New TGP Webzine Now Online!

[Brian Scherzer]

(Added on March 17, 2009): The link to the TGP Webzine is http://www.tgpwebzine.com/

On December 27th, 2008 I wrote the following in my annual report to the membership:

"We have changed our vision a bit, seeing TGP as capable of being more than just a musician’s discussion site. With a large number of members who are in the music biz, we believe that adding a webzine (online magazine) to TGP is a slam dunk. We have the capability within our membership of writing some excellent articles that could be helpful to musicians. We are planning to add the webzine in early 2009."

We have been working on the webzine for a while and plan on making it public next week (the week of March 16-23). I wanted to comment on our reasons and what you can expect to see, but first wanted our members to understand that what will be "unveiled" is the webzine in its infancy. We have pulled together some articles, gear reviews, artist features, and videos that are meant to give our members an idea of what we want to see as the webzine grows.

You will also, for the first time, see some ads. We thought long and hard about this. The forums are doing fine with funds received from supporting memberships. The webzine will put added bandwidth and server issues that have to be resolved. In the current economic climate many of the small companies that got their start with the help of TGP members are hurting. Many of these companies cannot afford to advertise with major publications. As sales drop, a number of these boutique builders are straining to remain open. We believe that the added publicity of ads on TGP will help, while at the same time allowing the webzine to fund itself.

You will not find ads from large companies like Fender, Gibson, etc. Rather, ads will be priced well below the typical market so that the small builders can afford to advertise. Ads will be limited and some of the first ads are being given at no cost to the companies that helped TGP by donating items for our past raffles. It is our way of thanking the builders who helped keep TGP going when times were tougher for us! We have long championed the small and innovative companies that members write and argue about. In these difficult financial times, we want to do more to make sure that we continue to have the varied products that these companies make.

Having said the above, it must be clear to all companies who advertise that there will be no special favors given to them and that the admins and mods on TGP will not be allowed to accept items from companies as gifts, and will not be allowed to accept discounts that are better than those given to all members. Further, the TGP administrators and moderators will not be allowed to have any endorsement deals with companies.

So why start a webzine? TGP has an incredible number of members who are either in the gear business, are professional musicians, and/or have exceptional writing skills. It is time for us to take advantage of the incredible knowledge base possessed by our members. You can read about the larger company products, or better known musicians in many of the magazines being published. What you will not find are articles about many of the smaller builders' products, or articles about the many musicians who may not fill arenas, but who are the backbone of much of the music you hear.

I wrote three artist feature articles to help get the webzine started. These were about Jack Pearson, who is best known for his time spent as one of the Allman Brother guitarists. Yet, some of his best work was done before and after being with the ABB. Another guitarist I did a feature on is Garth Webber, who has played with Miles Davis, George Thorogood, John Lee Hooker, Greg Allman, Merl Saunders, Robben Ford and many others. He is just as at home behind the recording console as he is on stage. The third artist feature helps us explore lesser known musicians from outside of the USA. I learned of Alberto Barrero, a guitarist from Spain and felt that his talent deserved a boost. All of these features include videos that help you hear what they can do.

Having just lost one of our two newspapers in Denver, I believe that online information is the wave of the present and the future. An online webzine can provide far more than a printed magazine..........audio clips and videos are excellent examples. The TGP Webzine is YOUR webzine. It's future is dependent on the willingness of our members to write articles and submit them to us. It depends on our members' willingness to do gear reviews and audio or video clips with truly good sound quality so that other members can get an idea how a piece of gear might sound that they have no local access to, but may consider buying if they knew how it sounded. We hope to include luthier, amp builder and pedal builder roundtable discussions with questions being asked by our members.

In many ways the webzine will complement our TGP forums. Information found on the webzine can be discussed here and members can provide input into what they want to see on the webzine. Just as Scott and I presented the TGP forums as a place where *YOU* could ask for and give information, the new TGP Webzine is being opened by us, but depends on all of you to make it into something special. Truly, the webzine will succeed or fail based on how members feel about it, read it, and write articles or produce material for it. This thread allows you an opportunity to discuss the webzine and to let us know what you want to see. We will provide the link to the site next week.

[DiazDude]

Looking forward to it!!

