Latest Safari Magazine Travesty

12 July 2013, 20:04

So I opened and "read" the latest issue last night. This morning I received and email from a friend and I think he pretty well summed it up.

"I received the new Safari Magazine from SCI. It has an article about jam(yes, the fruity spread), jewelry trends, and martinis(the drink, not the rifle). It was also thinner than most issues. What's next--safari chic kitchen appliances, removing wine stains from cammo, nifty wall tent decorations for under $1(Oops, it's SCI. Make that $1000)? I can see it now, the new SCI Martha Stewart Award, the SCI Cocktail Grand Slam(requiring at least seven drinks from five categories at the diamond level), and the most coveted award of all--the SCI Lifetime Canning Achievement Award("I've canned two hundred species from five continents!")............."

I found exactly 0 articles that I wanted to read in the entire frigging magazine!!! I REALLY hope SCI recognizes the wheels have fallen off, the car is in flames, and is going over a cliff........we'll see.

Brett

DRSS
Life Member SCI
Life Member NRA
Life Member WSF

Rhyme of the Sheep Hunter
May fordings never be too deep, And alders not too thick; May rock slides never be too steep And ridges not too slick.
And may your bullets shoot as swell As Fred Bear's arrow's flew; And may your nose work just as well As Jack O'Connor's too.
May winds be never at your tail When stalking down the steep; May bears be never on your trail When packing out your sheep.
May the hundred pounds upon you Not make you break or trip; And may the plane in which you flew Await you at the strip.
-Seth Peterson

12 July 2013, 20:10

BrettAKSCI

PS> This hoity toity lifestyle shit is exactly playing into the stereo type that SCI is a rich man's club. Never mind the fact that SAFARI magazine has almost NO hunting articles in it! I really am beside myself. WHAT ARE THEY THINKING!!!

12 July 2013, 20:20

rnovi

I thought about using it to wipe my tail but the paper isn't Charmin.

Seriously, I'm embarassed by this publication.

PS: Have you noticed that they don't put a direct email address on their website? You have to submit a request through their website directly with no return email addy listed.

12 July 2013, 20:21

Brian Clark

Brett, when I got mine I thought the same thing. What a joke of a magazine it has become.

12 July 2013, 20:41

Greg Brownlee

Jeff and I talked about that yesterday when it showed up at the office. Into the trash it went.

12 July 2013, 21:05

Brain1

I agree it was a total waste of paper and postage.

12 July 2013, 21:21

Tim Herald

I had 2 articles returned to me from them recently. I have never sent them anything that they did not buy. I was told that these hunting stories just weren't what they were looking for anymore. I was sure to tell them what I thought of the new style of the magazine, and that everyone I knew felt the same...

12 July 2013, 21:34

dinsdale

Total POS.

I skimmed it walking up the driveway and it went in the trash can; didn't even make it in the door.

12 July 2013, 21:49

cal pappas

Welcome to the club, Brett.
I dropped SCI and their motto (First for SCI) years ago. A couple of years before I ended my membership I requested they stop sending me literature, the magazine, and the newspaper.

I put SCI in the same boat as the teacher's union--they are in it for themselves and screw the membership. That's why I go to Dallas. I hope many follow.

Off to Australia this pm with the little six.
Cal

_______________________________

Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
www.CalPappas.com
www.CalPappas.blogspot.com
1994 Zimbabwe
1997 Zimbabwe
1998 Zimbabwe
1999 Zimbabwe
1999 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia--vacation
2000 Australia
2002 South Africa
2003 South Africa
2003 Zimbabwe
2005 South Africa
2005 Zimbabwe
2006 Tanzania
2006 Zimbabwe--vacation
2007 Zimbabwe--vacation
2008 Zimbabwe
2012 Australia
2013 South Africa
2013 Zimbabwe
2013 Australia
2016 Zimbabwe
2017 Zimbabwe
2018 South Africa
2018 Zimbabwe--vacation
2019 South Africa
2019 Botswana
2019 Zimbabwe vacation
2021 South Africa
2021 South Africa (2nd hunt a month later)
______________________________

12 July 2013, 21:56

505 gibbs

quote:
PS> This hoity toity lifestyle shit is exactly playing into the stereo type that SCI is a rich man's club. Never mind the fact that SAFARI magazine has almost NO hunting articles in it! I really am beside myself. WHAT ARE THEY THINKING!!!

