Motorsport Network (Ferrari Chat) acquires Cavallino: good news or bad? | Page 2 | FerrariChat

Motorsport Network (Ferrari Chat) acquires Cavallino: good news or bad?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Jack-the-lad, Dec 9, 2020.

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  1. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    I agree, the history of Cavallino magazine and what they have produced is amazing! The fact is the magazine business has been killed, just look at Enzo going under and how pathetic Forza is. I'm sure John kept it up lately for the love of it and not the money. Luckily not my headache, but it will be a challenge keeping circulation and advertising up even if the content remains on par. Maybe with a closer relationship to Ferrari now, maybe with the access to Motorsport Images, maybe with the vintage connections of Canossa, and with more cross promotion at FerrariChat (John NEVER wanted that) it might even thrive!
     
  2. Jeff Kennedy

    Jeff Kennedy F1 Veteran
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    A correction on the history of Cavallino for the early days of the publication. Back when, it covered current, recent and the historical. It was later on that it switched to historical as the prime topic; there was some note from Barnes announcing this focus change.
     
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  3. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    This and the potential for misunderstanding of the relationships between the magazine and its invaluable contributors is what concerns me. It’s probably unique in the publishing world.
     
  4. Nembo1777

    Nembo1777 F1 World Champ
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    When Forza came out, strategic positioning.
     
  5. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    If one good thing comes out if this I hope it will be Canossa tours in the US.
     
  6. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    they’re already doing it, then Covid hit. They do arrive & drive events, they were doing one for Tesla owners, and then traditional 5-star BYOC like Europe.
     
  7. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Really? I never saw it promoted, but I’ve seen ads in some of the European magazines. Maybe they’ll have some US Ferrari (pre-Enzo morte cars only, please;)) tours promoted........here!
     
  8. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    I know USA was their big expansion for 2020 until COVID hit, there are a couple listed on their site though.

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  9. Themaven

    Themaven F1 Rookie

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    I work primarily in the printed magazine business, am a former editorial director of the Ferrari magazine, and owner of an international luxury magazine. I have launched more than 40 magazines around the world in the last 20 years, for one of the most prestigious publishers in the world, and still do so. I also own Ferraris.

    The business is very tough, if you build it on a traditional model. Advertising rates are decreasing. Costs are increasing. Margins are vanishing. But for specialist areas like this, there is both potential and hope. But, you can’t build business on a traditional model. Display advertising is not a serious revenue stream. Events can make money, but they are a different business, monetising readers. Harder with a global magazine, and for every lucrative event there are five money losers.

    I can think of ways in which this respected and desired magazine can both thrive and make money. I am not sure it will do so in its new hands, and fear for its medium term future. There are people on this board - on this thread - who could possibly help create a new long term life for the publication, with my help. We couldn’t do it alone, though, or if the current management just wish to continue it as it is.
     
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  10. Nospinzone

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    Yes, I remember seeing the New England event. Then I forgot about it once covid hit. :(
     
  11. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Enzo seemed like a suicide. Its distribution problems (harsher words would be more appropriate) are well documented in the Enzo magazine thread. Their fulfillment and customer service were atrocious, all the more inexplicable because sister publication Octane seems to have it figured out. Single marque magazines are viable, with titles about Aston Martin, Corvette, BMW and especially Porsche surviving, if not exactly prospering.
     
  12. HotShoe

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    I’ve known the Barnes since 1996. They have been the most gracious and generous people I have ever met. They were extremely helpful towards my career and I wish them the best. I hope they enjoy their well earned retirement!

    Thankfully I’ve attended my share of Cavallino Concours thru the years. I’m proud to say that I experienced it at its’ absolute best. Man the times we shared were legendary!!! Here’s hoping it gets better and not “Miamified” in any way shape or form. If it does at least I can say “I remember when...”
     
  13. tritone

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    Notwithstanding the particular business issues with print (any/all subject focuses), why does 'everyone' feel so strongly about print vs digital? I now prefer digital to print; image quality is at least comparable, if not better (and I can enlarge the image with one click), and I don't have to store/archive/dispose of the paper later. What is the 'goodness' about having the physical paper in your hand? Collecting?
    Admittedly, I have subscribed to dozens of different subject print pubs for untold years (and been featured in some :cool:), but now I no longer want to collect the paper (I have donated/gifted all my old print mags); so violå, a digital solution. Different strokes I guess.....
     
  14. pilotoCS

    pilotoCS F1 World Champ
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    There a different mindset with long time collectors. They will never accept digital over print. Each Cavallino magazine is considered a work of art you can hold in your hand. It is a great day when it shows up in your mailbox.
     
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  15. Nembo1777

    Nembo1777 F1 World Champ
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    +1000 digital is nothing, not real. I have a copy of every article I ever published in 28 years, lots of Cavallinos and other major magazines all in their place along with my book library. I really hope the magazine does not get turned into yet another meaningless shallow lifestyle luxe rag. Most such publishers would not have a clue what Cavallino is about.
     
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  16. BartonWorkman

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    Congratulations to all involved.

    Canossa had presence at this year's Miami Concours featuring a display with a FIAT 500 Abarth
    on the Red Carpet.

    We wish everyone well.

    BHW


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  17. M1EIC

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    Hey all, my name is John Neff and I'm the Global Editor-in-Chief for Motorsport Network's Automotive business (Motor1.com, InsideEVs, RideApart, etc.). I've been part of the team working with John Barnes on this deal over the last few months, and I'll be involved with a lot of what happens next. The print magazine isn't going away! And John's not going anywhere either, at least for the time being. He's committed to sticking around for a while to ensure the continuity and quality of the magazine and event, which is something we all take very seriously. What we do want to bring about is an upgrade to the magazine's web experience, so stay tuned for more on that. This is still early days of the deal, but I expect John and I will be reaching out to all of the contributors to the print magazine in the next month or two to introduce ourselves. Let me know if you have any more questions and I'll answer what I can. Thanks!
     
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  18. pilotoCS

    pilotoCS F1 World Champ
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    Good news. Thanks for the posting.

    Good luck with everything.
     
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  19. calder1

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    I have done a number of Canossa events over the past couple of years. They have been looking to get into the USA market for a while now so i would expect to see a number of events / rallys coming over the next few years.
     
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  20. 19633500GT

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    What length of time would you commit to it staying in actual print?
     
  21. Sassicaia

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    I noticed during the past several months that memorabilia items offered by Cavallino were heavily discounted which suggested to me that something was up with respect to its inventory and future including heavily marketing the 2021 Classic in January.

    It's all about the $$. Don't be surprised if change occurs rapidly now with new ownership b/c it has to monetize its purchase price and ROI.
     
  22. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    didn't happen when Motorsport bought FerrariChat.
     
  23. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    I give it a year. Honestly, when you look at the roster of contributors I don’t think many of them are going to be too thrilled with this. It isn’t just print vs. digital. It’s a cultural thing, too. I expect Cavallino...the event....will eventually move to Miami, which in actuality is a lot farther from Palm Beach than it appears to be on a map......
     
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  24. 19633500GT

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    Sad but I agree

    There’s something about the feel of that magazine

    digital is everything and in magazine form something I would never pay or subscribe to, ever.
     
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  25. Lusso123

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    It is really a much different type of purchase vs. when Motorsport bought FerrariChat. That said, time will tell. There are valid arguments to be made for both points of view regarding this.
     
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