Boxing News

[Wake up call]

Sorry to be pedantic, but a budget issue would be if there is no money in the pot. There is money available but it's whether we could break even or make a profit with it. Am I just confusing the issue even more?

It's all about ROAC -- return on allocated capital.

There's no point in printing just one magazine in Moscow to distribute it to me.

Although it would be jolly decent of you chaps if you did.

I would guess, as well, Oliver, that the postal system in Thailand is about as bad as it is here in Russia, making life more difficult.

It would be nice if BN could offer a PDF scanned copy of the mag that one could print out, and email it every week for, say, one fifty or two quid. There would have to be ways of restricting the access so that it didn't get copied and people just substituted free access from a mate for buying the mag, but if they could do something like that, I'd buy, and I'm sure others would, too.

Boxing Digest already have this sort of thing running so no reason why BN can't if they, as Flex says, can ensure the readers.

[Old bones Ian]

When i went away travelling for 2 years, i still got the BN delivered to my mum's , had them all to read when i got back!

[Deserter]

Sorry to be pedantic, but a budget issue would be if there is no money in the pot. There is money available but it's whether we could break even or make a profit with it. Am I just confusing the issue even more?

It's all about ROAC -- return on allocated capital.

There's no point in printing just one magazine in Moscow to distribute it to me.

Although it would be jolly decent of you chaps if you did.

I would guess, as well, Oliver, that the postal system in Thailand is about as bad as it is here in Russia, making life more difficult.

It would be nice if BN could offer a PDF scanned copy of the mag that one could print out, and email it every week for, say, one fifty or two quid. There would have to be ways of restricting the access so that it didn't get copied and people just substituted free access from a mate for buying the mag, but if they could do something like that, I'd buy, and I'm sure others would, too.

Boxing Digest already have this sort of thing running so no reason why BN can't if they, as Flex says, can ensure the readers.

There are various options at the moment such as PDFs and zinio technology (see Dennis Publishing's Monkey digital mag as an example), and it's a fair assumption that within three-five years mags like BN will be available to download on your Kindle or e-reader, thus solving the overseas distribution issue. You're also getting lots of interesting magazine applications now through iphone - http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2008/ ... azines.ars
The reality is digital is completely transforming the game. Read this for example - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/commen ... 493002.ece

And before the 'old school' jump down my throat, I'm not suggesting these will automatically replace the print market, they'll just act as another 'touch point' for consumers. And in the case of people who are constrained by circumstance (expats like Oliver and myself being perfect examples), that has to be welcomed.

[bennie]

Flex and his employers seem to need an awful lot of help. Don't say it, boy, pay it.

[jamesmcdonnell]

There are various options at the moment such as PDFs and zinio technology (see Dennis Publishing's Monkey digital mag as an example), and it's a fair assumption that within three-five years mags like BN will be available to download on your Kindle or e-reader, thus solving the overseas distribution issue. You're also getting lots of interesting magazine applications now through iphone - http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2008/ ... azines.ars
The reality is digital is completely transforming the game. Read this for example - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/commen ... 493002.ece

And before the 'old school' jump down my throat, I'm not suggesting these will automatically replace the print market, they'll just act as another 'touch point' for consumers. And in the case of people who are constrained by circumstance (expats like Oliver and myself being perfect examples), that has to be welcomed.[/quote]

With reading devices becoming ever more popular, it's surely a matter of time until distributing PDF's or other file formats becomes commonplace. I cannot see why it cannot be done, it's virtually free to do, and can be sold at a low price for virtually 100% profit.

[steve689]

We're looking into this pdf idea for the Irish Martial Arts magazine I'm involved with. It seems like a viable idea?

[alexpaterson]

Boxing News is a great boxing magazine the articles are very good and I like there interviews as well

[McCannW14]

I have decided to reorder the Boxing News - although a lot of info is found on the net - with the demise of Setanta - ITV pulling out soon and what I feel is p*ss poor coverage on Sky TV (I do not mean the presenters - I am on about the endless predictable fights!!!) - I feel the need to get my "fix" of boxing elsewhere and in comes Boxing News!!

