Boxing Monthly hitting the mark

[dalcumly]

I find the editor Glyn Leach to be very honest and forthright in his comments and I get the impression that he just loves his job . I'm the ultimate saddo because I still have every single issue since the magazine started and to be honest this year I've found that the content has improved a great deal . The interview with the chappie who heads up Sky Sports is a case in point . What a straight forward no nonsense guy he is - and a boxing fan to boot !!
It must be difficult to produce a MONTHLY magazine in this country when you have the Boxing News coming out week by week . I assume that they can't afford to spend too much time on results and previews so there is a need to find interesting articles on a regular basis and I feel that they do this well .
I started a thread recently with regard to the modernisation programme with the Boxing News and most replies suggest that the majority are in favour . Its maybe a generational thing but I'm not so keen . Some weeks I thoroughly enjoy it , others like last week (28 October) are not so enjoyable, I just found some of the content utterly bizarre .But there you go , you can't please everyone .
For me personally , the Boxing Monthly is starting to produce the goods .
Just a final point . Many years ago I phoned up Mr Leach and complained about his language in an editorial piece . He seemed to take it on board because it hasn't happened again . Sadly though the swearing sometimes still appears within certain articles usually under quotes . I notice this is an issue the Boxing News treats seriously because you will never see swearing there.
I can swear like a trooper when the need arises , which at my age is not very often - only when the 'Gers are getting humped in Valencia !! but I don't like to see it in my boxing magazines .

[Eraserhead]

Really? It's funny how opinions differ. I breezed through the latest Boxing Monthly in about ten minutes on the train tonight. Boxing News, a weekly, sometimes takes me a little longer. BM seems to be getting thinner and thinner in content and inspiration for me. The Barney Francis bit was interesting though! It was about time somebody pinned him down. He came across pretty well, too, I thought.

[whiskey]

Anyone got a link for a subscription ?

[Graham Houston]

I find the editor Glyn Leach to be very honest and forthright in his comments and I get the impression that he just loves his job . I'm the ultimate saddo because I still have every single issue since the magazine started and to be honest this year I've found that the content has improved a great deal . The interview with the chappie who heads up Sky Sports is a case in point . What a straight forward no nonsense guy he is - and a boxing fan to boot !!
It must be difficult to produce a MONTHLY magazine in this country when you have the Boxing News coming out week by week . I assume that they can't afford to spend too much time on results and previews so there is a need to find interesting articles on a regular basis and I feel that they do this well .
I started a thread recently with regard to the modernisation programme with the Boxing News and most replies suggest that the majority are in favour . Its maybe a generational thing but I'm not so keen . Some weeks I thoroughly enjoy it , others like last week (28 October) are not so enjoyable, I just found some of the content utterly bizarre .But there you go , you can't please everyone .
For me personally , the Boxing Monthly is starting to produce the goods .
Just a final point . Many years ago I phoned up Mr Leach and complained about his language in an editorial piece . He seemed to take it on board because it hasn't happened again . Sadly though the swearing sometimes still appears within certain articles usually under quotes . I notice this is an issue the Boxing News treats seriously because you will never see swearing there.
I can swear like a trooper when the need arises , which at my age is not very often - only when the 'Gers are getting humped in Valencia !! but I don't like to see it in my boxing magazines .

Hello dalcumly

First, thanks for the nice words about BM. You are right, Glyn loves his job and tries hard to get an interesting mix of articles every month.

Now, on the topic of the use of epithets in magazine/newspaper articles. If this was the 1950s I would agree that swearing should not appear in magazines. However, it just seems to me that the boundaries have been pushed so far in the media, films and TV, not just regarding the use of swear words but sexual content and violence, that swearing and in particular the use of the "f" word, no longer shocks. In an interview on HBO's 24/7 this week, for instance, Brandon Rios was swearing like a trooper and the "f" words weren't bleeped out. This is simply the way that many people talk today. You wouldn't expect the "f" word to be used if you were having a meeting with your bank manager or having a consultation with your doctor, but, when dropped casually into everyday conversation, does the "f" word really give offence any more?

