FF mag review (1 Viewer)

[ConstruxBoy]

The articles are very similar to last year which was disappointing.

These items were in both year's publicationsepth ChartsSchedulesStrength of ScheduleValue PlaysOvervalued PlayersOffensive Line ReviewRankingsProjectionsRandom ShotsOffseason MovementCoaching ChangesInjury RecapPreseason Watch ListPerfect DraftDynasty ArticleMock DraftRookie ReviewPlayer PagesTeam PagesTarget StatsWhich would you exclude from the 2009 magazine?

Honestly? I don't think Random Shots works well outside the context of the current week. I'd rather see that space used for something else.

 

[Maven]

This year I went nuts and purchased every fantasy magazine on the market. ...I too was not impressed with FBG mag. I love the site, articles on the site, tools, and board but ...the mag wasn't worth its purchase. I like cold hard numbers and facts and alot of the information was opinionated and just the opposite.

however, if youre looking for a great mag, check out Beckett Fantasy Football 2008 by Rotoworld.com . That mag is ridiculously great. i highly recommend it. if youre looking for a great service, ...and youre reading this message...youve already found the site.

 

[Novice2]

This year I went nuts and purchased every fantasy magazine on the market. ...

I did that last year now i just sit at the mag rack and pee off the store owners reading them all in the store this season. I did get the FBG through the mail and enjoyed it. No complaints here

 

[Bri]

In the "one star" class:

like the cowboys

 

[shredhead]

It was last years magazines rewritten with different players names inserted in certain places.

Are you saying there wasn't enough change between the 2007 and 2008 versions?

Read the 2007 perfect draft article. Wherever you see the name Jon Kitna, insert the name David Garrard. You tell me. It is basically the same article. Now I know that Dodds' draft strategy hasn't changed much in 1 season, but maybe that particular article needs to be looked at a little closer. There is more than 1 way to build a solid fantasy team.For the record, I was just joking in my earlier post about wanting my money back. I've spent more unwisely than this before. I can live with my decision to buy the magazine.

 

[Bri]

It was last years magazines rewritten with different players names inserted in certain places.

Are you saying there wasn't enough change between the 2007 and 2008 versions?

Read the 2007 perfect draft article. Wherever you see the name Jon Kitna, insert the name David Garrard. You tell me. It is basically the same article. Now I know that Dodds' draft strategy hasn't changed much in 1 season, but maybe that particular article needs to be looked at a little closer. There is more than 1 way to build a solid fantasy team.

same title, same person, same company, same mag different volume, and you wanted it to be quite different?

 

[shredhead]

It was last years magazines rewritten with different players names inserted in certain places.

Are you saying there wasn't enough change between the 2007 and 2008 versions?

Read the 2007 perfect draft article. Wherever you see the name Jon Kitna, insert the name David Garrard. You tell me. It is basically the same article. Now I know that Dodds' draft strategy hasn't changed much in 1 season, but maybe that particular article needs to be looked at a little closer. There is more than 1 way to build a solid fantasy team.

same title, same person, same company, same mag different volume, and you wanted it to be quite different?

No, but I did want it to be a little different. I paid for that article last year, if I have to pay again this year, yes I want it to be a little different.I was just using that article as 1 example. It was the one that I thought of first. There are several instances in the magazine that are the same.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

It was last years magazines rewritten with different players names inserted in certain places.

Are you saying there wasn't enough change between the 2007 and 2008 versions?

Read the 2007 perfect draft article. Wherever you see the name Jon Kitna, insert the name David Garrard. You tell me. It is basically the same article. Now I know that Dodds' draft strategy hasn't changed much in 1 season, but maybe that particular article needs to be looked at a little closer. There is more than 1 way to build a solid fantasy team.For the record, I was just joking in my earlier post about wanting my money back. I've spent more unwisely than this before. I can live with my decision to buy the magazine.

