GLF 62:JC has a look at the Matchday Magazine
In the last issue of GLF, Geoff Baby commented on the programme and those who criticise to come up with solutions / ideas for it.Well I guess I'm one of the critics…………
I've flogged the programme outside the ground at the few games I've been to this season.I sold 28 issues v Tattie Howkers and also sold the other fanzine the same day and outsold the programme 2 to 1 – need I say more?One guy with a Killie scarf bought the programme, the same number that bought a fanzine.
To clear up any misconceptions as regards criticism of the prog by me, I ain't getting at Graham, Geoff, Andy or whoever else writes in it.The articles are well written and interesting but could do with more contributors.Don't look at me – sorry, I've enough trouble cobbling together bits for this and the other 'zine let alone doing a regular piece for the prog.I don't know if the SFA still run the rule over what is printed in progs now that we're in the all happy-clappy SPL or not.I realise writing in a fanzine gives you loads more licence, no doubt legal eagles would be looking to litigation if scurrilous remarks appeared in the programme.However, a bit of controversy wouldn't go amiss.
In these days of the electronic revolution/message boards etc, does the programme have the same relevance or appeal?Who buys the programme, why do they and what price are they willing to pay for it???'Steelmen' currently has two pages for the visitors including FOUR pen pics – hardly gonna thrill any visiting fans to rush and buy a copy on their next visit.I realise over the last season or so they had comments by visiting fans, this was a bit better that pics and statistics.Unfortunately stats leave me cold and there's a couple of pages worth each week alone with plenty of photos which probably appeal to the younger 'Well fans.Unfortunately few if any kids buy the programme when I'm selling and several ask what it is?I hate to admit I had one guy buy a copy v Thistle, flip thru' it then ask for his cash back – not clever, so after I refused a refund he tossed it in the bin!The sales v Jags in the CIS were abysmal, the financial bod in the office wasn't a happy chappie as more were returned than sold by the sellers.I worked Gretna v Derry and that programme sold well.I realise it was a UEFA Cup tie and of special rarity value but quite a few Motherwell faces bought copies not just the Irish / Borders punters so if the product is right it will sell.
I believe the Leith Graveyard mob have reduced the cost of their programme and dumbed down the content.From a seller's perspective the £2.00 charged at Fir Park is a deal better than the £2.50 charged by both sets of Bigots.It's supply and demand – I personally don't buy an issue.If I pick one up I'll read it and keep it ( there's plenty left behind in the Main Stand ).I will generally buy a programme when visiting an away ground or abroad but they're often free of charge on the continent, something we can't do as Motherwell need every penny they can make from selling 'Steelmen'.I see there's a club magazine being produced to – do we need that given our small fan base and how long will it be viable to produce???
John Creighton
Visit the GLF archive. Hundreds of articles.