Questions about the Polk Newspaper

[kab]

We’re discussing the value of our newspaper “The Speaker Specialists” and I thought I’d see if anyone had any opinions on the subject. Here are the questions that occur to me.

1. Have you seen and read it?
2. What is your overall reaction to it?
3. What do you like best about it?
4. What do you like least about it?
5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it?
6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic?
7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc?

Any other thoughts or comments are most welcome.

Al

[Ricardo]

First time I ever hear about a Polk Newspaper :confused: :confused:

[Emlyn]

If more articles like Ken Swauger's review of "Time Out" in the recent edition are published, I'd be even happier with the newspaper than I am now.

Once a quarter is probably a good publishing schedule. I prefer the printed version. The best feature is having news on new Polk products combined with extra information that avoids the press release syndrome. I'm self motivated to listen to audio gear anyway, so the newspaper probably makes little difference to me really, but I do like receiving it in the mail.

[cfrizz]

1. Have you seen and read it? Yes I do.

2. What is your overall reaction to it? I like it, it is short & informative.

3. What do you like best about it? I like the informative pieces that talk about new products, & the the tweaks & recomendations to get the most out of your system.

4. What do you like least about it? The car stuff (not interested since don't have car)

5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it? Maybe info pieces of how the gear works & sounds in the real world. And why different size speakers make a difference in what you hear.

6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic? I prefer printed.

7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc? Sometimes yes.

[PolkThug]

I think its cool.

I think you should "Polk My Ride" in time for the Christmas edition. A 2006 Saleen Supercharged Mustang GT would look great on a two-page spread representin' Polk Audio. :D

My estimated delivery is Oct 13th.

[ohskigod]

congrats Polkthug, try to keep it under 140 eh? :D

[PolkThug]

congrats Polkthug, try to keep it under 140 eh? :D

I'll try....

[F1nut]

1. Have you seen and read it? Yes.

2. What is your overall reaction to it? I like it.

3. What do you like best about it? It keeps me updated.

4. What do you like least about it? Nothing.

5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it? No.

6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic? Printed.

7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak your system, etc? It warms my cockles.

[Jstas]

1. Have you seen and read it?

Yes, I get it mailed to me.

2. What is your overall reaction to it?

I like it! I don't always know when it will arrive but I am happy when it does!

3. What do you like best about it?

Lotsa stuff about new and upcoming products. Good info on installation and other handy advice like that, good reviews on CD's, DVD's and other stuff. It's nice to know what the people who build the systems listen to. Kinda gives you a frame of reference on what the designers were working for and looking for when they made the speaker.

4. What do you like least about it?

The fact that it still goes to my parent's house and I have been to lazy to switch the address to my place.

5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it?

Some new product articles seem watered down or more of a sales pitch. Get more detailed and more technical about it. I can get the sales brochure stuff from the dealer. If the employees are the ones writing the article, I'd like to see thier unique perspective and not the pitch I can get from the salesman.

6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic?

I like it printed, I can take it with me to other places where computer access is not available.

7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc?

Yes, I have added a few albums to my collection and used some of the tweaks to my systems.


Any other thoughts or comments are most welcome.

If circulation is an issue, why not ask the dealers to have bins near the displays with a few copies of the paper in the bins for customers to peruse?

[Demiurge]

Well, it is a marketing tool, they're going to sell their product! :)

[Ricardo]

First time I ever hear about a Polk Newspaper :confused: :confused:

Let me try this again....

1. Have you seen and read it?
No
2. What is your overall reaction to it?
What the heck????There is a Polk Newspaper???
3. What do you like best about it?
That it exists
4. What do you like least about it?
That I did not know about it
5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it?
Yes; start sending it to me (already signed up....)
6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic?
Printed so I can read it in the....errr....you know where...
7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc?
Will let you know when I get my first copy.

[jdhdiggs]

If circulation is an issue, why not ask the dealers to have bins near the displays with a few copies of the paper in the bins for customers to peruse?