The most shocking thing to me is that all of you are posting like this is something new??

12 July 2013, 22:04

MJines

This is interesting. I serve on the board of the local SCI Chapter in Houston. Our representative who attended the recent national meeting reported that the new/incoming president was focused on how to expand the appeal of SCI, to be more inclusive . . . he did not want the organization to be viewed or become an organization just of safari hunters but a group that was inclusive of all hunters. This means breaking down perceptions. How can producing a magazine with articles about martinis, jewelry and the like do anything but reinforce a stereotype that SCI is elitist and not a group that welcomes and embraces hunters of all interests and all walks of life? Just seems completely inconsistent with the direction the new president . . . to the extent he has any say so over the direction . . . would like to take the group if you give his comments any veracity. Maybe they are trying to make the magazine so worthless and distasteful that it will be a non-event to eventually get rid of it altogether. I know that with the push to on-line resources and the like they would probably love not to incur the cost of publishing, printing and mailing it.

12 July 2013, 22:31

jdollar

i am still waiting for the usual SCI apologists to weigh in with the usual "first for hunters" bullshit.

can't wait to read the excuses for the inexcusable. do what cal and i( and a number of others) did years ago- cancel your membership in the good ole boys club.

12 July 2013, 22:37

Use Enough Gun

I sent a direct link to this post on to Steve Comus, Editor in Chief for Safari magazine, and told him that he ought to seriously consider the comments that have been made. We'll see what happens.

12 July 2013, 22:42

Tembo

Who is the editor, Thurston Howell III??? IF SCI keeps up this elitist crap, they are going to be history.

12 July 2013, 22:44

jdollar

no, i think the editor is the Great Gatsby...

12 July 2013, 22:57

Badger Matt

If they'd simply added the extemporaneous articles, I'd be happy...but they gutted the magazine and then added the yuppy lifestyle reading.

Tell me about Dallas Safari Club's publication.

12 July 2013, 23:12

Tim Vining

Definitely a thin issue, substantive and otherwise. I agree the focus on high end/luxury life style taste is a stereotype that is a turnoff to the hunting community at large. I would like to read well crafted hunting stories, like many posted here on the forum. I find them much more informative as well as substantive. I am all for articles that are tangential to SCI's Mission of hunting, conservation and education. Perhaps the martini and Gucci gun club element should have there own exclusive member access on SCI Website.

12 July 2013, 23:16

MJines

. . . I have to say though that I am pretty excited about the next issue discussing the resurgent interest in smoking jackets and pipes.

12 July 2013, 23:28

GeorgeS

Call SCI and register your complaints.

Bitching about it here won't accomplish anything.

George

12 July 2013, 23:31

A.Dahlgren

quote:
Originally posted by BrettAKSCI:
It has an article about jam(yes, the fruity spread),
Brett

12 July 2013, 23:38

Navaluk

I am disappointed with SCI and now with their rag. First for elitest metrosexual hunters, and only second or third for wildlife and wild places.

News Flash: Next month SCI will cover, "How to present your "niece" or "nephew" to your hunting buddies at the convention."

12 July 2013, 23:41

fujotupu

The 3 main SCI stalwarts have yet to surface.

Their eventual comments (if any) will however provide interesting reading and heated debate from counter comments.

12 July 2013, 23:45

jdollar

quote:
Originally posted by GeorgeS:
Call SCI and register your complaints.

Bitching about it here won't accomplish anything.

George

i did exactly that 3 years ago concerning the OoA Adventureous Safaris travesty and the so called ethics committee response. no one at headquarters had a meaningful response and all emails went unanswered. the powers that be at SCI are the 3 monkeys- see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.. and oh BTW, where is my next comped hunt? and should i take my martini shaker? my smoking jacket, my humidor? rather difficult questions, old chap.