When I last visited my daughter in London all her runway-model-like hairstylist/beautician girlfriends were swearing up a storm. I could hardly Adam and Eve it. I just think that, the way society has evolved, rightly or wrongly, like it or not, swearing and the f-word is now part of the culture.

When BM is quoting someone and that person uses a swear word, we tend to let the swear words stay in as we feel that they capture the "flavour" of the person being interviewed. (I would though, still draw the line, probably, at the c-word, and would, as we say,"write around" that particular quote.) This is all a matter of how one sees things, but now, in today's ultra-permissive society, it almost seems prudish to sanitise the f-word by using "f**k" in place of the word.

Don't get me wrong, I consider myself to have what we now mockingly call "old fashioned values" in many areas, but as regards swear words being used when quoting people who use these words when interviewed, I believe we (myself and BM colleagues) have merely moved with the times. I am sure Glyn will add his own comments as I know how much he values readers' opinions.

[Final round]

It's an excellent and insightful read pretty much every month, I never read it one go instead saving some articles I'm not too familiar with to digest seperately. I don't miss an issue.

[princess]

I find the editor Glyn Leach to be very honest and forthright in his comments and I get the impression that he just loves his job . I'm the ultimate saddo because I still have every single issue since the magazine started and to be honest this year I've found that the content has improved a great deal . The interview with the chappie who heads up Sky Sports is a case in point . What a straight forward no nonsense guy he is - and a boxing fan to boot !!
It must be difficult to produce a MONTHLY magazine in this country when you have the Boxing News coming out week by week . I assume that they can't afford to spend too much time on results and previews so there is a need to find interesting articles on a regular basis and I feel that they do this well .
I started a thread recently with regard to the modernisation programme with the Boxing News and most replies suggest that the majority are in favour . Its maybe a generational thing but I'm not so keen . Some weeks I thoroughly enjoy it , others like last week (28 October) are not so enjoyable, I just found some of the content utterly bizarre .But there you go , you can't please everyone .
For me personally , the Boxing Monthly is starting to produce the goods .
Just a final point . Many years ago I phoned up Mr Leach and complained about his language in an editorial piece . He seemed to take it on board because it hasn't happened again . Sadly though the swearing sometimes still appears within certain articles usually under quotes . I notice this is an issue the Boxing News treats seriously because you will never see swearing there.
I can swear like a trooper when the need arises , which at my age is not very often - only when the 'Gers are getting humped in Valencia !! but I don't like to see it in my boxing magazines .

Glyn is a great writer and probably has forgotten more than a lot of the other UK writers know Boxing Monthly is a great mag Nobody should be offended by what little swearing there is in there Thats Glyn he doesnt offend anyone Its just Banter Top Bloke

Hello dalcumly

First, thanks for the nice words about BM. You are right, Glyn loves his job and tries hard to get an interesting mix of articles every month.

Now, on the topic of the use of epithets in magazine/newspaper articles. If this was the 1950s I would agree that swearing should not appear in magazines. However, it just seems to me that the boundaries have been pushed so far in the media, films and TV, not just regarding the use of swear words but sexual content and violence, that swearing and in particular the use of the "f" word, no longer shocks. In an interview on HBO's 24/7 this week, for instance, Brandon Rios was swearing like a trooper and the "f" words weren't bleeped out. This is simply the way that many people talk today. You wouldn't expect the "f" word to be used if you were having a meeting with your bank manager or having a consultation with your doctor, but, when dropped casually into everyday conversation, does the "f" word really give offence any more?

When I last visited my daughter in London all her runway-model-like hairstylist/beautician girlfriends were swearing up a storm. I could hardly Adam and Eve it. I just think that, the way society has evolved, rightly or wrongly, like it or not, swearing and the f-word is now part of the culture.