This isn't a bad idea. That, or a one page sales brouchure to try and contain costs a little more. I mean, us Polkies are already hooked so we don't "need" the newspaper (it is nice though). But if Joe Shmo can learn more about the company and audio, perhaps we can hook him....

[kab]

First time I ever hear about a Polk Newspaper :confused: :confused:

FYI. You can sign up to begin receiving it and at the same time download back issues at: http://www.polkaudio.com/education/newspaper.php.

Al

[Ricardo]

Thanks Al.....already did (see my second post ) :)

Ricardo.

[Danny Tse]

1. Have you seen and read it?
Seen it and read it.

2. What is your overall reaction to it?
I am always happy to see it in the mailbox. I head to the bathroom right away. :D

3. What do you like best about it?
All the new ideas to spend my money. Actually, I like all the product information, both hardware and software. Not to mention the technical articles.

4. What do you like least about it?
Realizing I have little money to spend on items in the newspaper.

5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it?
Publish it more often.

6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic?
Either way, although I prefer it to be printed.

7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc?
See answer to question #3.

[MacLeod]

Ive subscirbe to it twice now I think and although I get the email version I have yet to get a single issue of the newspaper. Ill try it again now.

I think its a great idea and keeps people up to date on Polk products and other stuff and having CD and DVD reviews is a great idea that would definitely influence my purchases.

I think printed would be better.

I like the idea of tweaking and tuning advice. Us Polksters are constantly tweaking our systems and are always on the lookout for more ideas.

[TroyD]

1. Have you seen and read it?

Of course

2. What is your overall reaction to it?

I like it, I think it's a great idea!

3. What do you like best about it?

I like Ken's music reviews...the info articles by Paul are a great resource of information without being a complete 'buy Polk' advertisement. Some of those articles could go, verbatim, in a hifi rag. Good stuff there.

4. What do you like least about it?

Some of the movie reviews....eh...

5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it?

I think a few less less movie reviews, for one thing, a lot of times, they are outdated. Two, availability....make them more available at the retailers. Three, I'd make it more prominent on the main website to make it more visible.

6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic?

I like both...

7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc?

Yes, in all three instances.

BDT

[audiobliss]

Is this only avaible to Polk speaker owners? If not, I'd be interested in getting it, as I've never seen it.

[amulford]

1. Have you seen and read it?

Yes, I get it in the mail. It get's read through two to three times.

2. What is your overall reaction to it?

I think it is a good idea. More in-depth explanation than a sales brochure. Decently objective reviews. Good tips.

3. What do you like best about it?

I like how the technical jargon is broken down and explained in layman's terms. It's easier for the average consumer to understand.

4. What do you like least about it?

I don't have any real dislikes. Some of the articles are rather short, kind of reminds me of a high school newspaper. But this ain't exactly the NY Times, now is it?

5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it?

Perhaps a directory of sorts for people to get more information if they want it. Maybe a list of websites, objective review articles, or something similar. Like I stated above, some of the articles are short, if it peaks a persons interest, they may do a little research and become a more informed consumer.

6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic?

I like a printed copy. It gets set out and people who come over will pick it up and read it. It also give me material for those times I wish to occupy my mind, but don't want to start War and Peace.

7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc?

Yes, to a degree. I'm always on the prowl for new. This gives me a direction of sorts, an idea to investigate.

[disneyjoe7]

I'll try....


I have driven a car at 160mph once, a scary ride for sure. Placed car in neutral coasted for 3 miles ahead passed a car driving "55" doing 80 in neutral. That was one ride that I've never forgot. :D

[dorokusai]

Hey, try not to lead the whole purpose of this thread into a Mustang fascination or speedball....I mean speeding stories.

1. Have you seen and read it?

Yes. It gets alot of eyeball time due to it being in the "Spot". The "Spot" isn't a bad thing, it's just where I do my out of the box thinking.

2. What is your overall reaction to it?

Excellent. I enjoy it very much. It feels personal and when I receive it, like someone other than a bill collector likes me.