[John Hurtt]

Brian,

I've been looking forward to this since you announced this was in the works. I think it's a good move with the adverstising. Looking forward to seeing the first issue in its infancy.

[bluesjuke]

That is awesome Brian and can't wait to sneak my first peek.

[Tonemeister69]

Awesome!

[XKnight]

Sounds like a great idea.

[epluribus]

Dear Brian.

Thank you for not saying "'Zine."

--Ray

:)

For more insightful and poignant writing, plz send PM.

[spectreman]

Great news!!!

I'm sure it will evolve and develop just as TGP has...and it will be a 'must read'

Thanks for all of the time and effort!

[astigtigas]

Cool!!!

[russ]

Fantastic!

[Bryan T]

Sounds cool! I hope there is some emphasis on instructional materials.

[MudPies]

Wonderful. I'm looking forward to it.

[Brian Scherzer]

Sounds cool! I hope there is some emphasis on instructional materials.

That's the kind of feedback we want. Knowing that members want something allows other members to figure out what to produce for the webzine. We have a few instructional videos to start things, but will be looking for better step-by-step videos.

[Rattles]

Looking forward to it Brian!

Thanks!

[Scott Peterson]

To me the strengths of TGP are it's membership and it's content. The members create the content; and one of the visions moving foward with this was to give voice to members that cannot control the content or behavior of all on a thread.

This will allow members of TGP to create deeper and more intensive content; stories from the road, tech articles, how-to-play, instructional, product reviews, in-depth interviews, video content, tone diaries and more with no worry about a drive-by whacking their intended purpose on a thread.

We have seen some members leave that were deeply ingrained in TGP, but were frustrated with the forum cultures that can crop up. This Webzine gives you, and them, the chance to really get inside your topic of choice and take it where you want to go. We encourage members to discuss the content in the Webzine on the Forums; but the articles stand with the author's original meaning and content on the Webzine.

Are there guidelines? Yes, there are. Follow the general good common sense guidelines of posting on TGP and you'll be fine. Can anyone submit an article? Yes, anyone can submit an article. Is there a limit to how long or short? No there is not. Simply get a copy of whatever you have created over to Brian or myself and we'll decide between us if it will be put on the Webzine. The focus should be on music, gear or musicianship. We will not be publishing content unrelated to those topics.

As Brian outlined, we have spent a long time trying to find a way to do something to add to the member experience on TGP without diluting or adding any sort of corporate sponsored advertising to TGP's Forums. We do not want to commercialize the forums and will not. Over the years we have been approached by many of the smaller builders and retailers asking if they could run ads on TGP. We remain steadfast in keeping advertising off of TGP's Forums. We will not waver on that statement.

The Webzine is server intensive once it grows; video, hosted photos and as we all know those sorts of things cost money. We saw this as a win/win for the smaller manufacturers and dealers that TGP's membership has spawned, supported and grown with over the years. We can offer low cost advertising for the smaller boutique companies that they can afford without messing with our no-advertising mission statement in the Forums by creating a separate site that will be linked to TGP.

As we grow this concept - and it will be a work in progress - we hope to help out the boutique guys through what appears to be a very tough time in the next few months and years while highlighting some of the very brilliant folks that hang out and are members of TGP.

It's just that simple. And that complicated.

Peace.

[Glowing Tubes]

This is very exciting. With so much new gear coming out almost daily, a new gear section might be in order as well. We live in amazing times. I'm proud to be a member here and look forward to this new source of information. Who knows, maybe I'll find time to write something and present it to you guys. :boxer

Richard

[crosse79]

Very cool... been waiting a long time since it was mentioned that this was in the workd. Really look forward to it.

[way2blu]

I am really looking forward to the launch of this idea! Knowing that the content provided will be directly from the members of TGP adds a whole new dimension and is really exciting stuff to me. :D

[Elmer]

Sounds cool to me, looking forward to checking it out!

[sleepingtiger]

I'd like to be interviewed for the Big Mike feature article/biographyhttp://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon12.gif, hehe! It sounds like a great idea!

Tony
PS - Thanks for your endless hard work!http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Higher Landrons]

We have long championed the small and innovative companies that members write and argue about. In these difficult financial times, we want to do more to make sure that we continue to have the varied products that these companies make.