When BM is quoting someone and that person uses a swear word, we tend to let the swear words stay in as we feel that they capture the "flavour" of the person being interviewed. (I would though, still draw the line, probably, at the c-word, and would, as we say,"write around" that particular quote.) This is all a matter of how one sees things, but now, in today's ultra-permissive society, it almost seems prudish to sanitise the f-word by using "f**k" in place of the word.

Don't get me wrong, I consider myself to have what we now mockingly call "old fashioned values" in many areas, but as regards swear words being used when quoting people who use these words when interviewed, I believe we (myself and BM colleagues) have merely moved with the times. I am sure Glyn will add his own comments as I know how much he values readers' opinions.

[orbtastic]

I'm constantly mystified how they run the adverts for tapes/DVDs in the back.

[Glyn Leach]

Glad we're hitting the mark with some of you, we always try. Some interesting points have been made, I'll comment on a few of them.

I definitely feel that BM and BN have raised their game over the last couple of years, which pleases me greatly. And yes, the internet has certainly played a part in this at BM (obviously I cannot speak for Tris and BN). The level of feedback is greater and so it has given us things to consider and react to, which haven't always been available to us. We do listen to readers' views and react where we think it makes sense. But overall, I think the situation is very positive, there is a more informed body of boxing fans that at any time in history and, hopefully, print publications such as BM and BN will continue to be of service to this fanbase — in different ways, obviously.

The greater news availability that the internet brings has obviously resulted in a more competitive situation all-round, and competition is always healthy. That said, from a news perspective, a monthly can never compete with a weekly such as BN, a daily newspaper, TV, radio and the internet. The disadvantage we are at is insurmountable. But this has never been a problem for us, we have always known this to be the situation and cut our cloth accordingly, as best we can.

The rise and growth of the internet has brought about a situation where print publications have been forced to re-evaluate, find ways in which they can still be relevant and interesting. But evolution is good and the way that BM and BN have changed, steadily and in stages (which is the only sensible course), over the last 20 years has been quite remarkable. I look at BMs from even two years ago and think "oh dear, did we really do that?" But in all honesty I'm never happy, I always feel we can do better. I suppose when I stop feeling like this it will be time to quit. But I'm enjoying the job massively at the moment, more so than I have done for years, so that won't be happening any time soon.

I often felt like walking away during the WBU/Sky World Championship Boxing/InterPenta era, which was as depressing as it was destructive. But I feel very positive about the way things are going at the moment, the general direction of the sport. It's a long way from perfect, but it's moving forward again, albeit slowly. Today's boxing fans are incredibly knowledgeable, which makes it even more of a pleasure to try to produce a mag they might like. Working in boxing has become fun again, a genuinely enjoyable and rewarding experience, like it used to be and like it should be. Thanks to all of you for that, whether or not you like what we do. Knowing that there is a knowledgeable and caring "audience" out there makes a huge difference.

Swearing in BM. Mmm. Had a bloke phone the office the other day complaining about it. I pointed out that we were only reporting, accurately, what had been said to us. His reply was something like "well they're lowlifes then". Didn't quite know what to say to that, except "probably best not to buy a magazine about lowlifes then mate" (which I didn't say). Frankly I find the "F**k" approach silly, we all know what the word is and adding or replacing a couple of letters won't make it any more or less offensive. People swear, end of, BM can't change that and if we don't report that part of their conversation accurately, we might as well not bother getting the rest of it right. That said, hypocritically perhaps, that "c" word is still problematical. Thankfully, we don't get to hear it much (except on a personal level!).

Right, better get on with a bit of work I suppose. Thanks again.

[Jeff Thomas]

Glad we're hitting the mark with some of you, we always try. Some interesting points have been made, I'll comment on a few of them.

