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Thursday, December 03, 2009

National Geo Adventure Calls It Quits

The December/January issue of National Geographic Adventure will be the last one, another victim of the Great Recession and the changing tides—the tsunami—affecting print journalism. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. Since its launch in 1999 under editor John Rasmus, the magazine has balanced superb reporting—I've got The New Age of Adventure collection by my bedside—with massive amounts of trip and equipment service material, and it was backed by the mighty National Geographic Society. I didn't do much work for the magazine, but I always enjoyed my dealings with its editors, especially Cliff Ransom and former editors Jim Meigs and James Vlahos. Steve Casimiro, the magazine's peripatetic West Coast editor, has just published a good report and reflection on his magazine's demise at his Adventure Life blog. Good luck to everyone.

5 comments:

Haliku said...

Say it isn't so! Its been my favorite magazine for many years. RIP.

Anonymous said...

I have to say you hit it spot on Dougald. It shouldn't be surprising, but it sure is.

Fitz

Simon Carter said...

Oh dear, that sucks. It's a worry when a quality mag like that (and with NGS backing!?) can't make it.

ReadHowYouWant said...

Too bad :(
However, The Mountaineers Books is still publishing some great titles on the outdoors and adventure. Their large print titles are 25% off at www.readhowyouwant.com when you use Promo Code GRY7342W at check out through Dec. 31.
Keep climbing!

memory foam said...

Wow, I did not expect this. I have been a subscriber for probably about 80% of the magazine's life and was just about to re-start. They do say they will be greatly expanding the website and offering some books though, so all is not lost. From their statement:
"National Geographic is transitioning its Adventure brand from traditional print to a multi-platform model that will include newsstand editions, books, e-magazines, mobile applications and a robust Web site. "