A while back, I had a quick mail conversation with Rodmaker Magazine pointing out to them how usefull it is to me to have a publication such as theirs in my booth when doing various shows.
A few minutes ago I was going over my mental check list of things needed at a show I will be attending this weekend, and as I was gathering up my stack of Rodmakers, it came to mind that it might not be a bad idea to pass along this information.
When in a booth at any show, hundreds, often thousands of folks will be strolling by checking out your ware. Many will stop for a look see, some will ask a few questions, but most will give a friendly nod, and walk on by....... No problem, that's the way most shows are. Two seasons ago last spring, I brought along a few mags. to read on the plane, (two of which were Rodmakers) and thought I,d bring them to the booth as well, and displayed them at the front of my table next to the rod rack. As the 3 day show progressed, I found that invariably someone was thumbing through my mags., started asking questions about rod building, and before you knew it we had a good schmooz going on. Time and again, the magazine proved to be an excellent ice breaker to valuable conversation that often led to rod sales, or a viable connection.
I have since always displayed along with Rodmaker, other related books and publications , not only for their attractive qualities, but for educational tools as well. Often times the graphics and dialoge found in these publications can help express a point, or answer a question.
At any rate , I thought I,d pass this along..........We do now have excellent trade books and publications such as Rodmaker at our disposal to glean knowledge from, why not display them and spread this knowledge around a bit.

P.S. Watch those Rodmakers close, people enjoy em
so much, they just sort of wander away with them !

R.B. Meiser

Bob,
I couldn't agree with you more. I've always taken along issues of RodMaker to displays at shows. If nothing else they make a custom rod display with components even more impressive. The front covers on all issues beg for attention and a 'look-see'.
Also, anyone remotely interested about fishing rods will pick up the issue and just start reading. The variety of articles and pictures in each issue, along with the information is enough to keep attention and lapse into the 'schmooz' converstation.

We're just finishing release of our new catalog for custom rodbuilders, and one of the things I am considering is to give a free issue to customers placing their first sizeable order. This will encourage anyone new in rodbuilding, as well as anyone who haven't heard of RodMaker to consider a subscription. The best source of journalism and information for custom rodbuilders, period.

I have to congratulate Tom Kirkman and the writing staff for providing the rodbuilding community such a superb periodical. I look forward to the success to continue for years to come.

Anyone wishing to check out a back issue, I believe some are still availabe from Tom. Just click on the rodmaker link or banner and you're there.

P.S. I own a set of each and every issue ever printed, and they are cherished for great reference. As Bob mentions, they do have to be watched in case of the 'sudden disappearance' syndrome. very valuable.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel
Canada (supplier of products for custom rodbuilders)
Solyrich Custom Rods