I definitely feel that BM and BN have raised their game over the last couple of years, which pleases me greatly. And yes, the internet has certainly played a part in this at BM (obviously I cannot speak for Tris and BN). The level of feedback is greater and so it has given us things to consider and react to, which haven't always been available to us. We do listen to readers' views and react where we think it makes sense. But overall, I think the situation is very positive, there is a more informed body of boxing fans that at any time in history and, hopefully, print publications such as BM and BN will continue to be of service to this fanbase — in different ways, obviously.

The greater news availability that the internet brings has obviously resulted in a more competitive situation all-round, and competition is always healthy. That said, from a news perspective, a monthly can never compete with a weekly such as BN, a daily newspaper, TV, radio and the internet. The disadvantage we are at is insurmountable. But this has never been a problem for us, we have always known this to be the situation and cut our cloth accordingly, as best we can.

The rise and growth of the internet has brought about a situation where print publications have been forced to re-evaluate, find ways in which they can still be relevant and interesting. But evolution is good and the way that BM and BN have changed, steadily and in stages (which is the only sensible course), over the last 20 years has been quite remarkable. I look at BMs from even two years ago and think "oh dear, did we really do that?" But in all honesty I'm never happy, I always feel we can do better. I suppose when I stop feeling like this it will be time to quit. But I'm enjoying the job massively at the moment, more so than I have done for years, so that won't be happening any time soon.

I often felt like walking away during the WBU/Sky World Championship Boxing/InterPenta era, which was as depressing as it was destructive. But I feel very positive about the way things are going at the moment, the general direction of the sport. It's a long way from perfect, but it's moving forward again, albeit slowly. Today's boxing fans are incredibly knowledgeable, which makes it even more of a pleasure to try to produce a mag they might like. Working in boxing has become fun again, a genuinely enjoyable and rewarding experience, like it used to be and like it should be. Thanks to all of you for that, whether or not you like what we do. Knowing that there is a knowledgeable and caring "audience" out there makes a huge difference.

Swearing in BM. Mmm. Had a bloke phone the office the other day complaining about it. I pointed out that we were only reporting, accurately, what had been said to us. His reply was something like "well they're lowlifes then". Didn't quite know what to say to that, except "probably best not to buy a magazine about lowlifes then mate" (which I didn't say). Frankly I find the "F**k" approach silly, we all know what the word is and adding or replacing a couple of letters won't make it any more or less offensive. People swear, end of, BM can't change that and if we don't report that part of their conversation accurately, we might as well not bother getting the rest of it right. That said, hypocritically perhaps, that "c" word is still problematical. Thankfully, we don't get to hear it much (except on a personal level!).

Right, better get on with a bit of work I suppose. Thanks again.

Glyn If i subscribe will you send me this months?

[Glyn Leach]

Cos it's you Jeff, no! Course I will mate.

[Jeff Thomas]

Cos it's you Jeff, no! Course I will mate.

What freebies do i get? ......

[m1kee50]

wasnt the OP slating boxing news the other month? probably Glyn's missus posting on here!

[wrimc]

The best articles in my opinion are with the people behind the scenes or on the peripherals and their opinions. Such as the head of Sky in the most recent issue. promoters are also always interesting to hear from Managers, agents and marketing men all interest me as they offer an insider look but from a completely different perspective. The size of the mag also allows these interviews in much more detail than some of the BN features

[orbtastic]

The best articles in my opinion are with the people behind the scenes or on the peripherals and their opinions. Such as the head of Sky in the most recent issue. promoters are also always interesting to hear from Managers, agents and marketing men all interest me as they offer an insider look but from a completely different perspective. The size of the mag also allows these interviews in much more detail than some of the BN features

What got me was the top 25 most influential article. If you read right to the end, it was jointly compiled by the guy at number 1. It just made me chuckle.

[Glyn Leach]

What got me was the top 25 most influential article. If you read right to the end, it was jointly compiled by the guy at number 1. It just made me chuckle.

??. Barney Francis was No. 1 Orb, he didn't have any input - though he is all powerful and may have exerted psychic control over us I suppose ...

Also, regarding my missus posting on here, I've yet to pull a bird who can read or write so this is an impossibility!