It's kinda heart-warming to find a thriving and coveted entity such as TGP embarking on a thrilling expansion such as this that is truly selfless. Payin' it forward! :love:

Uber excited to hear what you guys have cooked up!

Can't wait,

Bren

[bynt]

I think it's a fantastic idea. There are some really cool people here that I would really like to contribute their thoughts/ideas about music and gear. I think that the advertising is a great idea as well. As far as members writing the articles, any way the mods/deciders of what's going to be in the webzine could tell TGP what they're looking for or do you want people to just write random stuff and send it to you guys?

[Rod]

What a great idea...As always, great work Brian and Scott. This is exciting.

[macula56]

excellent idea. i am looking forward to seeing it. Jmac.

[Brian Scherzer]

I think it's a fantastic idea. There are some really cool people here that I would really like to contribute their thoughts/ideas about music and gear. I think that the advertising is a great idea as well. As far as members writing the articles, any way the mods/deciders of what's going to be in the webzine could tell TGP what they're looking for or do you want people to just write random stuff and send it to you guys?

I would hate to dictate what we're looking for because that might make people not use creativity that we would have never thought of, but would want to see on the webzine. When the webzine is made public look at the articles and you'll get a feel for what we like so far.

[frankencat]

Sounds like a great idea. Having been around the block a time or two myself I would love to contribute something to it. Let's see what it looks like and get a feel for it and we'll take it from there. I'm sure it will be great out of the gate! :)

[SideBMusic]

That's the kind of feedback we want. Knowing that members want something allows other members to figure out what to produce for the webzine. We have a few instructional videos to start things, but will be looking for better step-by-step videos.

This sounds great. It's one thing to read about how to set something up or how to get certain sound effects, etc. Many of us learn better by seeing and hearing, especially when it come to music.

I have found a few videos on YouTube that gave me an "ah ha" moment. And I have noticed some manufacturers are showing features of their gear. It made me wonder why there wasn't more of this sort of thing being taken advantage of?

I look forward to the the features you come up with.

[Scott Auld]

Awesome!


I second this emotion.

[Ricky_Rockhardo]

More reason to surf TGP. It's an excellent idea, in my opinion.

[WahmBoomAh]

thanks !!!!

[jammybastard]

I think you should have The Pedal Pimp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoHflzmIfqY) pedal demo videos in there.

[TDJMB]

I'm looking forward to it and think it's great the smaller builders will be able to advertise.

[chrisr777]

Perfect timing, my subscription to Premier Guitar is about to expire. It will also be my birthday, thanks guys.

[guitarlifestyle]

Sounds like a great idea! I'm looking forward to reading the first issue.

[LSchefman]

You know, when Brian and Scott first ran an idea by me, and told me that they were planning to devote every issue of the entire magazine to me, Les Schefman, I thought, "Aw, shucks, guys, yes I'm great, but every issue of a webzine just about me? You really shouldn't, there are equally deserving people out there who need a chance."

So I had to turn them down. It wasn't easy. They begged an awful lot, but I stood my ground. I didn't want a fanzine, you know? I mean, as it is, I am constantly beseiged by autograph seekers and stalkers who can't get enough of me.

Even though most of you are no doubt burning with interest at every moment for every detail of my life, my thoughts, my gear, and my music, I have to say, I'm just a regular guy (who happens to be a genius, yes, with some amazing thoughts and talent, but a regular guy nonetheless). I put on my pants two legs at a time, just like you do. I only wear one pair of shoes at a time. On my feet. And one pair on my hands. But only when I'm doing handstands. Sometimes I even go to the bathroom, just like the President of the United States does.

With Secret Service men standing guard.

So Brian and Scott were left with little choice. It's just gotta be a regular webzine, about the people, by the people, and for the people. Hey, do I hear the Star Spangled Banner in the background? Played by Jimi?

Wow. I'm so moved I have to stop for a moment to shed a tear for my own commitment to justice and equality, the principles on which our great country was founded. That, and of course, tube amplifiers. Because, like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, I play tube amplifiers. I know, because I am old enough to have jammed with both of them, in fact, I met them at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit in the 60s when someone gave me some mushrooms, but that's a story for another day, however they were a great opening act for the MC5.