12 July 2013, 23:45

MJines

quote:
Originally posted by GeorgeS:
Call SCI and register your complaints.

Bitching about it here won't accomplish anything.

George

Sort of an interesting comment coming from the moderator of an on-line blog.

13 July 2013, 00:12

kala_azar

Latest issue - half non-hunting fluff, half ads. I've never ditched a magazine to the recycle bin faster

13 July 2013, 00:33

boarkiller

Oh boy, I have thought about it myself.
I thought " What's this?"
And don't get me started on their SCI show fees on top of their magazine nonsense.
That's what happens when any organization gets too big and spread their web too thin.
Still like the show, but everything else seems to point toward the few high ups. Not cool.
That's what happened to Boone & Crocket Club. It became very rigid " Good Old boys Club ".
Now SCI is heading same direction.
So unfortunate.

" Until the day breaks and the nights shadows flee away " Big ivory for my pillow and 2.5% of Neanderthal DNA flowing thru my veins.
When I'm ready to go, pack a bag of gunpowder up my ass and strike a fire to my pecker, until I squeal like a boar.
Yours truly , Milan The Boarkiller - World according to Milan
PS I have big boar on my floor...but it ain't dead, just scared to move...

Man should be happy and in good humor until the day he dies...
Only fools hope to live forever
“ Hávamál”

13 July 2013, 00:35

juanpozzi

All my clients complaiint of this same matter ,several tried to get the excellent African Hnuter but they never received it ....so what Safari magazine do you recommend ,we know AFRICAN HUNTER is excellent but very difficult to get .

13 July 2013, 01:12

talentrec

I wonder if it was thin because advertising revenue is down?

13 July 2013, 01:37

LionHunter

I am an SCI Life Member, an Official Measurer and a past president of a major chapter. I am absolutely disgusted with what has happened to Safari Magazine. The editor is Steve Comus and he has overseen the changes that have destroyed what was a wonderful magazine centered around african hunting.

Please, take a moment to call and lodge your complaint.

SCI HQ Tucson, AZ, phone: 1-520-620-1220

Ask for publications and give them your constructive criticism. I have spoken with Theresa and am currently awaiting a call back from Steve Comus.

13 July 2013, 01:44

dogcat

I thought it was Ladies Home Journal when I got my issue. Barf!!!

13 July 2013, 01:58

Use Enough Gun

Mike: When you talk with Steve, ask him if he's yet reviewed the direct link that I sent to him regarding this. He should have by now and should be fully aware of the vast majority of negative comments on the changes.

13 July 2013, 02:15

JudgeG

SCI's new motto

And for the others:

No more toast and jam!

13 July 2013, 02:20

bwana cecil

I am very disappointed in the new format, but it's a golden opportunity for the female hygiene advertisers.

13 July 2013, 02:34

AilsaWheels

quote:
Originally posted by GeorgeS:
Call SCI and register your complaints.

Bitching about it here won't accomplish anything.

George

I have written them more than once. The last time was apx. 2 months ago when a similar thread popped up. So far no response from SCI. Since then they had the issue with advertisements and award winners, no articles. Now this issue, I read Paul Brisso, Ron Martino and Bob Robb's articles. I have been an SCI member just for the magazine. When this subscription runs out I think I am done. My membership has not been continuous but it stretches back into the 70's.

13 July 2013, 03:21

GeorgeS

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
quote:
Originally posted by GeorgeS:
Call SCI and register your complaints.

Bitching about it here won't accomplish anything.

George

Sort of an interesting comment coming from the moderator of an on-line blog.

Not really, Mike.

This is not an on-line blog, although some of our more garrulous members may treat it as such.

If someone has a beef with AR, would it make ANY sense to complain to SCI about it? No.

Take your complaints to the parties with whom you have a problem. Repeated and concerted efforts to relate your displeasure to directly Tucson may have the desired effect (or it may not).

AilsaWheels has it correct. If your concerns are not responded to, even if only to acknowledge receipt thereof, vote with your wallet and leave SCI; just be sure to state why you are leaving in your resignation letter.

