in real trouble. As always thanks for the consistency the amazing prolific continuity.
(Submitted by a Publisher)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
I too get discouraged at the popularity of titles that provide information with no value to society, or even to one’s personal life. What a waste of precious time to read such things, I think.
But what does encourage me--based on what I see in the market and also what I myself feel when browsing the giant newsstand in NYC’s Penn Station (where I often deliberately miss my train home)--is that the niche enthusiast and hobby publications seem to be doing a fine job, and are staying healthy, even with audience numbers that aren’t remotely near that of the titles we hear about when our business is highlighted in the consumer media.
When it comes to titles like Motorcyclist; Boating; Ski; Digital Camera; Guitar Player; Fine Gardening; Golf; Backpacker; and all of the other hundreds of laser- focused titles I snoop through, it is so clear to me that they always succeed at sparking the imagination and transporting the reader to a relaxed yet excited state of mind, all while teaching them something related to a discipline, and creating community too.
Put another way: Holding a stitched bundle of laminated paper can be a transforming experience. How amazing is that?
We all know that the Web is all about letting people find their desired niches quickly and easily, so being a generalist title, in print or in electrons, is only going to be harder with each passing day. But that’s no reason for any of us to despair. Niches are more interesting— to many consumers, and to me as a media professional. That makes niche businesses eminently viable in the long run, and it makes me feel good about our business, regardless of the popularity of celebrity titles and the relative lack of interest in other generalist titles.
(Submitted by an Editorial Director)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Bob, The root cause is more alarming. Less than 70% of 9th graders graduate from high school. We have a bigger problem than novels, short stories, plays, etc. If you need the exact state-by-state for an upcoming “rant,” let me know, and I’m sure I can find the source information for you . . .
(Submitted by a publisher and printer)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Here's the deal- NOBODY HAS ANY TIME TO READ ANYMORE. USA Today figured that out in 1982 or circa 12 BI (Before Internet). It's even truer today.
Now that everyone is "wired in" all of the time via cell phones and other mobile communication devices- work never goes away, school never goes away, friends never go away and family never goes away. Let's be honest, sometimes we want to be alone with our thoughts (or perhaps to read leisure material) but almost everyone (including me) is afraid to unplug for fear of missing something "important". Downtime in a car was taken away by the advent of cell phones. Downtime on a commuter train was replaced by working on the laptop and then the wireless PDA. Downtime on weekends and even vacation disappeared long ago. Soon, that last bastion of escape, the airplane, will allow wireless communication during flight making your iPod essential travel gear lest you want to listen to Mr. or Ms. Big Shot do all their "very big and important" deals all the way from Point A to Point B.
Add this to the fact that today's parents are obsessively involved with their children and that more families are trying to balance 2 careers and their kids social, sports and educational calendars and I've got to ask, are we really wondering why nobody reads "literature" anymore?
As for the celebrity titles- I would bet my house that less than half of the people who purchase these magazines actually read them. They are designed to consume photos and captions in less than 30 minutes. I have watched my daughter go through 3 weekly titles in less than ½ hour. We're not exactly talking about The New Yorker or Vanity Fair here. These publishers are the PT Barnums of our time. They're just giving the masses what they want.
I've got to go now. American Idol is about to start.
(Submitted by an Industry Supplier)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
In large part, we’re back to the government schools again with this problem. Our industry is a creature of our culture and our culture is headed down the crapper. Kids can’t read, never learn a love of reading. This is especially true for the boys who the lady teachers put on Ritalin because they won’t act like girls. But take heart! At least they learn to put condoms on bananas and are protected from the effects of second hand prayer.
None of this gets better – not culturally, not morally, not intellectually, not economically, not anything – until we close the government schools and let kids be schooled by people who have their educational development in mind rather than their political indoctrination.
(Submitted by a Printer)
Winston Churchill (British Orator, Author and Prime Minister during World War II. 1874-1965)
BoSacks Readers Speak Out: On Celebrity Titles
www.bosacks.com
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Honestly Bob, you need to get a grip.
Adults are reading less, because they are working more. We no longer work a 40-hr week but rather 60- 80 hrs. And when we get home—it’s time to spend with kids, lovers, etc. And those readers that once read books during commutes now have fun little trios that allow them to start working before arriving to the office.
Celebrity titles selling better on newsstands: Well, I’m sure that this has something to do with the fact that Wal-mart places celebrity mags in checkout lines and only celebrity magazines. And even though consumers believe they are spending less time in self-checkout lines, I’m sure the stats would surprise us all. Or, if you want to restrict this conversation to the big cities—when was the last time you stopped by a newsstand for coffee? Find the right magazine and sell it through the right chain—such as Travel and Leisure sold through Starbucks—that’s a nice pairing.
Calm down, Bob—the industry just needs a crash course in Freakanomics and then we could construct a battle plan.
(Submitted by a Publishing Data Manager)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
There are good reasons to be wary when discussing studies, particularly when communicated by the media. The NEA study doesn't say that reading has declined 10%. It says that "literary reading" has declined. The study defines literary reading as novels, short stories, plays, and poetry. It doesn't include philosophy, essays, history, narrative non-fiction, or other types of writing that one might consider literary. According to that definition, magazines by and large don't exist. Gay Talese's "Frank Sinatra Has A Cold"? Doesn't exist. E.B. White's Talk of the Town pieces? They don't exist. Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief? Doesn't exist.
