Winter 2009
Update
The Big Picture
From Gary and Mary Cooley, Mountain Home, Ark.
Just unwrapped my Autumn VL. What a wonderful shock. I headed straight for "Inside VL as I knew there would be an explanation. I love every single word you wrote. Please stick with your vision! You are so right on!
I could go on and on with compliments. I love not only the layout of the new cover, but I love the fact that you have the page numbers in the photos. The new tag line? Perfect.
I love the diversity of it all. You go from high-end culture to down-home turkey farming. What a great balance.
Finally, I will say I had no idea Vermont had moved so far forward. I knew it was cool, but not this cool. Long may Vermonters' entrepreneurial spirit live and thrive — and be documented in VL!
From Edward J. Ross, no address given
Finally got around to reading the Autumn issue and I wish I hadn't. It is the only issue of the magazine I have read in which the ads were more interesting than the articles. The cover was terrible, the layout was poor and the choice of articles was bad. How many of your readers do you think were really interested in the "Upshift section on mountain biking? Very few I am sure. As a longtime reader of the magazine, I strongly feel this was the worst issue ever published.
COVER TO COVER
From Sarah Walls, Barnet, Vt.
I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate and enjoy the new cover on this month's Vermont Life. The old cover design was wonderful, but this new issue is really "eye candy and draws you in to want to read it. The rich oranges, browns and greens remind me of autumn leaves and pumpkins. The photographs themselves depict all that I enjoy about Vermont from apple picking to a scenic drive on uncrowded roads. How lucky we are to live here. Thank you for reminding us all.
From Bob Strong, no address given
While I applaud your choice of subjects and willingness to experiment, I think your Autumn 2009 cover and busy photo layouts are dreadful. When (the issue) arrived, I thought for a moment it was a peculiarly shaped L. L. Bean catalog. And I'm sorry, but you have a duty to choose a beautiful single image for the cover. It doesn't have to be an image tinged with bygone Vermont nostalgia or even a pastoral one — but choose you must!
STORY MEETING
From Patty Sackevich, Kissimmee, Fla.
I was thrilled to read the well-written article "Yes We Can! by Marialisa Calta. The photographs are outstanding. The history lesson ("Preservation Society) gives the article balance.
From John J. Daley, New Hartford, N.Y.
"Canning really belongs in the booby prize category ... How about an article on Vermont history?
From Bill Simbeck, Sheffield, Pa.
I like the revamping of the magazine; it seems more personal. It tells the true story of the Vermont people. I like how the people are so original, they come up with ways to make a living (organic farming, writing, artwork, etc.) The revamping of the magazine really tells the stories.
From Ellen Everitz, South Burlington, Vt.
I was fascinated with the story about the brook on Newfane Hill. I love to read about the people who make Vermont what it is, their adventures and little-known places. That's what Vermont Life is supposed to be about. Keep up the good work.
From Bill and Sharon Curry, no address given
If we wanted People magazine, we would buy it. No stories with content to hold your interest. What you run in the magazine now you can find online. Mary, if you want to edit Us magazine in New York City, please head there with our best wishes.
YESTERDAY AND TOMORROW
From J. M. DeMasi, no address given
When it came time to renew my subscription to Vermont Life, I decided to take a wait-and-see position. I was not certain I would value where you intended to go with the magazine. While you "make no apologies for your focus on what you perceive to be "today's Vermont and clearly evidence your dislike for nostalgia, you unfortunately miss the point.
I have been coming to Vermont since 1955 when my grandparents bought a house in Brookfield. That "nostalgic perception, as you most unkindly refer to it, provides a grounding, comforting reassurance that has apparently escaped you. Unless you find a healthy balance between both aspects of Vermont I will not be renewing my subscription.
From Brian Cain, chair, Travel and Recreation Council, Montpelier, Vt.
I want to commend you on the new look and the very well-written "Come Explore With Us." Being a native, I struggle with the old versus new, and I think you captured the idea of where VL is going in the future. Best wishes on your direction.
Send letters to Vermont Life, 6 Baldwin St., Montpelier, VT 05602
e-mail: editors@VtLife.com
