Sorry if this is a repost, but didn't find this in a search. I got an email yesterday about this new Rotary Speed fanzine:

http://www.rotaryspeed.com/

I'm not much of a fan of these fanzines, especially in the Internet age, but I was heartened by the email's reference to "tracking the development of the next generation RX-7"

Not necessarily new, it's Mazda Sport retitled, now that Miatas have their own title.

If it fails to gain new readership, I'm sure they'd just change the name back.

Everyone with a rotary needs to sign up for this, and tell your friends.

Besides, I write for them, so it's a good chance to see what my project RX-8 is doing from issue to issue.

Not necessarily new, it's Mazda Sport retitled, now that Miatas have their own title.

If it fails to gain new readership, I'm sure they'd just change the name back.

It's more than just a name change. The fresh start also marks a completely different editorial direction. When we acquired Mazdasport in early 2007 it had already spent several years struggling to find an audience that cut across all of Mazdas diverse owner groups. We could have just "retitled" it back into a Miata magazine and called it a day, but I didn't think that was fair to the non-Miata crowd, and especially the rotary owners.

Several years back I owned an RX-7 GSL-SE and I loved it. With RX Tuner out of the picture (publishing magazines isn't as easy as it looks) I felt the time was right not finally produce a title that was worthy of these unique cars and at the same time finally find a purpose for what was Mazdasport Magazine. And, with Forever MX-5 now successfully launched I now have the time to focus on what is essentially a new magazine.

Of course, it will take a few issues to "get it right" -- it always does -- but we're going do our best over here and in a year I can only hope that Rotary Speed Magazine will be come an integral part of the rotary community and an influencer on the newsstand for potential rotary owners.

Your subscriptions have a direct impact on the size and scope that Rotary Speed takes. We'd love every issue to be a fat 120 pages of solid content. That's certainly possible, we just need you to do your part: Subscribe.

Of course, we are also looking for contributors. We won't be impressed by your post count, or if you confuse opinions with facts, what the magazine needs are authors that can write clearly and do proper research when necessary, to assure that the content stands on its own and offers something fresh.

Of course, we are also looking for contributors. We won't be impressed by your post count, or if you confuse opinions with facts, what the magazine needs are authors that can write clearly and do proper research when necessary, to assure that the content stands on its own and offers something fresh.

how could one become a contributor?

how could one become a contributor?

Toss me a story idea. If you've been published already, send me a sample. If not, we'll take a first piece on spec. Not on the forums, though, I'm inconsistent with visiting sites like this due to schedule demands. Email me: ryan at rotaryspeed.com

Woot!! Just subscribed! Hopefully this will work out better than RXtuner. Managed to receive one issue from the four I paid for :icon_no2:

Will my current subscription be completed with Rotary Speed or Forever MX-5?

I do hope it does well.

Will my current subscription be completed with Rotary Speed or Forever MX-5?

I do hope it does well.

Mazdasport subscribers will get Rotary Speed automatically (with Mazdasport remaining as the sports section and featuring a page or two of non-rotary stuff). If a Mazdasport subscriber requests, we can complete the subscription with Forever MX-5, instead.

just subscribed

i want it.

Toss me a story idea. If you've been published already, send me a sample. If not, we'll take a first piece on spec. Not on the forums, though, I'm inconsistent with visiting sites like this due to schedule demands. Email me: ryan at rotaryspeed.com

cool. will get back to you via email

Good luck, Ryan. I just subscribed. I hope you can get some of the heavy hitters here to contribute excellent pieces. If and when you do finally buy your RX-8, you'll have to visit this site more frequently to know what I mean. I imagine it's very tough to compete with the Internet these days, but here's hoping ou the best!

I imagine it's very tough to compete with the Internet these days, but here's hoping ou the best!

It just separates the wheat from the chaff. With our other magazines, only about 10% of our total subscriber base originates from forums. The rest are through newsstand, sample programs and word of mouth. It certainly feels like places such as this are ginormous, but when it comes down to it, they're really just a small piece of the whole, though absolutely essential.

Thanks for the support everyone!

