Some might say I've got a bit of an ego. I'd be one of 'em. I truly believe that a pacifist editor is nothing more than a sissy journalist who's afraid to create any waves with his readership, not to mention simply having the stones to say what's on his mind. Oftentimes, though, I will push the proverbial envelopes in an attempt to stir things up even more-why not? Loved or hated-or a little of both depending on the subject matter-I'm content just knowing I've caught your attention, and hopefully, can keep it for as long as possible!
I wouldn't go so far as saying my ego only stretches a 100 or so pages once a month, but it's definitely an attention-grabbing tactic used to do just that-get your attention. However, being behind the wheel of a magazine as prestigious and with such a rich heritage as Rod & Custom, it's hard not to have a prideful 'tude! As I've said before, and will undoubtedly say again and again, I'm more than honored to carry on the R&C torch. And it's with this fire-stick-touting duty that I've taken notice to a growing newsstand trend-biters!
While we can all agree that the magazine of all magazines, Hot Rod, carries a much deeper-and "uninterrupted"-lineage than ours, it also has had a distinctness in subject matter, one that has changed with and, more so, kept up with the times. Or at least that was the case. I'm not sure at what point HRM decided to curtail its direction, but I do know why-and I'm not saying that I don't like it, either. With the future of modern/late-model hot rods in question, it's probably a good thing they have their roots to fall back on, or trench up. But it's not so much HRM's stepping back that has caught my attention ... well, not entirely.
Take a good look at the various titles next time you're perusing the newsstand and you might see what I'm talking about. Not only are there more rags dedicated to rat rods (a word I'd like to see wiped from the English language altogether) than there needs to be-"none" would be ideal-I'm starting to see what would be considered "non-traditional" titles biting at the nostalgic lure. From my perspective, that's all fine and dandy, as I can see right through the rust holes on their bare metal attempts-call it transparent traditional? I'd love to see another Sports Illustrated cover depicting an airbrushed monster shirt, but what about the other 99.9 percent of its loyal readers? Circular file material for them, indeed.
Whatever it is, I can't say there's a whole lot of pride behind the biting-egos, yes, but pure, unadulterated pride? Highly doubtful. And that's not my ego talking, either!