There is a book called "What color is Your Parachute"...you might have heard of it. It comes out almost every year and the format is the same, the book is basically the same with a few new things. The book is about finding a career, and I think all the editions are pretty close to the same. Just because the 2008 version isn't radically different doesn't mean it isn't good. I'm not defending the mag, I just think you are being a little picky. The story is the same every year, 16 games, playoffs, crown a team a winner in the Super Bowl...it is the same thing every year with different players basically.

 

[BigRed]

Agree. There are some FF "basics" or basic ideas, story lines etc which are and should be covered every year. The articles may not be dramatically different and basically so what...

 

[FantasyTrader]

I'd bet just about every mag publisher makes a healthy profit each year - just on mag sales.

The publisher or the company in the title?

Sorry, I meant both the publisher and the company.

 

[hauser42]

First year using the magazine and I see it as a source that is all like most magazines. I could care less if the writing is entertaining, I want the guts that will help me win. FBG magazine goes right along with the website so it is really awesome when it comes to research.

I use to get CBS Sportsline as my main source, but that magazine started to loose a little luster2 years .ago. It gives a great team break down on the weekly stats by each player from the last year. Was great to see what players hit the yardage bonus points.

Rotoworld was my #2 source mainly because it really did a great job of covering PPR format. Their RB report is helpful for pinning down RB roles and future of keepers. However after that it is the same as the rest out there. I acually have a subscription to this as it was suppose to be a monthly deal but that changed to a 4 time a year deal two months after. Their baseball magazine was a waste since they did not rank hitters by their posistion. When I emailed them, response I got was other magazines dont break them down. WHen I found two that did and emailed this back and that peole that want to be on top dont follow, I got no response.

I agree that the magazines are not worth a lot, I use them mostly for my time in the bathroom to pass the time. This website is my main source of research material for draft and during the season.

 

[wraith5]

Sitting in my hotel room in Playa del Carmen today while my kids took a nap I cracked open the mag and read most of it - frankly I don't feel like I read too much that I don't get off the website already, and that information is more updated and timely. I liked the value / overvalued section quite a bit though (although I'm pretty sure that's on the site, too).

As far as writing style, I forgive the writers because they are footballguys, not writerguys.

As far as entertainment value, I forgive them because they aren't entertainerguys.

So basically I just buy the mag to support Joe - hell the man only cranks out 400 boats a year and he has little mouths to feed!!!

 

[Pictus Cat]

Is it ok to hide them when you see them in the market.

The Golden Tickets are a huge draw for me.

The guys who hang around the website and/or subscribe,

mags may not be their thing.

I just like another medium to look at ff, like in the passenger seat.

I bought two to give one to another owner who could use some help.

I'm pretty much betting nobody will spend more time on it than me no matter how many mags I give 'em.

 

[shredhead]

There is a book called "What color is Your Parachute"...you might have heard of it. It comes out almost every year and the format is the same, the book is basically the same with a few new things. The book is about finding a career, and I think all the editions are pretty close to the same. Just because the 2008 version isn't radically different doesn't mean it isn't good. I'm not defending the mag, I just think you are being a little picky. The story is the same every year, 16 games, playoffs, crown a team a winner in the Super Bowl...it is the same thing every year with different players basically.

You know MoP, You are probably exactly right. I am probably being too picky. I am on this site pretty much every day. I love this web site and have improved as a fantasy player because of this site. I don't know what I was expecting. Just because most of the stuff I've been reading on this site since January happens to be in the magazine is not the magazines fault. I haven't used a magazine to do my rankings or help me with my draft for years. I'm going to ease back from my earlier statements and take the magazine for what it is. The content of the magazine wasn't going to make or break my season one way or the other, so I will read the articles in the magazine and like some of them and not like some of them. No big deal. For the foreseeable future, FBG's (the website) is and will be my first source for fantasy info.

So basically I just buy the mag to support Joe

Noble cause. I am officially re-evaluating my statement of never buying the FBG's magazine again. If buying a $7 magazine helps keep this website as good as it is, count me in.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

It was last years magazines rewritten with different players names inserted in certain places.

Are you saying there wasn't enough change between the 2007 and 2008 versions?

