It’s time to say thank you
When Scootering magazine reached the milestone of 400 editions it was a proud moment in its history. We would like to say thank you.
Before our launch in1985 the only way of knowing what was happening, or so it seemed, within the scooter scene was by way of Scootermania magazine. I remember quite often someone would get hold of a copy on a rally or from a scooter-related shop and bring it down the pub on club night. By the time it had been passed round and had beer spilled on it, there wasn't much of it left to read if you actually got the chance before closing time. It was the vital link connecting us all with what was happening, or which dealer to use by way of the adverts inside. When news broke that there would be a national magazine available from the local newsagent, it was a breath of fresh air. Not that there was anything wrong with what was on offer already, just the ease at the way you would be able to source important information in the future.
When it did hit the newsstands it was a revelation.
Not only did you have up-todate information on rallies and events, but reports on them as well. Throw in features on the latest custom scooters, and editorial knew they were on to a winner. Starting off as a bi-monthly publication, the wait for the next edition was agonising at times. Club members would bring their own copy to the weekly meet sometimes, everyone possessing one. It didn't matter as each page would be read in fine detail and then opinions shared of what had been written. The magazine had the power and ability to bond scooterists together.
Slowly, over time, the magazine’s content altered as editors and writers either left or joined. What remained the same was the format and layout, which were proving to be a winning formula. So much so that it is similar even 34 years later. Things have changed dramatically over that time, so there are differences in how or what is reported, that taken aside are the original values of why the magazine was perceived to be different. Perhaps that’s why it still going strong, because it can still connect with its readership. There have been plenty of rivals come and go over that time, but competition makes you stronger.
Let’s not forget the battle against the internet and social media that have changed the way we source our information. Any magazine, regardless of its subject matter, has had to fight this modern revolution and some, in the end, have succumbed to it. Luckily there is one advantage a printed magazine has on its side. Amazon with the ‘Kindle’ tried to make us all see it a different way by placing books in an online format. While it works for some it sort of doesn't exist as such. Perhaps in the future we all will read this way, but trying to change hundreds of years of tradition isn’t going to happen overnight. The majority of people, whatever they are reading, still want a physical copy in their hands.
My own personal involvement, apart from buying it, of course, was by having a scooter featured in the late 1980s. When that happens it makes you feel proud you have achieved something, a feeling felt by many owners over the years. As time went by my involvement grew bigger by being a source of contributing material feature writers often used. On the very odd occasion I even got the chance to write a piece, even though it hardly got noticed. When the offer of being a regular feature writer was put my way it didn't take long to decide to accept. Now it was my time to switch from being in front of the camera to being behind it, feeling very honoured in the process.
Ironically, I’ve just finished my 40th edition of being actively involved, so a tenth of the magazine’s illustrious life. Over that time I have met many people and characters who grace the world of scootering, many of whom are happy to share memories and tell their story. Without sounding patronising, all of them are vitally important because without them there would be nothing to tell, whether it's a dealer showcasing a new product, someone building a custom scooter, a promoter putting on a rally, or those in attendance. Each and every person plays a vital part within the scene. The magazine's job is to collate all that information and present it in a suitable manner for the reader to absorb.
That's why a magazine is so vital and, in my opinion, it is required. Not everyone who owns a scooter reads Scootering magazine, but on the other hand not everyone is on social media either. It's a combination of everything that makes it all work. That is why everyone at Scootering magazine does the job to the best of their ability to give the reader the information they want. So to all the people who have told me their story and all those that have helped with creating them, may I say thank you, because without you, it couldn't happen.
Most importantly though, is the magazine itself. Though sometimes people may think it’s not required, I bet at some time over the last 400 editions all of us have either read an article or looked up information or an advert within it. If you have, then it's done its job successfully. Though over time editors and contributors have come and gone, and ownership changed hands, the magazine is still there, in high demand, and hopefully always will be, as none of us are bigger than the magazine itself.