What do I think of the current issue? To be perfectly honest, a bit lukewarm. There has been better, but also worse. The iv-diff article is too long with too little to say. I can't see any reason to complain about the front cover photo, at least it is relevant to one of the core areas of the society and its magazine title - folk dance.

I agree with Jonny, there is more to the society than just one sector of the membership and the magazine should reflect that. Unfortuntely, I found Pauls 'revitalised' magazine to be a bit 'candyfloss' - pretty but lacking substance. That is hardly surprising reading his take on the matter:

"I'm afraid quality doesn't sell in folk any more than it does in the highstreet. What does sell is sharp design, good photography and snappy articles."

It is equally unsurprising when the focus is moved from the 'master' to the 'apprentice'.

Personally, I expect the Society to produce a quality product. I felt that under Daves long editorship, the magazine served the Society well, was informative and interesting, and the emphasis was on quality and content rather than being trendy with pretty packaging. The Society did itself no favours in removing Dave from the editors seat, dumbing down its mag.

IMO the mag is far from regaining that level, but as Jonny has already said, "Which is up and which is down may vary according to your perception of course."

cheers

Brian (EFDSS member for 30+ years)