Read the 2007 perfect draft article. Wherever you see the name Jon Kitna, insert the name David Garrard. You tell me. It is basically the same article. Now I know that Dodds' draft strategy hasn't changed much in 1 season, but maybe that particular article needs to be looked at a little closer. There is more than 1 way to build a solid fantasy team.For the record, I was just joking in my earlier post about wanting my money back. I've spent more unwisely than this before. I can live with my decision to buy the magazine.

There is a book called "What color is Your Parachute"...you might have heard of it. It comes out almost every year and the format is the same, the book is basically the same with a few new things. The book is about finding a career, and I think all the editions are pretty close to the same. Just because the 2008 version isn't radically different doesn't mean it isn't good. I'm not defending the mag, I just think you are being a little picky. The story is the same every year, 16 games, playoffs, crown a team a winner in the Super Bowl...it is the same thing every year with different players basically.

I think you're comparing apples and oranges. Those books aren't supposed to be different. They're supposed to be tweaked, but if you're going to get one you might as well get the latest one.Time-sensitive fantasy magazines are different. The 2005 version of What Color is Your Parachute can be read and still useful today. Not so with a fantasy magazine. The lists might be the same with different names, but the insight is supposed to be fresh and different.I'm not rating the magazine because I haven't read it. For me, as long as it provides some entertainment and has some insight, it's likely worth $7. I don't think people should have unrealistic expectations, but wanting content that doesn't sound too familiar isn't unrealistic.

 

[pizzatyme]

To be honest, I don't understand why ANYBODY who's a regular member of a board/site like this one would waste their money on a mag, even if it's from FBG.

My girl gets pissed off when I bring the CPU into the bathroom. That is the sole purpose for my purchase of a fantasy mag.

Real men take the PFP into the bathroom.

Only problem is that it's so big that my legs start falling asleep.

That's what she said.

 

[Tanner9919]

Here is someone that is reviewing all of the magazines. He gave us an A+

FF Magazine Review

I buy just about every magazine every year to see what everyone is doing.Of course I like what we are doing a lot, but I also think these magazines are worth reading:

Fantasy Index - Ian Allen does a great job. The magazine has not changed much over the years, but I love the capsules and team pages a ton. Their Expert rankings draw some of the best minds in the business too.

Fantasy Guru - John Hansen always puts together a great magazine. Insightful articles from someone who has a long history of winning in leagues.

Fantasy Pro Forecast - Bob Harris knows football and is among the most skilled writers in this space. He doesn't rank the players though so sometimes his words don't match up to someone elses rankings. But his words are eloquent.

Fanball - They replaced their whole staff this season,. but the magazine is still among the slickest looking in the industry. I miss Tuvey and the staff though

....then a bunch of sub-par efforts in my opinion. I have heard a lot of good things about the Rotowire magazine, but don't have a copy of it.

the reason Fantasy Index is the best mag out there ( in my opinion anyways), is that they aren't afraid to take chances with their ratings..the Tatum Bell debacle a few years ago, missing the boat on Randy Moss last season, etc..they've had their fair share of misses thru the years, but they don't push out cookie-cutter type mags with ho-hum articles and 'me-too' rankings ( oh, you have your top 8 RB's listed as ADP,LT2,Westy, Addai,Gore, Barber,Portis, Lynch? - me too!)..FBG's tends to play it too close to the vest, tends to use the cookie-cutter type format, and me-too rankings turning out the same ole' garden variety player capsules/predictions I can find anywhere else..this site is awesome, though! Its the FBG bread-n-butter..But the whole Willy Wonka-esque golden-ticket-in-the-magazine stuff is a joke.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I buy the mags solely as reading entertainment. It gives me something to pass the time in the summer months.

That should answer your question.

My guess is this guy isn't very good at fantasy football either. I think he reviewed stuff last year too and loved Fanball's captions because they were funny. I think we are catering to a slightly different audience than this guy. I am actually glad he did not like our magazine personally.