Sounds good. Will definitely subscribe when I confirm my new address. I can appreciate any effort in publishing a Rotary related magazine.

With RX Tuner out of the picture (publishing magazines isn't as easy as it looks)

rx tuner was kind of a joke. i paid for a whole year, waited for a few months, got 3 issues, and never heard from 'em again

moving real soon but will def subscribe after i find out my new address

It just separates the wheat from the chaff. With our other magazines, only about 10% of our total subscriber base originates from forums. The rest are through newsstand, sample programs and word of mouth. It certainly feels like places such as this are ginormous, but when it comes down to it, they're really just a small piece of the whole, though absolutely essential.

Thanks for the support everyone!
What I mean is that it must be difficult to compete with the Inernet in trying to provide interesting and timely content that is not already available for free on the web. Maybe that's why there aren't more subscribers than the 10% who are also active on forums. There's already a buttload of really intelligent discussion about rotaries and Mazda here. I wish you luck in being able to develop a new voice and perspective that we will find valuable enough to pay for.

I want it, but I'm poor :(

Signed up promptly, thanks Ryan for doing this!!! I cant wait for the first issue.

Subscribed!

Subcribing

subscribed!

Subscribed!

Subcribing

subscribed!

Top of the thread on the right hand side under Thread Tools is an option to Subscribe to this thread.

:banghead:

fail

Top of the thread on the right hand side under Thread Tools is an option to Subscribe to this thread.

:banghead:Fail, that's "subscribed" TO THE MAGAZINE.

It just separates the wheat from the chaff. With our other magazines, only about 10% of our total subscriber base originates from forums. The rest are through newsstand, sample programs and word of mouth. It certainly feels like places such as this are ginormous, but when it comes down to it, they're really just a small piece of the whole, though absolutely essential.

Thanks for the support everyone!

Having been involved with the publishing arena, I feel that a magazine live and die by its sponsors. That's where the money is. This looks to be quite a niche magazine. I am curious to know what are its key offerings apart from the obvious. :)
Will it only central around Rotary cars? I've seen the Miata magazine at newstands before. Have you thought of teeing up with Mazda? Have them work out subscription for its dealerships? I think seeing a Rotary-centric magazine at the waiting area or client lounge would not only increase the visibility of the rotary engine, but shows the clients that there is an active RX-owner community in the world. All the best!

Those are my concerns as well, the rotary is a bit of a niche engine. Do we know how many Mazda Sport subscribers are RX/MX-5/mainstream owners? I figured the majority were either MX-5 or Protege/3/6 owners.

As for rotary-centric articles, I would like to see more racing history articles. The specifics/interviews with the people involved in the first Daytona GTU win, and if possible, the Japanese side of racing like RX-3s beating Skylines, Cosmo at Martahon de la Route, etc.

Here it is: our 2008 RX-8 40th Anniversary edition project car. (w00t for the current round of rebates on 2008 models!)

We have a good relationship with Mazda already. That relationship will continue under the new name.

Here it is: our 2008 RX-8 40th Anniversary edition project car. (w00t for the current round of rebates on 2008 models!)

We have a good relationship with Mazda already. That relationship will continue under the new name.

Yeah, but I got sent the Miata version... what do I want with Piston engines???

Yeah, but I got sent the Miata version... what do I want with Piston engines???

That was a bonus issue we sent to subscribers of Mazdasport. It's not counted against your regular subscription allocation. Give it to a friend, you have to know someone that owns a Miata ;)

I got two Forever Miata issues - I'd rather have rotary speed as well! Actually, I'd like to have both...

Awesome!! Subscribed!

subscribed to forever miata....help the cause by helping the mag.....

just subscribed.

I've had a few people ask me over the past few days if I'm the same Ryan that was behind RX Tuner Magazine. I feel it's important to emphasize that I am not, nor has our magazine any relation to that now defunct title. We now return to this thread, already in progress...

Fantastic! I just subscribed!

