MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: olddigger on September 24, 2011, 10:32:48 PM
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Lashed out $9.95 on 4WD Action's magazine 4WDer's complete guide to the Kimberley (one of a series they have put out about various destinations).
Expected at least a double-page map, detailed information on fuel points, campsites etc.
What I got was a series of articles of a general nature and lots of pretty pictures. Interesting enough in themselves, but no way a "complete guide".
The accompanying DVD is mainly about a trip made in 2010 which I have seen before in the magazine itself, a rather pointless, vehicle-wrecking journey through untracked bush to Umbulgurri.
This is not the Kimberley that I imagine the majority of visitors want to see.
Won't be buying any more.
Cheers, Tony
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I to am disappointed in 4wd action magazines as a lot of the articles seem to be repeats.
Bert
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Some articles are even fiction...
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here here, they repeat stuff through a lot of their mags.... I used to enjoy the mags for a while, then they went on this trip to tassie where they winched their 4wds constantly for the whole day and said thats 4wding????? dont know how whinching your vehicle for the entire day could be fun??? ??? when they started off they used to put maps on all of their trips that went out the window too... spose they got too hard core for me, dont get me wrong i enjoy a challenge but....... I started getting the camper trailer mags (same blokes still) but at least the trips seeemed a bit better and you didnt need to worry about taking a spare axle every where.... :cheers: still miss the maps... i do really like my maps ;D
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Yeah this bloke called Rich keeps popping up in all the camper mags :)
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if you mean $ rich should check out the prado forum...... :laugh:
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I agree with you regarding 4WD Action, the articles are more about the people and not enough about the destination >:( ....I recently recieved a free issue of 4WD Australia and found the articles to be way more informative...I know which magazine I will buy in the future :cup: :cup:
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if you mean $ rich should check out the prado forum...... :laugh:
nah GU Rich http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=248
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Some articles are even fiction...
Gold!
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I tell no lies...
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?21177-Overlander-July-2011
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Don't get me started on the electrical articles >:(
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And the DVD's.................The volume button gets a workout, always having to adjust the volume as the editors cant manage to produce the DVD with a nice constant volume.
Regards
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And the DVD's.................The volume button gets a workout, always having to adjust the volume as the editors cant manage to produce the DVD with a nice constant volume.
Regards
This is true.
I like the DVDs, though I don't get to watch them for ages.
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As a "young bloke" looking for an informative publication to help me develop as a 4wd'er, I looked at 4x4 Australia and 4wd Action. Personally, I found 4wd Action to be more about big lifts, big tyres, big mod and deep mud pits with a few handy hours of winching. this was apparently labeled as "4wding"
4x4 Aus seemed more infomrative na "thoughtful", a big more "cerebral" even. The Thinkning man's 4x4 Mag. I think Ron Moon was even the editor way back then....
HOwever, I have become disallusioned with even my prefered 4x4 mag. Yes, sadly, the articles all seem the same as I read 5 years ago, perhaps updated to refelct a new model or brand entering the market. And whilst inforamtive for the novice to mid level experienced 4x4'er, they are begining to lack anything to hold the interest of more experiences 4x4'ers. Or at least ones that have been buying that mag for more than 5 years
I too switched to the Camper Trailer Mags, each are "sister publications" to the 2 aforementioned 4x4 mags. One has the same people doing the same, IMHO, stupid stuff, with their heavily modified trucks, but has some interesting destinations. I would probably choose a different route (as discussed previously). The people dont strike me as having my "cred". Perhaps they do great mods, but 6" lifts and Big Block Chev's aint my cup of tea. One of their DVD's even had an apparent regular contributor saying (in a 2010 DVD) it was the first time he'd even towed a CT? Wow mate, really building your credentials and credability there. Well Done. I'll really value your opinion now......... NOT
The other, a newer player on the CT mag market i'm told, has a better feel for my personal taste (and each to their own here people) , but suffers from terrible "production quality". 1 edition I found 16 typo errors!! (almost as many as there are in this post ;) ) and just a generally "cheap" feel to the layout and printing. I feel a little ripped off to cough up $8.95 for something that looks like it was laid out on "Microsoft Publisher Free Edition". And the subscription price offers no benefit over buying monthly from the news stand? Why would I bother subscribing (and paying the equiv of 10 editions) when I cna browse it in the newsagent, and decide yes or no to part with my $9! And the re-printing of articles 'm sure I read 2-3 months ago in the sister mag (even if slightly altered, the topic is the same - tyres, compressors, gizmoes etc)
That being said there have been some ripper comparisions but the lack of journalistic diversity (ie 1 bloke seems to write all the articles) doesn't allow for a variety of opinions and the comparos all sound similar after a while (PS I'm waiting for someone to really bag out some piece of crap camper , instead of writing "If you are in the market for a budget price camper, this "Shin-Huang"* may be for you."