Try not to be too disappointed it won't be all about me, Les Schefman. ;)

[Brian Scherzer]

Sounds like a great idea! I'm looking forward to reading the first issue.


Your post made me think about the fact that I neglected to say that the webzine is unlikely to have different issues. I suspect that the contents of the webzine, like the posts on the forum, will simply continue to grow in number. As we receive new material it will be added to what is already there. At least, that's the concept we have at the present time.

[go7]

It will be great! And thank you!!

[epluribus]

Your post made me think about the fact that I neglected to say that the webzine is unlikely to have different issues. I suspect that the contents of the webzine, like the posts on the forum, will simply continue to grow in number. As we receive new material it will be added to what is already there. At least, that's the concept we have at the present time.

No decoder rings either?

[LSchefman]

>> Your post made me think about the fact that I neglected to say that the webzine is unlikely to have different issues.<<

I hope this isn't simply because I didn't want all the issues to be about me. ;)

[MattC]

Very, very cool, and I applaud Brian and everyone else involved for taking this step.

TGP has been instrumental (pun intended) in broadening my musical horizions- I've learned SO much about gear, artists, and musical philosophies here, and I really look forward to being able to do so in a webzine format.

Can't wait!

[guittguy1]

Being the info junky that I am I think this is great. Thanks Brian and Scott!!!!

[Tone E Blares]

Where can we find out about advertising on it?

[althrax]

Great idea Guys! Looking forward to it.

[flogstrat]

Oh, great. This is all I need. Now I'll *never* get any work done!

You people have no consideration.



Seriously, I can't wait. If it's run nearly as well as TGP it's gonna be great!

Dave

[Rod]

What day is TGP Webzine actually starting?

[Greggy]

I'm currently working on a piece about Hong Kong's adoption of a currency board in 1983. How about publishing that? I could add some musical overlays to spice it up! LOL.

Seriously, looking forward to this new venture.

[Brian Scherzer]

What day is TGP Webzine actually starting?

Not positive, but either Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm trying to tidy things up.

[Rod]

Not positive, but either Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm trying to tidy things up.

That's great...Thankx Brian....

[Blurillaz]

I can't wait!

[omegaman]

I'm excited to read it, best of luck Brian.

[Scott Peterson]

Been working hard on this all day today.... we are looking good for launch.... tomorrow?!?!?! ;)

[JoeP]

I would like to see a ''new products'' from the manufacturers, keeping us updated on the newest items they are planning to launch.

Would be cool to have all the manufacturers that are here, to keep us posted on what they are doing..

And, maybe have a section of new cd's out by TGP members.

[Brian Scherzer]

Here's the link to the new webzine:

http://www.tgpwebzine.com/

[astigtigas]

Here's the link to the new webzine:

http://www.tgpwebzine.com/

Nice site Brian!!! :dude:dude:dude:BEER:BEER

[crosse79]

2nd... haha - wow so much content.

[Texas_Blues]

Awesome layout and awesome articles
:BEER:

[Drifting]

haven't torn through it yet, it looks excellent though, looking forward to it!

[bluesjuke]

Brian, off to a great start!
I'm going to dig this a lot.

Good idea and execution.

[russ]

I just read the J. Pearson interview. Well Done, and thanks!

[heavypick]

Very nice! Bravo!

[bluedean]

Thank you for another great service to the 'making music' community. Very useful content. I recently bought a Soultone SuperPlexi amp and the review helped clarify the power scaling application. Nice clips too.

Ah... what a great use of technology we have with TGP.

Thanks!!!

[epluribus]

It's...alive!

--Ray

[macula56]

great article on Jack Pearson.

[Scott Peterson]

Remember folks, if you have anything to contribute for the Webzine, we are taking submissions. We can't add everything, but we need a lot of content to keep this thing growing. Contact Brian or me.

Also, if you have suggestions on things to add, things to change, ways to improve... contact Brian or me.

This is TGP's and it's up to you to make it better!

