Requiem for the RVator

Alan Carroll · #1 01-10-2011, 08:24 AM

The current issue of the RVator carries the headline "The Last and Final Issue ...Ever". Inside, Ken Scott explains that the immediacy of the internet (including the VAF site) has basically reduced the usefulness of a bimonthly publication. Modifications apparently will be made to the company web site to replace the functions and "content" of the RVator.

Will anyone miss the RVator? Or, can it be effectively replaced by website content?

apkp777 · #2 01-10-2011, 08:59 AM

IMO, the RVATOR turned into the RV12ATOR a while ago. Still, I'll miss it.

Bob Axsom · #3 01-10-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apkp777

IMO, the RVATOR turned into the RV12ATOR a while ago. Still, I'll miss it.

In all honesty I will not even notice it isn't there but it reflects a more isolated position by the company. I tend to see that as an unfortunate development for the RV"community" - like the golden age has past. Oh well life goes on as I have been told herein. I will miss classic articles like the prop test conducted for our benefit by Van's and reported in the RVator several years ago and the competitive speed mods and results between two friends in the same era. I have the feeling that we are loosing a bit of Van in Van's and the elimination of the RVator is just another step. I will miss Ken Scott's clever writing as well as Van's precise dealing with technical subjects outside the production box.

Bob Axsom

apkp777 · #4 01-10-2011, 11:23 AM

I have an idea, how about the money Van's will save by not publishing the magazine, they give to VAF instead? I'll bet VAF has sold 100 times more airplane kits than Van's charming personality.

Paul K · #5 01-10-2011, 11:37 AM

Sorry guys, I haven't looked at it in a long time. This, VAF, is my source of information! None better.

Thanks Doug.

rv8ch · #6 01-10-2011, 11:42 AM

As long as the excellent articles continue on their website (or another), then no problem. I really hope that they do.

Smilin' Jack · #7 01-10-2011, 11:45 AM

Van's might be experiencing a economic problem with the announced price increase and now the RVator coming to an end.

I don't know about your area in the country but most of Georgia is still pretty hard hit... and of course the price increase is going to take effect before I get started .

Smilin' Jack
I just needed a couple more months.

Vlad · #8 01-10-2011, 11:55 AM

I am guilty

After I registered here on VAF I just scanned RVator on the web never read it thoroughly as before. I liked printed copies and subscribed before starting my project and while building the empennage and wings.
Well at least we can brag to future builders that we matured when RVator was still printed on real paper.

I hope Vans will still use "The Oregonian" for packages.

Bill Dicus · #9 01-10-2011, 12:17 PM

I'll hate to see it go. Especially for the thoughtful and informative articles by Van and Ken as well as other Van's personnel. The occasional articles on alternate powered RV's which have appeared in the mag were terrific and will be missed at least by me. Plus, it was just fun to open the file and see what was there; I loved it, although less than in the paper days. I hope the pithy educational and editorial articles will continue on the Van's site.

Bill

JonJay · #10 01-10-2011, 12:36 PM

I know Ken pretty well. I doubt it has anything to do with the economy or anything other than becoming more efficient. It is a natural progression.
As much as I love this site, there is still a lot of misinformation posted here, some of it mine, that lives forever.
The RVator was an excellent source of "official" information, Ken and others trip write ups, reports, and other great stuff.
Knowing Ken, I would imagine that this will continue on in some form or another directly on Vans site. Ken is a prolific writer and I can not imagine Vans not having some place to publish "official" factory information.