D4D - you know, that wouldn't surprise me at all. Maybe I'm just not feeling the love for these blokes that others do
Anyway. I'd rather get an I-something app for a couple of bucks a month and read them that way now. almost $10 for a mag full of articles I've probably read before is too much. however, if you are newish to the scene, you may well get some really useful stuff out of it.
my 2 cents.....which is worth exactly that.....2 cents
*I made that name up - I really hope they aren't a real CT manufaturer or i could be in trouble!!!
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Magazines are now just big adds. They are businesses trying to compete in a modern world.
Hence the "GIC are awesome", they are simply their biggest advertiser.
Times have changed, printed media is so passe'
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No one makes you buy them people.
I have subscribed to 4WD Action for a long time, and admittedly there doesn't seem to be many articles that I haven't read before, but I enjoy the DVDs, and do pick up a few things, like a recovery tip for 4wds with auto trans recently.
I get the Camper Trailer Touring mag as well. I get frustrated when I read about campers in the 4WD Action mag, because CTT could use some more content.
I also subscrib to CTA, and like the different style.
All the mags could use some more review of the articles for grammar, spelling and style, but I see the writers and contributors as enthusiasts, not necessarily trained journalists. If you think you can do a better job, they're often looking for staff or articles.
This beat up comes around every few months.
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I was a suscbribe to 4WD Action, and have even been on a trip with them. Have now let my subscription lapse because of the repeated articles and while I did enjoy the DVD's, they now seem to be a 1 hour advert for GIC campers.
Just my 2 cents.
:cheers: Cracka
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Dan - Too True - It would be interesting to have someone like "Choice" do an articles vs ads print area comparison. I'd reckon most would be close to if not 50% advertising. I'm mean, i get that it's not cheap to print in glossy full color, but when brands like GIC have 4 page ads, it's not a long bow to draw (even it it isnt true ;o ) that you are hardly likely to see a writer slag off someone who puts a 4 page spread in every month! that probably pays the writers entire wage (and some) for the month (or 2)
Bigjiules: I get that these guys (and the odd girl here and there) are enthusiasts who have the not unenviable job of doing and writing about what they love, but for heavens sake, employ a Copy Editor or proof reader PLEASE!! THey choose to seek employment as a journalist/writer. They put it out there. In the end i supopse there is only a limited amount of new material to write about too
10 years ago anyone with an auto was considered a poser. NOw it seems more and more autos are out there (take LC200 only in auto as an example). Very relevent article. ;D
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for heavens sake, employ a Copy Editor or proof reader PLEASE!! THey choose to seek employment as a journalist/writer.
For sure, I agree with you.
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If and when i buy a mag, its for the adds and pics ;D
For real life experience I go to myswag, and i guess this is the same for many as the proof seems to be in how well the forum is going and growing.
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That reminds me, I need to get GU Rich to sign a few covers ;D
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If you wish to read the mags and watch the dvd's ... go to your local library where you can "hire" them for free for 2 weeks. If they don't have them, ask them to get them in ... A much cheaper option IMHO.
Kit_e
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Some articles are even fiction...
yeah Bert, agree with you. I too cancelled my subscription after seeing continual doubling up of articles that had previously been published in earlier magazines.
I don't pay good money for a magazine that contains earlier previously published articles.
They must think we're stupid or something.
For what it's worth, I reckon they've done their dash, run out of steam, whatever all down hill from here on.
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That reminds me, I need to get GU Rich to sign a few covers ;D
He charges for that now ;D ;D
GG
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That reminds me, I need to get GU Rich to sign a few covers ;D
I'll be at Leisurefest at Sandown stall NO.XXXXX ;D TIC.... Actually I'll be in the capark......
D4D I'll sign one for you for a slab of JD 8)
:cheers:
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D4D I'll sign one for you for a slab of JD 8)
Small cans or big cans :)
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i get both 4WD Action & CCT..........i used to get a few others from their stable but gave up due to the crossover of stories.