I've had a few people ask me over the past few days if I'm the same Ryan that was behind RX Tuner Magazine. I feel it's important to emphasize that I am not, nor has our magazine any relation to that now defunct title. We now return to this thread, already in progress...

yeah that magazine didnt turn out well......

the one issue i had was pretty good though

Hmm cool. Interesting, but not sure I want to spend $30 (Canada) on 4 issues just yet. I think I'll wait to see how the feedback is first.

Subscribed.

Due to only having 4 issues per year i sure hope the newly acquired RX-8 gets MULTIPLE upgrades w/ reviews per issue. Excited to see how it turns out!

When will this be mailed out? I have not recieved anything.

It's important to us that #1 be a really good issue. It hasn't shipped yet, but is awfully close to hitting press. Thanks for everyone's patience.

i subscribed to forever mx5 but got a subie mag......had to call customer service and they are actually on thier game....they knew about the mixup and already sent out the new mag....im eagerly awaiting

Will I be able to get the upcoming release if I sign up before Monday?

I'll have to check this out!

me too!

Subscribed... sounds interesting, can't wait to see the first issue.

I emailed the guy and never responded...maybe he didnt get my email?

Subscribed!

Subscribed

Does anyone know when the first issue is slated to ship out? Just wondering as i havent heard anything since paying for the subscription.

I'm eagerly awaiting the first issue. Hopefully Ryan will drop a line in here when it ships.

I'm hoping this does not turn out to be like the other magazine that many people signed up for but rarely if any received copies.

so it's now well into september, the website hasn't been updated, and it still says first issue ships in august there. what's going on? is this flaking out like the other rx mag? an update would be nice

rdouthit was representing the magazine. Here is his profile http://www.rx8club.com/member.php?u=6342 From there you will find a link where you can send him a email message. Then post a summery of his reply message. I would suggest that only one or two interested people send the email so we don't overload his mailbox.

There is a reason I like to hold back and see how the mag works for the first month or two before placing an order. I REALLY hope this comes through, though.

starting to wonder about this magazine. no updates or responses from rdouthit.

I still have not received it.

Nothing here either.

Did we all just get ripped off? :squint:

Nothing here either.

Did we all just get ripped off? :squint:

I hope not.

I doubt it--it's not so easy to start a magazine I'm guessing. But did anyone emal rdouthit?

^ Wondering the same thing?

i pm'd him about a week ago and heard nothing back. we should email him. i hope we didn't get ripped off. it's only $20, but still. and if this falls thru, this'd be the 2nd rotary magazine that flakes out that i've also sent money to

I sent a PM on 9/18 and never heard back. Here is the 800 number from rotaryspeed.com.

https://secure.mediaspigot.com/mazdasport/

ONLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER

Questions? Call us: 1-800-997-6932 (M-F 9am - 5pm PST)

I think he should post a release date here or we should file for chargebacks.

I called the 800 number and spoke with Ryan. He says it is going to print soon and will proof it after 7 stock. I believe he said subscribers should have their copies in approximately 3 weeks after 7 stock. Since I do not recall exactly, just assume you should have your copy sometime between 2-7 weeks ;)

7 more weeks:squint: :icon_no2:

haha...I was not serious about 7 weeks. Hopefully it is around 3 weeks.

I called the 800 number and spoke with Ryan. He says it is going to print soon and will proof it after 7 stock. I believe he said subscribers should have their copies in approximately 3 weeks after 7 stock. Since I do not recall exactly, just assume you should have your copy sometime between 2-7 weeks ;)

Cool - thanks for calling.

I hope its wort this LONG wait. lol

Probably not, Im glad I just decided to wait and see what other people thought...
I still have te site bookmarked in case it turns out nice...

Hey Guys,

End of summer is always a bit of a rush as all the final events are crammed into what seems like an endless string of shows and races. Issue #1 is done, and was sent to pre-press last week. I have the proofs here and just need to upload the changes we made to accommodate adding SevenStock to this issue last-minute. First issues always seem to take forever.

