GarMan, Did you read the editorial in the the August 2004 issue? It sounds like there may be a financial crunch going on at aX. They are going to cut down on the number of pages published, and are encouraging (as they should) authors to specify sources for parts, for obvious reasons. To be honest, I do not see how aX has set themselves apart from the web. Their articles are not that unique or are so technically out there as to be meaningless. Don't get me wrong, I want this magazine to be a success for many years to come (yes, I have a subscription for 4 years), but they must do more to set themselves apart. I suggested, via their web site survey, that they need to offer a value above and beyond their main competition - the web. I would like to see a beginners' corner where a step is taken back and the basics explained in detail - both in theory and construction. I think they can also solicite audio DIY web authors to submit articles and the editors help polish and improve the information being sold.
Sorry about the rant, but I think there is more to the early call for subscription than meets the eye......Regards, Colin