Lets keep to the basics here and no this thread is not an excuse for "Bennie" to have a pop:

They are doing a lot more "online" stuff and with some of their additions in the writing department I like what I see and its worth the money for the time being!!!

Any thoughts on BN for the positive of course??

Ive been buying it since 1988 WH Smith in Victoria Station after boxing training at Westminster ABC. Can still remember the cover - Tyson beating Holmes. Prior to that I read my mates copy. I would say its as good now as it has ever been. I think Claude has been with the paper for a long time. I can remember his ringside coverage of Mugabi v Jacquot. That was 20 years ago next month. Blimey, life is short.

[dondada]

bennie - f*ck all these on here - you keep it up, old son. You're the Vince Cable to all these Alastair Darlings.

BN has improved, I think, as a commercial product, if you get my drift. Lots going on. It's a very important and necessary publication.

The chaps involved obviously work their bollocks off and I bet they aren't on great money either. I've met a couple of the staffers, nice guys, and know a few of the stringers too.

It certainly needs a few more teeth though. I recently noticed yet another brief 'clarifying' that Mr W arren was 'vigorously defending' the legal action brought by Joe Calzaghe. So f*ck? That wasn't the story, was it?

Why not state that the administrators of Sports Network Ltd weren't even allowed to appeal the High Court ruling because they had no fecking chance in hell of getting it overturned?

The application to appeal by the administrators was "hopeless and must be refused". The judges said there was "no prospect at all" of the Court of Appeal overturning findings of fact.

Lord Justice Ward said: "The judge cannot be criticised for taking a view of the case and his assessment of the character, demeanour and personalities of the protagonists and Mr Warren in particular."


There's masses to report from the full High Court verdict too which is of not just interest but importance. I haven't got time - but if I was a full-timer, you can guarantee I'd be on it. As always, I'd be the only fecking one.

[Spud]

bennie - f*ck all these on here - you keep it up, old son. You're the Vince Cable to all these Alastair Darlings.

BN has improved, I think, as a commercial product, if you get my drift. Lots going on. It's a very important and necessary publication.

The chaps involved obviously work their bollocks off and I bet they aren't on great money either. I've met a couple of the staffers, nice guys, and know a few of the stringers too.

It certainly needs a few more teeth though. I recently noticed yet another brief 'clarifying' that Mr W arren was 'vigorously defending' the legal action brought by Joe Calzaghe. So f*ck? That wasn't the story, was it?

Why not state that the administrators of Sports Network Ltd weren't even allowed to appeal the High Court ruling because they had no fecking chance in hell of getting it overturned?

The application to appeal by the administrators was "hopeless and must be refused". The judges said there was "no prospect at all" of the Court of Appeal overturning findings of fact.

Lord Justice Ward said: "The judge cannot be criticised for taking a view of the case and his assessment of the character, demeanour and personalities of the protagonists and Mr Warren in particular."


There's masses to report from the full High Court verdict too which is of not just interest but importance. I haven't got time - but if I was a full-timer, you can guarantee I'd be on it. As always, I'd be the only fecking one.

Nice post Ian- it would be nice if BN did report more of the FACTS from the Mr W arren and Calzaghe case - i am positive a lot of the fans would like to see some articles on this particular subject.

[telboy66]

It's a tough one to call,I think BN have taken the right route with Warren v Calzaghe leave it to the national press to report the full facts there is no need for BN to get involved other than the result.I have no wish for two pages of my read to be taken up with legal crap, I buy BN for boxing news & results they have critized boxing people in the past & no doubt will continue in the future if neccessary.
If we the readers lose coverage because some promoter throws his rattle out & withdraws press tickets for his shows we lose out.