For those that missed us at SevenStock this year, we had a booth and visited with lots of fans and even brought out laser proofs of issue #1 for those that wanted to check it out. Assuming we don't have any issues with this final set of swapped pages, we should be set to get ink-on-paper early next week.

http://www.rotaryspeed.com/2008/10/sevenstock-xi.html

http://photos.mediaspigot.com/photos/385267269_2Svvm-M.jpg

Just an FYI:

There is another Rotary Car Enthusiast magazine.... and its FREE!

www.RCCDigizine.com

There is another Rotary Car Enthusiast magazine.... and its FREE!


The more coverage the merrier. :)

Do we get stickers with the first issue?

Do we get stickers with the first issue?

Yup. They'll be inserted in the subscriber copies of issue #1.

They look like this:

http://mediaspigot.smugmug.com/photos/385253746_JV6iD-M.jpg

stickers would be sweet... i would buy one even if you sold them cheapish, like at or just over cost to promote the name... :)

Yup. They'll be inserted in the subscriber copies of issue #1.

They look like this:

http://mediaspigot.smugmug.com/photos/385253746_JV6iD-M.jpg

any chance someone who misses/missed the first issue could obtain a sticker any way?

Hey Guys,

End of summer is always a bit of a rush as all the final events are crammed into what seems like an endless string of shows and races. Issue #1 is done, and was sent to pre-press last week. I have the proofs here and just need to upload the changes we made to accommodate adding SevenStock to this issue last-minute. First issues always seem to take forever.

For those that missed us at SevenStock this year, we had a booth and visited with lots of fans and even brought out laser proofs of issue #1 for those that wanted to check it out. Assuming we don't have any issues with this final set of swapped pages, we should be set to get ink-on-paper early next week.

http://www.rotaryspeed.com/2008/10/sevenstock-xi.html

http://photos.mediaspigot.com/photos/385267269_2Svvm-M.jpg

Great, thanks for the update.

Those stickers look nice

I have a sticker that I got at Sevenstock that I'll be happy to give to the first person that PMs me.

wee!
I got a sticker!

Still no Magazine here :icon_no2:

I'm getting antsy...I'm not too worried about losing my money, I just cant wait to read the first issue.

sounds like it's supposed to be in press by now. i'm eagerly waiting, but not holding my breath

Still no Magazine here :icon_no2:

Me neither, this is a LONG wait.

anyone gotten their first issue yet? i'm still waiting...

not me... should be arriving anytime now according to this Oct. 4 update:

Better late than never, issue #1 of Rotary Speed Magazine (previously known as Mazdasport #16) is finally off to press. Subscribers should start receiving issues in about two to three weeks (one week to print, cut, bind and pack, followed by another week or two for the mag to be transported by the USPS to your home or office).

Still waiting here, and nothing yet. :squint:

anyone gotten their first issue yet? i'm still waiting...

not me... should be arriving anytime now according to this Oct. 4 update:

Still waiting here, and nothing yet. :squint:

Check this post: http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=2655836&postcount=65

As per the phone call I had with them, they still have a few weeks. I was hoping it would be out by now as well.

I still have not received a issue

Issues mailed from our KY warehouse last Monday (Oct 20) and just started hitting mailboxes en masse yesterday (Oct 27) (or at least we started getting calls about it yesterday). At this point it's up to Mr. Mailman to get them delivered.

Oh, and stickers are available separately here:
http://www.carzines.com/rospmaofst.html

Sweet!! I have not received mine yet but really looking forward to it!

I'll have to check out this zine in a month or two, probably end up ordering a sticker.

i just got mine!

i just got mine!

You bastard. Is it everything you dreamed of?

got mine today, too!

i must say, very well done! :biggthump high quality, wayyyyyyyyyy better than that other rx magazine. i'm glad i subscribed early and waited now. keep up the good work and can't wait for the next one!

You bastard. Is it everything you dreamed of?

not really...lol...it's ok, I think like when they did the coil over diy. it would have been better if they actually had gps data, or track data, or something instead of just stating how it felt like on the street.

just little things like that.

got mine the other day as well and i must say, very well done. I'm looking forward to future issues. i really liked the DIY articles....

still no mag :( Hopefully tomorrow!

I _think_ I also subscribed for this. Probably takes a while to get overseas though :)

Got mine yesterday. Haven't read anything yet but thumbed through it and looks very impressive for debut issue. Nice quality.