3. What do you like best about it?

I really enjoy the variety of articles and information contained within. It's not just about Home Audio or Car Audio....it's about Audio. I think the interjection of humor is a huge seller for me, as aformentioned, it's becomes more personal. I've been around, you know what I mean ladies....well, ok 1 Lady and have seen alot of small publications and it just works. I would really have to get weird to not like much if anything about it.

4. What do you like least about it?

One thing....I'll add on to TroyD's comments that more musical reviews would be cool.

5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it?

One. I know we have a few talented, and wordy folks here in the forum, that could be reigned in and tapped to write some thoughts about new and old music. I think a review of the latest Death Metal would be intriguing :eek:

6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic?

Printed. Definetly printed, it's just feels good. Electronic is impersonal, although there may be folks that would rather receive it in that format. I think the printing schedule is just fine, it's a newsletter, not a newspaper. You should keep it small, like an underground distribution flyer. It has a rebellious feel to it, don't lose that flavor.

7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc?

Yes. I've grabbed a couple things based on the comments and/or reviews by the folks that contributed. It has also inspired me, lol, I can't even type that with a straight face....influenced me to go back and watch a couple selections again, in order to watch or listen to the special comments.

The best underground paper I have ever read is "The Onion", well that was when it was underground and cooler, but I get that same feeling from the Polk bible, ergo newspaper.

ANYWAYS, I have officialy exceeded my mental capacity for actual cognitive response and interaction....and I have used at least 3 words that I'm pretty sure I've never said in my entire life.

[shack]

1. Have you seen and read it?

Yes I have. I still have some of the older issues somewhere.

2. What is your overall reaction to it?

I have always enjoyed it. It comes a bit too sporadically for me. It doesn't seem to be regularly published. It is always a good read. (better than the monthly Polk e-mail)

3. What do you like best about it?

I agree with Doro on this. It's about AUDIO...not just speakers.

4. What do you like least about it?

See #2

5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it?

I would like to see the occasional "fan" review. Maybe it could be music, movies, speakers or gear. I know a couple of years ago we could send music/movie reviews for consideration. I never got any in the newsletter....but it was a cool idea. Also reader's rides or rooms. I have think I've seen pictures of cars with Polk gear in the newsletter (probably because they come to the shows) and more of that would be a good. But also pictures of member's rigs (HT or 2 channel ) in their homes with a short writeup would be a good idea. I know we have the system showcase but it would be a treat to see your setup in the newsletter. (Addresses and so forth would of course need to be omitted for security purposes)

6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic?

I like a printed copy. I can take it to read at lunch.

7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc?

Absolutely!

[ND13]

Is this only avaible to Polk speaker owners? If not, I'd be interested in getting it, as I've never seen it.

Are you even planning on EVER getting any Polks? ;) I mean you've been a member for almost 2 years and have almost 3k posts. I think it's time to bust that Polk cherry my friend :D

[TroyD]

Is this only avaible to Polk speaker owners? If not, I'd be interested in getting it, as I've never seen it.

Click HERE (http://www.polkaudio.com/education/newspaper.php)

How you've NOT seen this is, frankly, beyond me. I'll bet homework is a real PITA, too.

BDT

[audiobliss]

Are you even planning on EVER getting any Polks? ;) I mean you've been a member for almost 2 years and have almost 3k posts. I think it's time to bust that Polk cherry my friend :D

Hehe. I think you're right. When I save enough money for a sub in my CA system, it's gonna be the MM2104. So, hopefully it won't be too long.

Click HERE

How you've NOT seen this is, frankly, beyond me. I'll bet homework is a real PITA, too.

BDT

Thanks!

[michael_w]

Wow... how have I been here for so long and not known about this. I just finished signing up for the newspaper and some catalogues about the different series. I'l let ya know what I think after I download a couple and check em out.