(Submitted by a Writer)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Agreed, the widespread focus on celebrity titles suggests the focus on beauty instead of substance that’s prevalent in this society. It’s the gradual dumbing down of the American empire.
(Submitted by an Industry Supplier)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Bo, You talk about celebrity magazines. What a joke. These folks are just reporting the garbage that the other media has conjured up. Britney Spears was a fabricated thing set up by the media folks to do what, sell her talent? no, she had no talent. What she did have was exploitive parents who allowed the media to use her as a symbol for the young women and parents who bought into the hype. . .
(Submitted by a Paper Person)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
for the record it is not about how many you sell these days but how profitable n/stand is.
One - does n/stand number continue to help fill-in the rate base.?
Two- if you take 100,000 out of the draw at $.50 x 50 weeks=$2,500,000 in saving, + increase cost per copy - so some drop off in sales looks bad but $.50- 1.00 more a copy viola you make more money.
(Submitted by a Senior Director of Mfg and Dst)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Bo, I have been a reader of yours for over twelve years and in that time you have proven to be an accurate and consistent visionary and industry pundit. You pushed CTP and PDF before anyone else had even heard to them. I have always found your no nonsense publishing insights practical, pragmatic and above all else delightfully honest.
But now I see that I must add another accolade to your repertoire . . . that of mind reader.
I have been fuming lately over the very subject you just vented on. I am a multi-title publisher with what I think are quality books with an excellent editorial package.
We have a respectable performance on the newsstand, but I am as horrified as you are that the celebrity titles have such a giant and disproportionate share of the market. And a market when viewed in total that seems to be in real trouble. As always thanks for the consistency the amazing prolific continuity.
(Submitted by a Publisher)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
I too get discouraged at the popularity of titles that provide information with no value to society, or even to one’s personal life. What a waste of precious time to read such things, I think.
But what does encourage me--based on what I see in the market and also what I myself feel when browsing the giant newsstand in NYC’s Penn Station (where I often deliberately miss my train home)--is that the niche enthusiast and hobby publications seem to be doing a fine job, and are staying healthy, even with audience numbers that aren’t remotely near that of the titles we hear about when our business is highlighted in the consumer media.
When it comes to titles like Motorcyclist; Boating; Ski; Digital Camera; Guitar Player; Fine Gardening; Golf; Backpacker; and all of the other hundreds of laser- focused titles I snoop through, it is so clear to me that they always succeed at sparking the imagination and transporting the reader to a relaxed yet excited state of mind, all while teaching them something related to a discipline, and creating community too.
Put another way: Holding a stitched bundle of laminated paper can be a transforming experience. How amazing is that?
We all know that the Web is all about letting people find their desired niches quickly and easily, so being a generalist title, in print or in electrons, is only going to be harder with each passing day. But that’s no reason for any of us to despair. Niches are more interesting— to many consumers, and to me as a media professional. That makes niche businesses eminently viable in the long run, and it makes me feel good about our business, regardless of the popularity of celebrity titles and the relative lack of interest in other generalist titles.
(Submitted by an Editorial Director)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Bob, The root cause is more alarming. Less than 70% of 9th graders graduate from high school. We have a bigger problem than novels, short stories, plays, etc. If you need the exact state-by-state for an upcoming “rant,” let me know, and I’m sure I can find the source information for you . . .
(Submitted by a publisher and printer)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
Here's the deal- NOBODY HAS ANY TIME TO READ ANYMORE. USA Today figured that out in 1982 or circa 12 BI (Before Internet). It's even truer today.
Now that everyone is "wired in" all of the time via cell phones and other mobile communication devices- work never goes away, school never goes away, friends never go away and family never goes away. Let's be honest, sometimes we want to be alone with our thoughts (or perhaps to read leisure material) but almost everyone (including me) is afraid to unplug for fear of missing something "important". Downtime in a car was taken away by the advent of cell phones. Downtime on a commuter train was replaced by working on the laptop and then the wireless PDA. Downtime on weekends and even vacation disappeared long ago. Soon, that last bastion of escape, the airplane, will allow wireless communication during flight making your iPod essential travel gear lest you want to listen to Mr. or Ms. Big Shot do all their "very big and important" deals all the way from Point A to Point B.
Add this to the fact that today's parents are obsessively involved with their children and that more families are trying to balance 2 careers and their kids social, sports and educational calendars and I've got to ask, are we really wondering why nobody reads "literature" anymore?
As for the celebrity titles- I would bet my house that less than half of the people who purchase these magazines actually read them. They are designed to consume photos and captions in less than 30 minutes. I have watched my daughter go through 3 weekly titles in less than ½ hour. We're not exactly talking about The New Yorker or Vanity Fair here. These publishers are the PT Barnums of our time. They're just giving the masses what they want.
I've got to go now. American Idol is about to start.
(Submitted by an Industry Supplier)
RE: BoSacks Speaks Out: On Celebrity Titles
In large part, we’re back to the government schools again with this problem. Our industry is a creature of our culture and our culture is headed down the crapper. Kids can’t read, never learn a love of reading. This is especially true for the boys who the lady teachers put on Ritalin because they won’t act like girls. But take heart! At least they learn to put condoms on bananas and are protected from the effects of second hand prayer.
None of this gets better – not culturally, not morally, not intellectually, not economically, not anything – until we close the government schools and let kids be schooled by people who have their educational development in mind rather than their political indoctrination.
(Submitted by a Printer)
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