[amigo30]

(Added on March 17, 2009): The link to the TGP Webzine is http://www.tgpwebzine.com/



I just spent my morning "coffee time" going through the webzine. I checked out the 12ax7 tube shootout, read part of the amp gain structure article, the ST-200 review, and read over the Montreal Guitar Show article.

Wow, what a great way to start a day!

I also read the review and listened to the clips of the Soultone 45ps. This was an excellent review, and the clips were stunning! This particular manufacturer has relatively few clips available, and nothing of this high of quality out there that I'm aware of. It should help sell a few amps.

Speaking of selling stuff, the Gear Auction Items section is very cool. Somehow I suspect it will lead to a lot impulse ebaying.. I didn't think the manufacturer choices in the pedal section was as good as it could be, but it is still a cool feature. Analogue Man sellers will probably see a lot ebay action as a result of this.

I also checked out several of the amp demo videos. Good stuff. Do I need a Matchless? I'm starting to think maybe I do.

I still have plenty of un-surfed content to read tomorrow morning.

Overall, I will say that the content of this maiden issue is top-notch! Damn fine work guys, and thank you for doing it. I really didn't expect this to be as superlative and information-rich as it is.

I imagine that as more content is introduced, archiving information will get more difficult, but I sure hope you find a way of doing it without losing content and still making it easy to find information. I would suggest dating the articles in the first line. I think doing this will come in handy as the years pass.

Again, great job!

[RiseofRock]

Awesome job Brian.

[ThugLife]

:bananaThe webzine is F(*^%ing awesome!! Thanks a millions guys!!:bow

[Redhouse-Blues]

I think it's an awesome idea and what I read so far looks great. Maybe with all the GIT, Berkley and NGW teachers hanging around, we can see some great lesson's on the Webzine.

[guitarjunky]

Félicitations!!! French for congrats! Long live the zine!

We are very proud to be associate with you Brian.

All the best

[Tallhorses]

The site looks awesome! The auction section was a great idea!

[pickaguitar]

Dude I really dig it! thx

How much is an ad btw?

[stratzrus]

Great site.

I just ordered the strobe tuner (mine sux and I needed one to set intonation).

Thanks guys for yet another wonderful aspect of TGP.

[Cobra]

Originally Posted by Bryan T http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=5728800#post5728800)
Sounds cool! I hope there is some emphasis on instructional materials.

That's the kind of feedback we want. Knowing that members want something allows other members to figure out what to produce for the webzine. We have a few instructional videos to start things, but will be looking for better step-by-step videos.


I'm digging the TGP Webzine! It's well thought out with a cool look & feel.
I'm also looking forward to more instructional content, especially videos!

[guitarlifestyle]

It looks great! This'll be exciting to see how it evolves over time.

[Rod]

That looks great...Really nice work Scott and Brian...congrats!!!

[Powerfibers]

I did this many years ago with a rodbuilding magazine (Powerfibers.com, as in my handle here), publishing in PDF format and allowing free downloads. We took contributors from our little e-mail listserve, solicited articles, and it still runs today. It was (and still is without me) a great resource for everyone involved.

In the case of this forum, it could help you generate revenue to pay for site maintenance, etc.... I think it is a great idea. I have not been here in a long time, and I am excited to see this! Good luck. If I could help in any way with the project PM me. I would be willing to do some items on gypsy jazz and its instruments, etc.... Thanks!

Bob

[GP_Hawk]

I'd like to see some funny stuff too. Maybe entries/videos by TGP members explaining how they came up with the idea for a song, or how they recorded something or changed the pickups on their guitars, or how they handled a nightmare gig. 1 entry would be chosen monthly and deput on the webzine.....ok maybe a bad idea:jo someone would have to go through all those videos.....

[Blurillaz]

Yay

[macmeda]

Hi Brian,
Lots of cool stuff, kept me busy and I actually learned something.
I like the G7(#9) talk. Keep that simple theory coming. I ,for one,can use it, very practical. "Understanding Gain Structure" is a good read also.
Thanks for your efforts.
ME

[gibsonman1006]

Just read and enjoyed a couple amp reviews, and of course, the great playing of Jack Devine....WOW! Nice site. Looking forward to reading more.

[hugultswi]

Guitar is the instrument I love, from the age of 15, I learned reviews Dan and I never intend to stop playing this instrument.