George

13 July 2013, 03:22

LittleJoe

I used to go through the magazine page by page and read quite a bit. Now it has become a magazine I only look at if nothing else is going on and that ever happens. Just another item for the recycle bin. How sad.

13 July 2013, 03:22

LionHunter

I received a call- back from editor Steve Comus. We spoke for an extended period and I did not feel he was "rushing" me and he did want to hear my specific criticisms, which I gave him. We talked about the past, present and future of Safari Magazine. He did say he had received calls and emails both in favor of and opposed to the changes.

I encouraged him to read this thread on AR - sorry UEG but I had not seen your post above when he and I spoke. I was emphatic in my displeasure with the articles on jam and jewelry in a hunting/conservation magazine and specifically voiced my concern on an article about how to mix an alcoholic beverage appearing in a magazine with rifle and ammunition ads.

He assures me that more hunting articles will be returning to the magazine in the future and said he was in process of preparing an article on the SCI Lion support initiative. I strongly suggested a recurring feature regarding SCI expenditures on conservation projects be made a part of all issues. He did reiterate that what is being written today will not appear until approximately the Nov-Dec issue.

I did suggest that the Safari Magazine cannot be all things to all people and that SCI needs to identify who exactly their membership - and therefore their target audience - really is. I also reminded him that the magazine is the major point of contact and information between SCI and the members, hence it must be relevant.

13 July 2013, 04:09

Nakihunter

I am not a SCI member & have not seen the magazine.

But this what I want to read in a good hunting magazine

* Hunting that is fun for kids - like I used to enjoy. Just a one page story of hunting rabbits, squirrels, doves or small game - dad & son etc. Also mentions ethics & safety.
* Hunting story - the chase. come home empty handed but having seen & spooked game
* Hunting story - for the pot
* Hunting story - trophy - Old time - the way it used to be
* Hunting story - current trophy scene
* Hunting for women
*Hunting among tribes & ethnic people around the world
* Guns & rifles - old & new

I believe that such a magazine will be read by almost all hunters - they will find at least one story that interests them and several they can identify with.

If you cannot attract young hunters, you are going to be extinct!

13 July 2013, 04:14

boarkiller

quote:
Originally posted by GeorgeS:
quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
quote:
Originally posted by GeorgeS:
Call SCI and register your complaints.

Bitching about it here won't accomplish anything.

George

This is exactly where we can open up. SCI will not listen, they don,t have a forum like this. it's just bunch of hunters that discuss anything related to hunting, because we are far from each other. I think you are the one that is out of touch.

Sort of an interesting comment coming from the moderator of an on-line blog.

Not really, Mike.

This is not an on-line blog, although some of our more garrulous members may treat it as such.

If someone has a beef with AR, would it make ANY sense to complain to SCI about it? No.

Take your complaints to the parties with whom you have a problem. Repeated and concerted efforts to relate your displeasure to directly Tucson may have the desired effect (or it may not).

AilsaWheels has it correct. If your concerns are not responded to, even if only to acknowledge receipt thereof, vote with your wallet and leave SCI; just be sure to state why you are leaving in your resignation letter.

George

13 July 2013, 04:31

GeorgeS

quote:
Originally posted by boarkiller:

This is exactly where we can open up. SCI will not listen, they don,t have a forum like this. it's just bunch of hunters that discuss anything related to hunting, because we are far from each other. I think you are the one that is out of touch.

boarkiller,

I am not 'out of touch' in the least, but I would not expect someone who has been a member here for a mere six months to know that.

This is the issue at hand:

SCI chooses to change the format of its magazine, and it vexes some members.

Some of those same members are also vexed that SCI does not listen to them.

As the numerous and long-running Out of Africa Adventurous Safaris threads proved, SCI does not care what its members and detractors post about it on AR.

I will say it again - bitching about format changes here will not prompt action by SCI; bitching to SCI might.

As an aside, years ago, SCI reduced the number of Member-written articles in favor of those written by the usual cadre of gun-rag writers; people complained vigorously and SCI backed off to a certain degree.

George