Why is Soaring declining

"John H. Campbell" wrote in message ...
OK, so I was flying hang gliders at the time and sometimes bought Soaring
at
the newsstand. (You can't do that anymore.)

Just like I used to buy Hang Gliding at newstands. We were told by the SSA
executive 10 years ago that newstand placement of Soaring was no longer
cost-effective for magazine supplier businesses (for such a small press run
and niche market). Is this still the case? Have the new SSA Directors, PR
Committees, and Staff looked into that?

In my area clubs are having a hard time due to decreasing membership.
How about this: Offer Soaring to clubs and FBO's at a volume discount
(perhaps this is available now) for resale at a small profit.
Enterprising clubs and FBO's could place Soaring at different friendly
venues (General Aviation, parallel sports, and ??) on a consignement
basis with an insert promoting the local club/FBO (perhaps a discount
on first ride or membership?) The 'profits' would probably only barely
cover the losses due to pilfered magazines but the exposure and
advertising might be worth it. Is anyone doing this now? Does it work?

HAS ANYONE ATTEMPTED TO MARKET SOARING TO GENERAL AVIATION BUSINESSES
SUCH AS AIRCRAFT SPRUCE OR SPORTY'S? Is their clientelle enough of a
prospective market for us to even attempt to do so?