Honey! They Shrunk The Vine-Line!

by TkGoUWGB on Mar 1, 2011 11:56 PM CST

I know Vine-Line has been panned on this site sometimes and I'm in the minority when it comes to non-SH subscribers. However, there are some redeeming features to the magazine and has well-written articles that might get missed among the pile of local papers and the blogosphere. I was a little shocked to see they shrunk the magazine again. The magazine has shaved off 1.5 inches x 1 inch off the margins. This makes the current Vine-Line fit comfortably inside the 2nd incarnation of Vine-Line. At first glance, it doesn't seem like readers will lose much content. The text appears to be smaller, which I'm guessing will make it a difficult read for older readers. The layout appears to be sleeker and the features they have added over the years are still there. The best comparison I can think of to this situation was a couple years ago when the Tribune shrunk their paper down in order to save on paper and money. I wasn't a subscriber back when Vine-Line was first published. It would be interesting to see if anyone can take a picture comparing all 3 at the same time. Anybody else have thoughts on this? Between getting the MLB app for my phone and getting Vine-Line today, I am ready for the season to start.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Eventually Vine-Line will be On-Line only.

This is a growing trend for most traditional print media publications. Daily, weekly, monthly- it’s a fact. And, when the publishers reach a financial tipping point, they’ll abandon the dead tree editions of their publications entirely and move all their resources into online/download/Kindle/smart phone app/‘whatever-distribution-method-has-yet-to-be-invented’, etc.

And that’s assuming the publication survives at all.

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?

by Zeke on Mar 2, 2011 5:43 AM CST reply actions

I assume the publication will survive.

But yes, it’ll eventually go to the iPad/Kindle/Nook/whatever. So will every magazine. For Vine Line, this would allow them to put audio and video and other things they can’t put in a print edition.

It’s not surprising it’s smaller. That’s just a money-saver.

Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago

by Al Yellon on Mar 2, 2011 6:51 AM CST up reply actions

It worked for Reader's Digest!

Well, except for the large print editions in the doctor’s offices…

There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Who says baseball isn't a religion?

by Zeke on Mar 3, 2011 3:11 AM CST up reply actions

Is this the March issue you're talking about?

I like the Vine Line, too. Matter fact, I don’t mind saying I think it would be a crime if they eventually dropped the print version. I’m one of those old fashioned dinosaurs that like books, that like holding the magazine in my hands, that saved the pictures and put them on my wall when I was a kid. I don’t think there’s anything cooler than a big bookcase full of books or built-in shelves in a library. I’ve kept all my Vine Lines since I started to subscribe, have the media guides since the first one I purchased. Progress can really blow chunks sometimes.

"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008

by BeerCub on Mar 2, 2011 7:17 AM CST reply actions

Isn't Vine Line produced in Cincinnati now?

Maybe it shrunk during shipping.

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by daver on Mar 2, 2011 9:32 AM CST reply actions

Part of my garage is

full of old Cubs hats, books I collected and yes Vine Lines from the past 15 yrs or so . Any sane visitor to this venue would wonder about the clutter .
Why throw it away when you can save it ??

I look forward to short stories well written by Jim Mcardle . Sure hope the Vine Line stays around .

by cubs north on Mar 2, 2011 11:01 AM CST reply actions

i want to steal your garage

and everything in it

Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house

by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 3, 2011 8:29 PM CST up reply actions

You would have to help me

clean it also . That has not been done in years . I did find a old W flag that I have been looking for . ( Last used in 2003 ) . I also found a 12 pack of Special Export . Need i say more .

by cubs north on Mar 3, 2011 8:52 PM CST up reply actions

i have done fun stuff like that before

including cleaning out an abandoned theater in Kenosha when i was a kid, but I bet that cleaning your garage would be more “fun” and more interesting for sure

Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house

by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 3, 2011 9:05 PM CST up reply actions

Is this one of those posts meant to imply the Ricketts are cheap?

GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.

by shoemile on Mar 3, 2011 12:51 AM CST reply actions

It's still coming to me in the mail and that's what counts.

If anything, I am the cheap one. I always subscribe for 3 years so I get the cheapest rate and the best premium. One of the bad things about not going to the convention this year was I was unable to renew at the convention rate. If it ever went completely digital, i’d stopped subscribing. Magazines, books, and newspaper should tangible in my opinion.

"You just don't know understand how frustrating this is"- Kevin Borseth

by TkGoUWGB on Mar 5, 2011 4:00 PM CST up reply actions

The Vine line is great if you like weeks old stats and stories!

by TJ11 on Mar 3, 2011 8:11 AM CST reply actions

It's a monthly magazine.

It’s not supposed to be “up to date”. It’s more feature oriented.

Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago

by Al Yellon on Mar 3, 2011 8:20 AM CST up reply actions

Not cool

Some excellent pictures, great indepth interviews and Q and A’s not found anywhere
else. Give em’ a break. It is what it is. Also, they published a picture of me standing next
to Ernie Banks last year, so I think Vine Line
has excellent taste!

Good Guys Wear Blue

by Cubskingdom on Mar 4, 2011 10:08 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I liked Vine Line as a kid.

But as I got older, I realized the logo should feature the Wrigley Field Lowry organ on the cover, because it’s way too much of a house organ publication. Before the Internet, people were probably much more willing to put up with that, especially those who lived outside the Chicago area. But if you’re looking for true analysis, you need to go elsewhere.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Mar 3, 2011 10:23 AM CST reply actions

my sister gets me a VL subscription every year for Christmas. I beg her to stop

but they just keep on coming. the only thing that I like is the alumni update and almanac. The rest seems oriented to kids, or else has really old news. BCB is much better reading.

ask not what the Cubs can do for you - ask what you can do for the Cubs.

by holy mackeral on Mar 4, 2011 2:53 PM CST reply actions