Replies

1. 
   tcsewhat | Mar 29, 2004 03:56pm | #1

   Articles about technology I don't have---I use it to form a wish list of what I hope to buy.  This gives me a better idea of what is out there and what I might like to have.  It gives me incentive to start saving my $.  Keep it up!

2. 
   Bernice | Mar 29, 2004 08:25pm | #2

   Could you specify what you mean by specialized technology?  Special machine functions/embroidery? Some particular machine or tool? New product reviews that have high tech features (back to machines).  I'm a little undecided on how to vote since I'm not really clear on exactly what's meant. Thank you.

1. 
   carolfresia | Mar 29, 2004 08:44pm | #3

   In this case, we were referring to pattern drafting software, which isn't strictly necessary for sewing, but which can add to your sewing experience. "Dream machine" technology could fit into this category as well, since most construction sewing can be accomplished with a pretty basic machine.

   Carol

1. 
   Bernice | Mar 29, 2004 10:09pm | #4

   Thanks for clarifying, that hadn't even come to mind. With all due respect, if pattern software is the specific thing you had in mind, I don't think that came through at all in the question and the votes on this one are going to be subject to each individual's interpretation of what is meant by specialized technology if they don't read the discussion with your explanation!

1. 
   carolfresia | Mar 31, 2004 11:49pm | #11

   Bernice,

   I just saw your message---it was hidden somewhere, I'm not sure where. Anyway, below the text of the poll each week are one or two attachments, which provide visuals for the poll questions (in this case, pictures from the pattern drafting software article). Unfortunately, if you come to the poll from within the Gatherings discussion area (rather than from the Threads homepage), the attachments often aren't visible below the bottom of the screen, and there is no way, with this software, to change that situation. The forum is set up really for verbal polls, not for polls with images, so we've had to make do with what we can do...we'll try to word subsequent polls in such a way as to guide readers to look at the attachments below.

   Carol

3. 
   Barbaran8 | Mar 30, 2004 05:49pm | #5

   The whole point of Threads is to give us a look at something to stretch or reach for... A balanced review of new equipment, or books, or software, or techniques - maybe I'm not interested in acquiring whatever it is now, but I think it's pretty clear that most of your readership keeps all their back issues for reference, and goes back to that article when they do decide to make that acquisition. So far you've avoided the "advertisement disguised as a review" trap - well, except for Taunton books - I forgive you... ;-}

1. 
   carolfresia | Mar 30, 2004 06:02pm | #6

   One thing we try hard to accomplish in the overview articles is to provide information that is general enough not to go out of date immediately, and that will help readers make purchasing decisions even a couple of years down the road. Specific machine models change relatively often, of course, but the basics of what to consider when shopping for a particular type of equipment remain constant for longer. We obviously can't review every machine that comes out, but we attempt to give you guidelines for making informed choices on your own.

   And we always advocate that you take into account the dealer from whom you buy your equipment. Sewing machines can be quite complex these days, and it's essential to have support to keep your investment running properly. Sewing should be fun, and it's not all that much fun if your machine is giving you fits!

   Carol

2. 
   pdclose | Mar 31, 2004 01:59am | #8

   "[snip] A balanced review of new equipment, or books, or software, or techniques - maybe I'm not interested in acquiring whatever it is now, but I think it's pretty clear that most of your readership keeps all their back issues for reference, and goes back to that article when they do decide to make that acquisition. "

   The trick is not to review too many things that can be easily "dated".  That's the one problem I have with the biennial pattern review (the "what's hot this season" regular feature) -- by next season that's not going to be what's hot or what's useful, and it's unlikely I'll ever refer to that article again.  If you do too many reviews of rapidly changing technology (software is notorious for this), then you risk your magazine becoming too bogged down in the moment and not useful for the long run.  If a magazine is too much focused on this moment in time (like a lot of financial magazines are), then I'll pick up the issue I need on the newstands, I won't bother subscribing.

   Threads, in the past, has been timeless, and I hope it moves back that way again.

4. 
   Irisilk | Mar 31, 2004 01:40am | #7

   Why do you force people to choose just one answer in your poll? I would have checked the first three entries -- your technical articles sometimes help me better understand technology I have, they undoubtedly sometimes prompt me to purchase new technology, therefore I find them interesting whether I plan to buy the specific technology or not.

   Cordially -- Iris Lorenz-Fife

1. 
   carolfresia | Mar 31, 2004 03:47pm | #9

   HI, Iris,

   Thanks for clarifying your point of view on the poll question. Unfortunately, the software the we use to set up the polls allows voters to choose just one answer--that's something we weren't all that happy about, either, but we figured that people might be willing to post a message expanding a bit if necessary. Maybe I should have added an "all of the above" choice, too!

   Carol

1. 
   GinnaS | Mar 31, 2004 08:25pm | #10

   Carol - If you have enough selections you could also add  A & B, A & C, and B & C selections.  I know I would have selected multiple choices if given the option.  As it was I tried to select the most best choice.

   I am so glad you monitor this board.  It is wonderful to get some feedback from the magazine.

   Ginna

5. 
   dregan | Apr 02, 2004 02:04am | #12

   I started sewing again after many years and was lucky enough to find Threads right away!  It seemed every magazine was showing a new technique from the way I learned it, and I was very excited and still am.  I plan to use many of the techniques someday, but some are certainly beyond me.  I save every one and when I start something new, I look back because I know I saw it in Threads and can review it and have a much better shot at doing a decent job on the project. I actually chose the second one, but don't know if that is the correct way to answer it.

   Deb

   
   

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   Edited 4/1/2004 7:06 pm ET by Deb