BBC Focus Magazine

[Liam Sheppard]

has focus got dumber and more boring or is it just me?

I only get it every so often when I'm travelling but I used to be a lot more entertained than I am these days.

Should the 'whats on TV this month' have no non BBC 'terrestrial' channels?

[Pandora]

I haven't seen any difference in the quality of the magazine, to be honest. I still find it interesting and full of facts, otherwise I wouldnt still be subscribing.

You just can't please everyone, all of the time I suppose?

[Croatguy]

Liam, I agree. Especially with some of these articles on space which are repetitive and boring. I found that Destination Space edition so uninteresting which is why I never bought a copy. They need to bring in more interesting and even controversial stuff, to spice it up a bit, and more articles that cater for a non-British audience as some articles are just soley for the British readers.

[M Paul Lloyd]

Fair point about the 'British' bias but then it is a British publication after all.

As for dumbing down, well it has to be tailored for a non professional market, it isn't trying to compete with the likes of New Scientist but something the layperson can appreciate and enjoy so some articles may seem a bit simplistic at times.

But please rest assured that the good people at Focus central take note of the comments on here and work really hard to produce a well balanced and popular magazine every month that will appeal to as wide an audience as possible. It must be a popular market as it has yet another competitor called 'How Stuff Works', we shall have to see if it lasts any longer than all the others.

As for the space stuff, I rather like that to be honest, but that's just me.

[Croatguy]

Yeah I gotta admit I have bought the first edition of 'How It Works', which has was released in Croatia a few weeks ago. Its defnitely an interesting magazine and has less ads but its Q&A was a bit basic (I guess it had to be for its first edition). But Im not gonna jump off the Focus ship yet, as I am still a dedicated reader of it. But its good to see its got some fair competition and will have to lift its game a bit to attract its fair share of readers.

[Ush]

I don't have any complaints about Focus, it is entertaining light reading in my book. If I want to acquire specialist knowledge then I'll pick up a textbook or something.

[Liam Sheppard]

fair points one and all, but i suppose i buy 5 copies a year and have done since about 1996 when i was 16... I found the articles immensely interesting when I was younger, and up until maybe 3 years ago..

Maybe there isnt enough on things I like, I enjoy space articles.. archaeology, anthropology, psychology/sociological stuff etc.. but all the technology bits can get a bit much sometimes.. Like some channel 5, 'monster moves' massive buildings' 'huge constructions' type programme..

Maybe I just got cleverer, Its based at the layman I know, but I am the layman... I am an Artist and teacher..

[Flakkarin]

Oh, I found the Destination Space issue brilliant! It was something I never knew that much about and it fascinated me (to the point I made my boyfriend promise that if he's rich enough by the time I'm 50 he'll buy me a ticket to space)

I agree perhaps there's a strong technology bias, but I think there's enough else to keep me entertained.

Have to agree also with the 'what's on tv' - 90% of it was on channels I couldn't get, even when I did live in the UK! How about at least more from Freeview?

[nemisis39]

The problem as i see it is ......... sorry my mistake there isn't a problem

Seriously there have been issues ( cant think of one off hand ) were ive thought hmmmm not much in there that caught my eye so i cherry pick the parts of the mag i wanted to read (still worth buying the isssue i might add ) then other issues ie: the destination space ( for me every issue should have some sort of space update in it but that just me ) issue i read from cover to cover. I suppose you have to take each issue as it comes yes there are going to be times when you look at it and think well not a lot for me in that one, but like its been said you can't please all the people all the time, but you still have to buy it just for roberts mathew's comments . i find the tv updates interesting saves me twralling though the sky channels to find something worth watching

[Liam Sheppard]

must just be me then..

seems that there are two articles a TECH page and then a load of Q&A's.. just seems a little lazier than it used to be

[M Paul Lloyd]

must just be me then..

seems that there are two articles a TECH page and then a load of Q&A's.. just seems a little lazier than it used to be

Don't worry about voicing your opinion people, it is all valuable input for the editorial team.

[Szymy]

I always read Focus cover to cover and never miss out any articles!

I do find some less interesting than others though (I'm not a big fan on space related topics but still enjoy them )

I have found that lately it seems less humorous and it doesn't contain as many funny anecdotes as previous Issues. I used to LoL sometimes but this doesn't really happen very often now.

Still love the mag though

[Croatguy]

I have found that lately it seems less humorous and it doesn't contain as many funny anecdotes as previous Issues. I used to LoL sometimes but this doesn't really happen very often now.

You really found Focus humorous? I think mixing science with humor is a bit geeky. I wouldnt use science jokes to try to pick up girls

[Croatguy]

seems that there are two articles a TECH page and then a load of Q&A's.. just seems a little lazier than it used to be

I actually think the Q&A is the best part of the mag. Some answers just never cease to amaze and fascinate me. The articles I find boring and mundane are ones on wildlife, enviromental and egyptian archaeology. I love articles on pyschology, neuroscience, consiousness, economics, politcal science, weapons, time travel, and anything quantum. Space articles are only interesting if there are new theories or discoveries.

[Liam Sheppard]

i love the Q&A's but not at the expense of a more in depth article on something interesting..... like egyptian archaeology! heh heh

[M Paul Lloyd]

Basically the magazine needs to be 50% thicker doesn't it?

[Croatguy]

love the Q&A's but not at the expense of a more in depth article on something interesting..... like egyptian archaeology! heh heh

No way! Anything but Egypt.

Basically the magazine needs to be 50% thicker doesn't it?

Sure does.

[Liam Sheppard]

yes indeed

[Ush]

You just have to accept that some months the mag wont suit yor personal tastes.

[M Paul Lloyd]

Its as the old saying goes, 'you can't please all of the people all of the time'