No question he is ranking them for beginners in the hobby...most of these sport writers types are generally clueless about playing the hobby esp. at a high level.

The person who ranked the magazines is not even a football writer. He covers the Red Wings.

 

[BigRed]

Here is someone that is reviewing all of the magazines. He gave us an A+

FF Magazine Review

another set or reviews i found...you do much better here but i have no idea who this person is.http://www.footballburrito.com/?p=195

Wow about 5 whole words of review per mag. This is worse than the DET yahoo. Also IMO it doesn't bolster his credibility to call players by cutesy little nicknames.

 

[Mark Wimer]

It was last years magazines rewritten with different players names inserted in certain places.

Are you saying there wasn't enough change between the 2007 and 2008 versions?

Read the 2007 perfect draft article. Wherever you see the name Jon Kitna, insert the name David Garrard. You tell me. It is basically the same article. Now I know that Dodds' draft strategy hasn't changed much in 1 season, but maybe that particular article needs to be looked at a little closer. There is more than 1 way to build a solid fantasy team.

same title, same person, same company, same mag different volume, and you wanted it to be quite different?

No, but I did want it to be a little different. I paid for that article last year, if I have to pay again this year, yes I want it to be a little different.I was just using that article as 1 example. It was the one that I thought of first. There are several instances in the magazine that are the same.

One item that those used to the web site are overlooking is that in a magazine we have a set word limit per page. On the website, we can use as many charts, paragraphs and hyperlinks to other material on the website as we'd like to explain our takes/ideas/approaches. The web pages are delimited in length, and the ability to hyperlink makes them close to infinite in size/scope. In the magazine, we are strictly limited in how long any particular article can be if we want to cover as much FF information as possible in the pages contained between the covers.My point is, yes, there are more than one way to build a solid fantasy team. But some of the more esoteric approaches/heuristics sharks use for drafting simply can't be adequately explained in the magazine format. There simply isn't enough room. That's why we are constantly reminding readers of the magazine to check out the website - the information in the magazine is by necessity, and by design, a mere gloss on what we really do when it comes to fantasy analysis. There is 1 spotlight and 2 faceoffs...you see my point, I think...

 

[GoRaiders]

Here is someone that is reviewing all of the magazines. He gave us an A+

FF Magazine Review

You got to be kidding me with the background this site has going on. I will have to believe you on the A+ review, not a chance someone can read this w/o ruining their eyes.

 

[pizzatyme]

Here is someone that is reviewing all of the magazines. He gave us an A+

FF Magazine Review

You got to be kidding me with the background this site has going on. I will have to believe you on the A+ review, not a chance someone can read this w/o ruining their eyes.

 

[BigRed]

Here is someone that is reviewing all of the magazines. He gave us an A+

FF Magazine Review

You got to be kidding me with the background this site has going on. I will have to believe you on the A+ review, not a chance someone can read this w/o ruining their eyes.

That's because he lost a bet (explanation is on the site somewhere)

 

[buster c]

I live in DC and have never seen the FBG mag for sale - not CVS, not 7/11, Borders, B&N. Nothing.

 

[MCguidance]

I buy it because I'm addicted.

I like it because its well done.

 

[ThePittbully]

Yea numbers have nothing to do with fantasy football, what were you guys thinking

 

[Joe Bryant]

Thanks for the good words, Guys. And for the criticism too. We need that to get better. It's always a tough decision to try and balance the information with the style. Some mags are more dry and focused on the numbers and strategy and that kind of thing. Others are more on the "style" factor and focus a little more on entertainment.

Nothing inherently wrong or right about either style. We have just focused more on the numbers and that style as that's just more who we are. If the makeup of our staff was different, we might have a different style of magazine. Obviously, style and info aren't exclusive. You can do both. But it's a tricky balance.

Our attitude has always been to take our best shot and see how it goes. So when we have a writer like the guy in the Detroit paper, I understand exactly where he's coming from. He's just not that in tune with our style. It wasn't surprising to me that he also ranked my two other favorite magazines, Fantasy Index and FantasyGuru also at the bottom. That's consistent.