Got mine yesterday and its not bad. Good quality paper, some awesome pictures. I would like to see some heavily modified 8s, but hopefully in upcoming issues.

My copy arrived today and looking forward to reading it tonight!

got mine today, didn't have a chance to read it yet though!

Also got mine today.

I have to admit that when I saw the FD on the cover, I thought this was going to be another tuner mag with just rotary cars. You know, the article is just the owner "wanting to be unique" and the rest of the article a laundry list of parts he bought. Thankfully there was a lot more variety.

The Le Mans Lola racer piece I enjoyed, nice to see coverage of something other than the 787B. Perhaps, somehow, an article on Rod Millen's rally car? Also, I like the road trip article because it's something that appeals to all car lovers, not just tuners and racers.

Got mine today, with sticker! Awesome. Haven't had a chance to look at it yet.. but I'm excited. ;D

got mine too, very nice read and professionally done!!!

i just got mine today. really excited about it!

I just bought an rx-8 about 6 months ago (2007 MT Touring) and I just got my first issue of rotary speed in the mail. I didn't sign up for it, so it must come free when you buy a new car. Well.... I guess it isn't free, when you spend $25k+ you should get someone free. But it would be cool to be able to write for the magazine, I love my car and would love to write about it too.

I just bought myself some stickers. Woooo!

I might have to check out this article some time, though.

not really...lol...it's ok, I think like when they did the coil over diy. it would have been better if they actually had gps data, or track data, or something instead of just stating how it felt like on the street.

just little things like that.
Unfortunately, obtaining GPS data wasn't possible with the suspension install. In the process of doing the story, I must have taken that suspension completely on and off the car 4 or 5 times! I did have an opportunity to track the car, but at the time I had the front coil-overs installed, and Eibach Pro-Kit springs on stock springs at the rear while waiting on new springs from K-Sport. The soft rear was fine at Willow Springs long track, where rear grips was superb. One of the driving instructors drove it through a 20 minute session, and had nothing but praise for the handling.

Some weeks later I did a Gymkhana USA event at El Toro, still with the softer rear suspension. This time it was horrendous. On a too-tight track there was far too much rear grip, which meant that the front would push a ridiculous amount. Too much for really fast times.

The point is, different spring rates work best for different tracks. GPS data for just one particular spring rate choice might work terrific at one track where I'm located, but be unsuited for another close to you. Generally speaking though, the K-Sport spring rates were well-suited for high-performance driving and did a remarkable job of controlling body roll, which is the whole point behind coil-overs in the first place.

I hope this helps.

BTW-a coil-over setup must be used with stickier tires. If you don't do that you're wasting the leverage advantages they provide.

Of course, it will take a few issues to "get it right" This is true at a couple of levels. Any news on a second issue for subscribers?

seems to be the 2nd issue is overdue now. seems to me this is it and i paid $20 for that 1st issue. story of these magazines...

seems to be the 2nd issue is overdue now. seems to me this is it and i paid $20 for that 1st issue. story of these magazines...

Let's hope not

agreed,

where is the second issue?:squint:

It's probably in the hands of the AIG board.

Six months and counting. At the very least drop a line, update the website or something...

I think this was some bucks down the drain. Or rather one expensive mag.

Agreed i want my 2nd mag as well... updates or something

how many folks subscribed? i did..

Sucks if it's out of business, not so much for the money, but because it was high quality and could have gotten quite good.

Has anyone tried calling them to see what is up?

I think most of us figured when we paid for the subscription it was going to be lost money, but it still sucks.

I am starting up a magazine, the business rocks!

I am starting up a magazine, the business rocks!

Cool - 3rd times a charm - I got another $20 to waste, just tell me where to send it. :)

Has anyone tried calling them to see what is up?

I sent an email through RotarySpeed.com. Will report on any feedback.

Looks as if spring issue is in the works.

Message I sent:

Any plans for a second issue? Several Rotary Speed customers at rx8club.com are curious.

Thanks,
Adam



Reply:

Adam,
Thanks for checking. We're still expecting to do a spring printing, but don't have the exact date scheduled with the printer yet. Ryan's doing an update of the website and as he completes that he said he'd be posting the current information there so subscribers would know what's happening with the next issue.