[Matt W]

There's been some really interesting articles lately, especially those looking at the success of UFC, PEDs, and of course the 25 most influential. Still the top read for me.

Glyn - presume I was at 26?

[Glyn Leach]

27 mate, boxingchat was 26

[gasman]

Actually I was wondering if I subscribed (I buy it every month from Eason's anyhow - so might as well subscribe) could I scrounge a BM tee-shirt (XL) if there are any left!

[Deserter]

27 mate, boxingchat was 26

(Though I'm surprised he edged Spud for that coveted spot!)

[Glyn Leach]

Actually I was wondering if I subscribed (I buy it every month from Eason's anyhow - so might as well subscribe) could I scrounge a BM tee-shirt (XL) if there are any left!

Oh go on then - and I'll throw in a mug too

[orbtastic]

What got me was the top 25 most influential article. If you read right to the end, it was jointly compiled by the guy at number 1. It just made me chuckle.

??. Barney Francis was No. 1 Orb, he didn't have any input - though he is all powerful and may have exerted psychic control over us I suppose ...

Also, regarding my missus posting on here, I've yet to pull a bird who can read or write so this is an impossibility!

Sorry, my bad - I read the first half of the caption on the opening page and haven't got round to reading the rest of the article yet. I always read BM in a completely random order, just what articles get my interest so I literally read it back to front sometimes.

[Alba]

I find the editor Glyn Leach to be very honest and forthright in his comments and I get the impression that he just loves his job . I'm the ultimate saddo because I still have every single issue since the magazine started and to be honest this year I've found that the content has improved a great deal . The interview with the chappie who heads up Sky Sports is a case in point . What a straight forward no nonsense guy he is - and a boxing fan to boot !!
It must be difficult to produce a MONTHLY magazine in this country when you have the Boxing News coming out week by week . I assume that they can't afford to spend too much time on results and previews so there is a need to find interesting articles on a regular basis and I feel that they do this well .
I started a thread recently with regard to the modernisation programme with the Boxing News and most replies suggest that the majority are in favour . Its maybe a generational thing but I'm not so keen . Some weeks I thoroughly enjoy it , others like last week (28 October) are not so enjoyable, I just found some of the content utterly bizarre .But there you go , you can't please everyone .
For me personally , the Boxing Monthly is starting to produce the goods .
Just a final point . Many years ago I phoned up Mr Leach and complained about his language in an editorial piece . He seemed to take it on board because it hasn't happened again . Sadly though the swearing sometimes still appears within certain articles usually under quotes . I notice this is an issue the Boxing News treats seriously because you will never see swearing there.
I can swear like a trooper when the need arises , which at my age is not very often - only when the 'Gers are getting humped in Valencia !! but I don't like to see it in my boxing magazines .

personally I dont see the problem with swearing .its everywere nowadays so i dont see the problem esp enough to phone up an editor (who properly has better things to spend there time on tbh) .

but everythime ive read the magazine (which isint frequent) i have never been dissatisfied.

[Matt W]

Something that really gets on my tits - apologies for my language - is when Adam Smith always apologises for swearing in the corner. I don't know about you but when I'm watching 2 men knocking shite - sorry about my language - out of each other my sensibilities aren't that easily offended.

[gasman]

Actually I was wondering if I subscribed (I buy it every month from Eason's anyhow - so might as well subscribe) could I scrounge a BM tee-shirt (XL) if there are any left!

Oh go on then - and I'll throw in a mug too

Woohoo!! Thanks man!
Just subscribed online - look out for a new punter from Ulster! I will PM you my order number

[gasman]

Something that really gets on my tits - apologies for my language - is when Adam Smith always apologises for swearing in the corner. I don't know about you but when I'm watching 2 men knocking shite - sorry about my language - out of each other my sensibilities aren't that easily offended.

Well said. That is a Sky policy (well I assume it is anyhow) that I wish they would change!