So bottom line, the Free Press thing doesn't bother me in the least. I learned a long time ago you can't be all things to all people.

So thanks for the good words and thanks to those that bought the magazine. Much appreciated.

J

 

[FantasyTrader]

I bought the mag and I absolutely LOVE it - but I'm a numbers-whore. I think the criticism just follows along the lines of why people buy mags in general (entertainment value). Look at the most successful magazines on the market. Things like Maxim, Playboy, People, heck even Teen Beat for the kids. Entertainment is the name of the game. That'll bring the mainstream to the site.

The thing is, you don't even need a "Fantasy Football" writer to incorporate this. You can literally hand a freelancer the final copy and they can go back and throw in 3-4 one-liners per page to polish it up. Dodds, you and I wrapped up a draft recently with the guy I'm thinking of - - John Tuvey. He's over at The Huddle now but I've hired him for some freelance work this offseason and he'd be PERFECT for you guys next year. Tuvey's a master at blending his analysis with pop-culture references that inform AND entertain.

I have his email. PM me - having Tuvey or Paul Charchian polish up the final copy with some light-hearted humor would really grease the wheels for next year and beyond for your magazine sales.

 

[broncofan13000]

I've only looked at 2 mags this season. 1 star seems about right for FBG's magazine. I was highly disappointed. I would like a refund. It was last years magazines rewritten with different players names inserted in certain places. I will not buy FBG's mag next year. I am sorry for bashing FBG's magazine on the FBG's message board, but I gotta call 'em as I see 'em. I've been holding off on my feelings, since I love the website and message board. I don't feel quite right about ripping the mag, but I do have to tell you that it was disappointing.

While I wasn't as disappointed as you were with the magazine, I understand how you feel. When i got the magazine, i was hoping for fresh new articles, but it seemed like the same articles with minor tweaks (keeper/dynasty, IDP, and perfect draft). I enjoyed the rest of the content (especially the section on the rookies by bloom ). My only suggestion for next year is that we don't see similar articles published again and get fresh, new content.

 

[Clintron]

I live in DC and have never seen the FBG mag for sale - not CVS, not 7/11, Borders, B&N. Nothing.

I live in D.C., too, and I've seen it in a few places. I picked up the FBG mag at the Barnes & Noble in Bethesda, where I work. Maybe they're just burying it behind all the NFL.com mags that nobody is buying...

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

For what it's worth... I'm a marketing man for a career, and first impressions go a long way.

The paper quality and color of some of the more mainstream magazines ALONE, lead to the perception that other magazines that don't use color on all pages and/or glossy paper are crap.

I like that CBS/ProFootballWeekly now includes the targets and red zone targets - it's about time they started adding some more stats with some actual value.

I feel that Sporting News's FF magazine took a step back - I was a big fan of their 'tiers' at each position.

FantasyFootball ProForecast is still my favorite magazine, and FFIndex is still lame to me.

There's only one magazine where you'll find boat advertisements from Tennessee though.

 

[shredhead]

Thanks for the good words, Guys. And for the criticism too. We need that to get better. It's always a tough decision to try and balance the information with the style. Some mags are more dry and focused on the numbers and strategy and that kind of thing. Others are more on the "style" factor and focus a little more on entertainment.Nothing inherently wrong or right about either style. We have just focused more on the numbers and that style as that's just more who we are. If the makeup of our staff was different, we might have a different style of magazine. Obviously, style and info aren't exclusive. You can do both. But it's a tricky balance.Our attitude has always been to take our best shot and see how it goes. So when we have a writer like the guy in the Detroit paper, I understand exactly where he's coming from. He's just not that in tune with our style. It wasn't surprising to me that he also ranked my two other favorite magazines, Fantasy Index and FantasyGuru also at the bottom. That's consistent.So bottom line, the Free Press thing doesn't bother me in the least. I learned a long time ago you can't be all things to all people. So thanks for the good words and thanks to those that bought the magazine. Much appreciated.J

Thanks Joe! I've backed off my criticism since my first post in this thread. This web site rocks, and I'm all about supporting it. I've never been a member before, but am considering it just to help keep this awesome site going. I'm having a little trouble justifying the $25 since out of 6 leagues I have 3 firsts and 2 second place finishes over the past 2 seasons. I have had some unexpected expenses come up lately and still have to pay my entry fee for my 3 leagues coming up, but as soon as I can I will consider becoming a member. I owe most of my success over the past seasons to this site, and I want to give back.