[Polk65]

1. Have you seen and read it?
YES.

2. What is your overall reaction to it?
There is something inside for everyone.

3. What do you like best about it?
I like the layout. The glossy magazine look is catchy and appreciated. First I read what I like (technical stories) then move on to other news which I'm not up to date with. It is great to see the faces of the people behind Polk Audio in the articles and what they have to say. This is a great resource to point new Polk Audio forum members to for reading. This is how I found out about it.

4. What do you like least about it?
It is infrequent.

5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it?
I'm happy with the layout, keep car & home audio together and put up some self serve racks. Think about the person sitting in a car stereo bay at a big box store. They pick up your nice looking newspaper over the local nickel ad and have something fun to read. If their gray cells are working, they will get up out of the chair and head towards the home audio department.

6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic?
Since I visit your website I read the electronic version. Anyone with an internet connection and a printer also subscribing to the printed version ought to be spanked with boso panels. For some marketing, printing would be the best option.

7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc?
YES. I read about artists that I might not otherwise hear about and get ideas for where to place a new music system in my home.

Any other thoughts or comments are most welcome.

Al,

I'm tossing out a suggestion without knowing if you already do this. How about distributing copies at or near colleges & universities at the start of the school year. Give one kid on each floor of a dorm a pair of your speakers along with a decent receiver from last year. Then have s/he distribute your newspaper for the first month of classes in the foyer. Or just do what works for the credit cards, maintain full racks in a high traffic area.

The old Polk Audio upgrade program in the late 80's hooked up alot of life long Polk Audio loyalists. I was a kid at the time, and connecting with us youngsters meant the world to me. Sure, kids now have more resources than we did, but advertising goes only so far. The interaction with the public that Polk Audio did so well in the past is worth contemplating.

Steve

[cfrizz]

[I]The old Polk Audio upgrade program in the late 80's hooked up alot of life long Polk Audio loyalists. I was a kid at the time, and connecting with us youngsters meant the world to me. Sure, kids now have more resources than we did, but advertising goes only so far. The interaction with the public that Polk Audio did so well in the past is worth contemplating.

Steve

Steve, I never heard of this. Please explain!!!

[PolkThug]

Steve, I never heard of this. Please explain!!!

The Polk upgrade still exists at CC, however now the models are very limited. Every 12 months you can trade up and pay only the difference, its a great deal, I used it once.

[okiepolkie]

1. Have you seen and read it?
Haven't gotten one in a while, but I enjoy it when I do get to read it.

2. What is your overall reaction to it?
I like it very much.

3. What do you like best about it?
It helps us see where the company is and where it is going. The issue I recall the most is the one that showed some of the in-house cabinet designs.

4. What do you like least about it?
Infrequent, sporadic issues.

5. Do you have any recommendations for improving it?
A set schedule for issues. COUPONS. That may seem silly, but I like coupons.

6. Would you prefer it be printed or electronic?
printed- it is a good bathroom reader and good advertisement for friends(although, these two things are not in the same category)

7. Does it motivate you in any way, i.e. to listen to the reviewed disks, to go out to audition new product, to tweak you system, etc?
Reading about the LSi's in the magazine prompted me to try them out and do a blind buy. I was not disappointed.

[audiobliss]

Wow. I'm really impressed. I signed up for this newsletter maybe Wednesday or Thursday, and I got it in the mail today. And my name and address are handwritten on the envelope. How's that for giving you a 'homey', family-owned company feeling? Can't wait to read it!!

Hmm. I wonder who actually has to write the addresses on these envelopes. One day at work I had to address and stamp envelopes. Didn't enjoy it much.

[kab]

[I]1. The old Polk Audio upgrade program in the late 80's hooked up alot of life long Polk Audio loyalists...

Steve

Neither PolkPaul or I have any recollection of a Polk sponsored upgrade program. But I've only been here twenty years.

It is most likely that the program you're referring to was initiated by your local dealer.

Al

[michael_w]

I got my newspaper and some series catalogues a couple days ago but havn't had time to flip through the paper yet. Pretty quick shipping on the stuff though. Thanks polk.