Thank you,
Steven Anderson - MediaSpigot

Sweet! Thanks for checking and posting the update :)

nice!

so those of us who subscribed are still getting the promised 4 issues? just a matter of when we get them?

I see they updated their web site. At this point I would be hesitant recommending anyone subscribe because they are too slow getting issues published and sent out on time. I hope they get this turned around and start producing as advertised. If they get the next couple of issues out in a timely fashion then I'll consider renewing my membership.



As many have noticed, Summer is almost here and issue #2 of Rotary Speed Magazine has not yet arrived. What's up with that? Yes, the economy is crap. We all know that. There are two businesses that have been hit particularly hard by this downturn: cars and magazines. Hey, guess what? Yeah.

Not to despair! After months of development we have a plan that will work even in these dire times. You will get your issues and we think you're going to be blown away by the next Rotary Speed issue. Yes, blown away. Imagine standing in the middle of of Mazda Raceway as a rotary-powered ALMS car passes you at over 100mph on the straight-away -- coming within inches of smashing your toes. Yes, that kind of blown away.

That's all we're going to say right now. The new issue is in progress. It's going to rock. If you're not already a subscriber, sign up today to start with #2 when it ships.

I see they updated their web site. At this point I would be hesitant recommending anyone subscribe because they are too slow getting issues published and sent out on time. I hope they get this turned around and start producing as advertised. If they get the next couple of issues out in a timely fashion then I'll consider renewing my membership.Thanks. Color me a bit skeptical also, but hope I'm wrong. I emailed the website about a month ago and didn't even get a response.

Thanks. Color me a bit skeptical also, but hope I'm wrong. I emailed the website about a month ago and didn't even get a response.

+1

i would actually warn people against subscribing to it. i've been in this situation before and i know how hard it is to run and print a magazine, but once you take people's money you better have a long and consistent business plan. 4 issues a year = quarterly? from the way it is now it looks like it'll be more like twice a year, if even that

+1

i would actually warn people against subscribing to it. i've been in this situation before and i know how hard it is to run and print a magazine, but once you take people's money you better have a long and consistent business plan. 4 issues a year = quarterly? from the way it is now it looks like it'll be more like twice a year, if even that

it was only 20 bucks man..

Too bad this turned out to be a bust. At this point I'm assuming the magazine has gone belly up and anyone that subscribed will be lucky to get their next copy.

well i'll let you know when i get mine. ;)

I'm not holding my breath.

Huzzah on holding off and seeing how this pans out!

http://www.rotaryspeed.com/

according to the website issue 2 was due out in May.

The 2nd issue was not out in May and far as we know has never made it to print.

according to the site it is, let me edit that

I read what is says on their web site and posted it in this thread on June 6th. Their 1st issue arrived late October 2008 so after 10 months I did not have a lot of hope.

Post #131

http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=3056738&postcount=131

ok...

And still no magazine. What a bunch of BS!

I don't mind the thing going under (almost expected - not the smartest time to try and release a small niche mag) but the least these fuck's can do is drop a line to the paying customers who invested in their one thin issue.

Oh well, who needs it when you have RX8club to keep you informed.

And still no magazine. What a bunch of BS!

haha i forgot all about this..

02:00 post...how is Japan? Hope you have time to get some good sushi!

02:00 post...how is Japan? Hope you have time to get some good sushi!

all is well so far! i had some delicious sushi first thing after landing. ;)

^nice! I miss Japan!

so i got an issue of grassroots motorsports, where apparently my remaining subscription has been transferred. rotary speed went under, what a surprise (along w/ the miata mag). the issue has a nice article on robert davis racing and their rx-8 campaign. i'm now hooked to this mag, it's pretty good!

does it talk about his turbo rx-8? or na?

http://www.robertdavisracing.com/RDR/P1.html

hmmm I would rather have my money back but if I get Grassroots then it is better than nothing.

Grassroots is awesome.

ooh maybe i'll get one too then

Got my Grassroots today :)