 

[Jene Bramel]

While I wasn't as disappointed as you were with the magazine, I understand how you feel. When i got the magazine, i was hoping for fresh new articles, but it seemed like the same articles with minor tweaks (keeper/dynasty, IDP, and perfect draft). I enjoyed the rest of the content (especially the section on the rookies by bloom ). My only suggestion for next year is that we don't see similar articles published again and get fresh, new content.

The two articles about incorporating dynasty and IDP concepts were new features to the magazine this year.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

While I wasn't as disappointed as you were with the magazine, I understand how you feel. When i got the magazine, i was hoping for fresh new articles, but it seemed like the same articles with minor tweaks (keeper/dynasty, IDP, and perfect draft). I enjoyed the rest of the content (especially the section on the rookies by bloom ). My only suggestion for next year is that we don't see similar articles published again and get fresh, new content.

The two articles about incorporating dynasty and IDP concepts were new features to the magazine this year.

As was Leagues with Special Rules.

 

[kris]

Some of you guys are way too harsh on the magazines. If nothing else, think of them as a reference guide. Reading a magazine or book with all that information accessible at once is a lot easier than surfing from web page to web page. Beyond that, 6.99 for all that information? That's a steal and a half. Imagine trying to compile all of that data for yourself. Then think of how many intelligent man hours went in to some of these magazines.

I'm not sure what else FootballGuys could do to appease some of you. I bought FBGs and FFI because they were exhaustive of almost everything I could ask for. If you combine the elements in those two, you'd have a beast. The rankings are usually close to home because they take a consensus so it's a lot harder for their to be a small limb they climb out on.

As for the site, I'm sorry it's pink. I don't like it anymore than you do, but I did some talking to Rotowire last year about Marshawn Lynch being picked in the late first/early second (can't remember) by Chris Liss. A rookie RB on the Buffalo Bills - I thought no way he was living up to that, but you know the rest of the story. Anyways, I ripped Marshawn and a few other picks/rankings/analysis and said I would paint the site pink if I was wrong.

The FootballGuys staff did an awesome job on this magazine - make no mistake about it - whether you are a rookie or sage veteran it's worth the $7 you would waste if you let your GF drag you to a romantic comedy.

PS Hey BigRed

 

[BigRed]

It wasn't surprising to me that he also ranked my two other favorite magazines, Fantasy Index and FantasyGuru also at the bottom. That's consistent.

Yeah. Consistently stupid. If the guy actually knew what he was talking about and could back his opinions up, I'd be fine w/agreeing to disagree - wasn't the case here. People who have a clue about FF know you have a fine product Joe. If I were you guys, this would bother me about as much as an olympic weight-lifter being bothered by criticism from Pee Wee Herman.

The paper quality and color of some of the more mainstream magazines ALONE, lead to the perception that other magazines that don't use color on all pages and/or glossy paper are crap.

Only to the uninformed and severe FF lightweights, I think. Don't get me wrong, absolutely there is something to be said for "aesthetics" - and a mag which uses really cheap paper or almost no color (etc) can leave you feeling underwhelmed or shying away from it altogether because it's not as pleasing to the eye.That aside, I think this is a big issue mostly just to those who aren't really that into FF and weren't about to buy a magazine anyway. Further, last year I found that almost no mags use color throughout (they tend to stop about 1/2 way through) and few use the glitzy glossy stuff - in fact, I think only NFL.com did it last year (have only seen a few so far this year), and they were by far the lamest FF mag out there. But FFI doesn't suck. That's crazy talk.