[Deserter]

bennie - f*ck all these on here - you keep it up, old son. You're the Vince Cable to all these Alastair Darlings.

Ian, with the greatest respect I think you're completely missing the point here. I suspect I'm not alone in having issues with the way the title has been run (and you've showcased a perfect example of that in your post), but where I and many others feel Bennie has been completely out-of-order is in his constant digs at a young journo who is learning his trade and is displaying the sort of passion and commitment that should be celebrated rather than berated.
If Bennie was posting constructive critiques on BN such as the one you've made, I'd welcome it wholeheartedly, but I've got no time for the bitter rantings that he opts for instead. I would have thought you, with your teaching background, would share the general distaste with his put-downs of a young talent, purely because he has an issue with the BN management team.

[chinny]

bennie - f*ck all these on here - you keep it up, old son. You're the Vince Cable to all these Alastair Darlings.

Ian, with the greatest respect I think you're completely missing the point here. I suspect I'm not alone in having issues with the way the title has been run (and you've showcased a perfect example of that in your post), but where I and many others feel Bennie has been completely out-of-order is in his constant digs at a young journo who is learning his trade and is displaying the sort of passion and commitment that should be celebrated rather than berated.
If Bennie was posting constructive critiques on BN such as the one you've made, I'd welcome it wholeheartedly, but I've got no time for the bitter rantings that he opts for instead. I would have thought you, with your teaching background, would share the general distaste with his put-downs of a young talent, purely because he has an issue with the BN management team.

Almost exactly what I was about to respond with. BN had a lot more editorial 'integrity' in the Mullan days (obviously), but Abrams has different masters and can't afford the libel. Bennie is out of order. The 'boy' thing was a disgrace. Less Vince Cable, more bitter and twisted IMO

[steve689]

Bennie seems to carrying a fair amount of bitterness.

He should move over to Northern Ireland

[whicker]

I can't really get "into" it. The fight reports tend to be pretty basic, and given that most fights happen Friday or Saturday nights, they are often "old news" by the time the magazine comes out.

The letters can be interesting, and sometimes the features, but in all honesty it's a weekly news "paper" for a sport that often lacks any real weekly news.

The reality of professional boxing is such that weeks at a time can go by without there being ANY competative bouts happening in the sport in the UK. Friday Fight Night, the one regular event, is now also become so predicatable too that it must be hard to write an interesting preview for it.

[dondada]

bennie - f*ck all these on here - you keep it up, old son. You're the Vince Cable to all these Alastair Darlings.

Ian, with the greatest respect I think you're completely missing the point here. I suspect I'm not alone in having issues with the way the title has been run (and you've showcased a perfect example of that in your post), but where I and many others feel Bennie has been completely out-of-order is in his constant digs at a young journo who is learning his trade and is displaying the sort of passion and commitment that should be celebrated rather than berated.
If Bennie was posting constructive critiques on BN such as the one you've made, I'd welcome it wholeheartedly, but I've got no time for the bitter rantings that he opts for instead. I would have thought you, with your teaching background, would share the general distaste with his put-downs of a young talent, purely because he has an issue with the BN management team.

Sorry mate, no offence intended - 'twas a bit tongue in cheek...should have qualified it with a 8)

[dondada]

Almost exactly what I was about to respond with. BN had a lot more editorial 'integrity' in the Mullan days (obviously), but Abrams has different masters and can't afford the libel.

Ironically, BN is now part of a massive group who no doubt have their own legal team who could easily deal with any shit and have relatively deep pockets. I just suspect the editorial team don't want the constant ballache of nagging from certain people so steer a careful route.

[dondada]

It's a tough one to call,I think BN have taken the right route with Warren v Calzaghe leave it to the national press to report the full facts there is no need for BN to get involved other than the result.I have no wish for two pages of my read to be taken up with legal crap, I buy BN for boxing news & results they have critized boxing people in the past & no doubt will continue in the future if neccessary.
If we the readers lose coverage because some promoter throws his rattle out & withdraws press tickets for his shows we lose out.

