Why is the MB Enthusiast Mag soo boring ???

[Alfie]

Dunno if i'm the only one who thinks this way but this mag is getting really boring. The articles contain very little substance and nearly all articles appear to be padded out with glossy pics so that they don't have to write much.

Are their any folks on this forum that are involved in this mag that can throw some light on the poor quality ?

There are never any "how to" articles and the general impression that I get is that none of the journaists have ever owned the cars that they write about or even own a Merc.

It is a real shame because I occasionally flick through a few of the several BMW mags and they are truly very good and informative. Even though I no longer own a BMW, I find myself reading the mags because they are interesting.

I'm thinking of cancelling my subscription to the MB mag as it seems to be a total waste of money.

Any thoughts ?

We are one of their biggest advertisers and have to say that for us it is particularly good as it targets the exact audience we are looking for. We get sent a couple of copies free before publication date Some of the editorials are quite good and I often read through most of the classified ads just in case there is a nice rare low mileage car going cheap!

However, the latest issue due out any day now (entitled Bye Bye SL55) has a particularly 'bad' article in it on page 104 Mind you the prices quoted in it make me smile

 

[grober]

More practical content required?

If it contained at least one or two practical well illustrated HOW TO articles in each issue which potentially could save readers the price of the magazine this would help. The scope of such articles is quite wide and could range from fitting accessories, suspension modifications, routine servicing- like brakes and oil changes, electronic equipment upgrades, surveying aftermarket electronic servicing aids, the list is practically endless. There are plenty examples on here and on other forums--how difficult can it be? In its present format it resembles the glossy "in house" Mercedes magazines littering the coffee tables of main dealers except they are free. The most useful content is the Mercedes specialist advertisements and the "classified" at the back.

 

[Bear]

At one of their meets at the Ace I got talking to the now editor Lizzie who asked what I thought of the magazine,not one to hold back I told her basically the same others have said here.Shortly afterwards the then editor Dan Trent fell on his sword and was replaced by Lizzie,did Dan overhear?was it something I said?Shame Lizzie either wasn't listening properly or didn't take it in.
For those wanting a much better read the Mercedes-Benz Club Gazette is the one to get,makes Mercedes Enthusiast look pants.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

The most useful content is the Mercedes specialist advertisements and the "classified" at the back.

What? 1995 C180s (120k on the clock) going for £7k?


Its a shame really about the mag, it has been on a steady decline for the past few years. I didnt even bother buying last months issue after a quick flick through it in WHSmith's. (Ive bought every issue for 5 years!)

As ive said before, it reads like a MB sales booklet. Completely biased and no real world information.

Id like to see the running reports in greater detail, full of pictures of the jobs in question - not just 1 page with "I visited George Fraiser and he changed the windscreen wiper"

But all this said, at least it is a Merc mag - the only one we have

 

[MBManInKen]

I too have been disappointed in ME of late. I'm not very much interested in "how to" (but they should, as others have said indeed be a regular feature in this type of publication), but even so the articles they publish lack depth and knowledge. I don't need to read the same old, shallow twaddle over and over again, I want gems of information, things I didn't know, interesting background, etc. Unfortunately I'm not really getting that from it.

 

[SilverSaloon]

i still buy it as it usually has some articles that a worthy of a read, but dont really tell me anything new or that interesting.

i like articles about readers cars, expeirences etc. i'm not sure whether they would do "how to" articles as maybe they would be held liable if something went wrong??? i dont know...

i prefer Gazette though and recommend it as the subscription to the club is nothing considering you get a magazine every month, classic merc mag free, 10% discount at dealers etc etc. well worth the £30 quid a year!

They even have a online forum - although i dont think its as good as the one on here

 

[cl 600]

I have a subscription and most back issues. I have seen articles rehashed and even the same photographs re used. There was a one page article on the ML recently that stated that it came with air suspension as standard. Mine didn't!
The general quality of MB reading material has become very poor lately. Even, dare I say it, the posts on this and on the other fourm. Some very good people have moved on and the MB community is not the better for it. Perhaps it is the same with the mag.

 

[neilrr]

It's down to sloppy journalism and editorial decisions.

I used to subscribe to a different publication that went from being a great, informative technical but humorous read, to being a manufacturers marketing showcase.
Having just paid 3 years subs I wasn't happy.

Remember this is the only club recognised by MBUK. They will never say anything wrong about the marque or organisation.

Is this comment about the Gazette?

 

[mercboiuk]

Has anyone thought of maybe emailing the MB Enthusiast editor, with some points of interest and suggestions, mentioned here?

Darren

 

[talbir]

I have known the editors since day one of publication - the previous editor, Dan Trent was good....since his departure the content has stagnated.

I suggested to Dan 3 years ago to do a 'How to' section and i was going to kick things off with things like changing fuel injectors, throtle bodies etc. But i just don't find time with job and family.

Making the mag great shouldn't be difficult - there are plenty of good reads out there to follow....like 911 & Porsche World, which is superb. They have a technical section as well, where people can write in with technical queries and they get answered by J Z Machtech....the leading independant Porsche service garage. I haven't yet come across an MB Indie who carries the same level of knowledge that these guys carry about their Porsches. The only guys i know who are at the highest level when it comes to MB knowledge are people like Satish Tummala in the States.

The photography in MB Enthusiast lacks quality too, a comparison with other car mags will highlight the shortcomings. Pics are half the story in a car mag, so crucial to get them right.

But ideally anyone with suggestions should write into or call Lizzie Pope, the current editor - she will surely welcome suggestions to make the mag better.

talbir

 

[grober]

Ethusiasts in name only??

Has anyone thought of maybe emailing the MB Enthusiast editor, with some points of interest and suggestions, mentioned here?

Darren

If they are true switched on "MERCEDES ENTHUSIASTS" they will already be regulars on both the UK MB web forums and have members of the Mercedes Club on the staff. On the other hand---------????????????


edit:- Silver Saloon makes a good point about DIY liability issues but if Practical Classics, Car Mechanics and HAYNES can do it ??

 

[glojo]

I have sent an e-mail to the editor so it will be interesting to see if we get a response.

regards
John

 

[neilrr]

If they are true switched on "MERCEDES ENTHUSIASTS" they will already be regulars on both the UK MB web forums and have members of the Mercedes Club on the staff. On the other hand---------????????????


edit:- Silver Saloon makes a good point about DIY liability issues but if Practical Classics, Car Mechanics and HAYNES can do it ??

ME, a commercial concern, is primarily a vehicle for selling advertising. The huge majority of the staff would probably be just as happy & competent working on any other title you care to name.

Dan Trent has been a member here since 2004, when he last visited!

 

[SL300-24]

ME, a commercial concern, is primarily a vehicle for selling advertising. The huge majority of the staff would probably be just as happy & competent working on any other title you care to name.

Dan Trent has been a member here since 2004, when he last visited!

Neil,

Did you know that Dan has moved on to a new publication?


He is no longer employed by ME to my knowledge.

 

[neilrr]

Neil,

Did you know that Dan has moved on to a new publication?


He is no longer employed by ME to my knowledge.

Yes, he went to http://cars.uk.msn.com after ME, don't know if he's still there or freelance now.