Hey, it's all about opinions, telboy, but I'm completely at the opposite end to you. It is, in my opinion, absolutely fundamental that this gets covered. Britain's leading promoter's long-established company goes into administration rather than pay the £1.8m it owes to Britain's leading boxer of the last generation? But Mr W arren is still promoting under a different banner with a TV deal including PPV? And Boxing NEWS doesn't get stuck in? Come on.

But I'm sure plenty of people agree with you and I understand why.

[Spud]

It's a tough one to call,I think BN have taken the right route with Warren v Calzaghe leave it to the national press to report the full facts there is no need for BN to get involved other than the result.I have no wish for two pages of my read to be taken up with legal crap, I buy BN for boxing news & results they have critized boxing people in the past & no doubt will continue in the future if neccessary.
If we the readers lose coverage because some promoter throws his rattle out & withdraws press tickets for his shows we lose out.

Hey, it's all about opinions, telboy, but I'm completely at the opposite end to you. It is, in my opinion, absolutely fundamental that this gets covered. Britain's leading promoter's long-established company goes into administration rather than pay the £1.8m it owes to Britain's leading boxer of the last generation? But Mr W arren is still promoting under a different banner with a TV deal including PPV? And Boxing NEWS doesn't get stuck in? Come on.

But I'm sure plenty of people agree with you and I understand why.

Do I f*ck agree!!!

Whilst I think BN are back in my favour its long been a source of great annoyance of mine that BN seem to have in my most humble opinion people they seem extremely reluctant to criticise!!!

Why the W arren/Calzaghe saga has not had more coverage is beyond me!!! - maybe if it were another promoter than BN would not be so reluctant to air their thoughts???

[bennie]

The 'boy' takes my brother's job (squeezed out for reaching 40) and people say I should be nice. It's family, you know. Think about it.

[Poncey]

Surely your beef should be with his employers then, not him?

[chinny]

The 'boy' takes my brother's job (squeezed out for reaching 40) and people say I should be nice. It's family, you know. Think about it.

Without knowing all the details Bennie I'd suggest your target ought to be whoever makes the hire and fire decisions, not the young writer you refer to as 'boy'

No one is suggesting you have to be nice though. Just pulling you up when (based on the info available on the forum) you are needlessly disrespectful.

[chinny]

Surely your beef should be with his employers then, not him?

beat me to it

[bennie]

Surely your beef should be with his employers then, not him?

His employers don't have the gall, or the knowledge, to post. A carved-in-stone question at an interview is "Is this a new post or...."
I've turned down good jobs when an employer has slagged off the last employee or obviously skipped round the question. It still works that way for those of a certain generation. I like to label it decency.

[dbflex]

Surely your beef should be with his employers then, not him?

His employers don't have the gall, or the knowledge, to post. A carved-in-stone question at an interview is "Is this a new post or...."
I've turned down good jobs when an employer has slagged off the last employee or obviously skipped round the question. It still works that way for those of a certain generation. I like to label it decency.

Just for the record Bennie, when I was interviewed originally (when I got to the final two and Tris beat me to the job), Tony was still at BN. Secondly, when I was asked if I wanted to join the team 3 months later, I had no idea Tony was leaving. Obviously when I started, he wasn't here. All this is just for the record however – I don't think I would have turned the job down if I had known the 'facts' (which, I must say, are still a little cloudy for me). It's a dream job for a lifelong boxing fan and prospective journo; if Tony was MY brother I'd have turned it down. What you have to realise is (well, you don't HAVE to, but I'd like you to) that I have never met Tony and have no fixed opinion on him, other than the fact I enjoyed his writing when I was a BN reader. Your bile is misdirected; I didn't sack him, have never criticised him and am just doing my best in a job and industry which I love. But I don't expect this post to make any difference to you and it's sad because I reckon we would have got on if we'd worked here at the same time.