Things I like about them:
Backyard/weekend mod's section
Comparisons.....(yes i know they are rigged by who advertises the most)
DVD's - when its Graham
stories about destinations
the rare story about something other than Landcruisers, Patrols & HiLux's
Camper trailer reviews (other than the GIC ones)
Things I don't like:
Roothy harping on about his "handbrake" - (what a wonderful way of turning women off 4wding)
the over-hype they have started on about the Government having it in for 4wding
the constant phone calls from the marketing team
assuming everyone has a fully kitted out workshop in their backyard.
expecting us all to be into Extreme 4wding ( they have a mag if thats your thing)
I probably re-subscribe, but maybe i'll cross over to the competition
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I probably re-subscribe, but maybe i'll cross over to the competition
What competition?
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4x4 Australia & CTA
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Personally, I found 4wd Action to be more about big lifts, big tyres, big mod and deep mud pits with a few handy hours of winching. this was apparently labeled as "4wding"
What do you consider 4wding?
To many thousands of people, that is 4wding. Towing a camper in a bog stock car through the Flinders or driving along a fire trail in low range to them is laughable and not 4wding...
Magazines will never please everybody...
In my worthless opinion magazines have run their course - times up... Theres so much unbiased real world info on the interwebs, that magazines are no longer really needed.
For example, when something is Shitful - I mean real bad, you will never ever find a magazine ever telling you that in a test. Everything is perfect everytime... Nothing is even 'average'..
YMMV
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4x4 Australia & CTA
Can you still get 4x4 Australia? I have not seen it on a shelf fo a fair while, I know Overlander ceased and has been bought by 4WDAction, pity as it was half decent.
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Can you still get 4x4 Australia? I have not seen it on a shelf fo a fair while, I know Overlander ceased and has been bought by 4WDAction, pity as it was half decent.
I havent seen it either.
Bushdriver was the only decent 4wd magazine for decades!
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For gods sake, grow up....The mags eventually have to re-hash articles as there are more fish in that ocean than us. I to have been a 4WD action reader since it started and I still get them now and again but won;t bother reading the latest Spring *Comparro*. What do you expect them to do. they are a business and cater to what most new readers want. We are old hacks and no longer require any advice as we are all perfect and know every thing - don't we
There are only so many ways you can do an article on the Simpson, Kimberly etc. They are looking at the new comers and hoping to help them get out and about. Yep gives me the sh1ts as well but it's the way it is..
For 10 bucks I still enjoy the DVD's and a bit of a read on the loo. I still think they are good value.
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Can you still get 4x4 Australia? I have not seen it on a shelf fo a fair while, I know Overlander ceased and has been bought by 4WDAction, pity as it was half decent.
haven't looked in a news agents for a while, i just assumed it was still around
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Can you still get 4x4 Australia?
Yes you can still buy it.
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For all the guys that just get the mags for their DVDs, much of the content and many more informative CT and 4WD clips can be hadon Youtube for free, if you create a free account you can add them to your favourites and watch them anytime.
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I reckon they should come up with a DVD only subscription. They'd get me back on board. It's the only reason I ever buy one.
Having said that, the latest DVD is a bit of a joke. The 'lets drive flat out at everything and damage the vehicles and tracks' approach is pathetic. It might look good to the amateur 4wder but for anyone with any idea, it's just plain stupidity. What ever happened to picking a good line, taking it easy the first time and slowly adding momentum if required.
They bang on about the government closing tracks and then go out and cut up the tracks or take shortcuts where there is no track (another recent DVD). It's laughable.
For me, Overlander and Camper Trailer Australia are the only mags I enjoy, particularly the latter. Time will tell whether the 4wd Action team screw up Overlander as well. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now.
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Hey - just to get one more kick in, the first issue of my Kimberley trip is on sale this Thursday (Camper Trailer Australia, issue 45). It isn't the definitive issue, just one bloke's dream trip over a month. I test out four camper trailers, catch a 90cm barra in the Pentecost and hit most of the bucket-list spots.
We also filmed a killer DVD, which will be on the second Kimberley issue (out end of October), and I think it's our finest work yet.
Carlisle
This is not the Kimberley that I imagine the majority of visitors want to see.
Won't be buying any more.
Cheers, Tony
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Hey - just to get one more kick in, the first issue of my Kimberley trip is on sale this Thursday (Camper Trailer Australia, issue 45). It isn't the definitive issue, just one bloke's dream trip over a month. I test out four camper trailers, catch a 90cm barra in the Pentecost and hit most of the bucket-list spots.
We also filmed a killer DVD, which will be on the second Kimberley issue (out end of October), and I think it's our finest work yet.
Carlisle
Good timing Carlisle, I'm heading OS on Sunday and it'll be great plane reading. Hopefully subscribers receive it before or at the same time it hits the shelves unlike last month. I'd be disappointed if I didn't receive it before my trip :cheers:
Cheers, Sam.
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Good timing Carlisle, I'm heading OS on Sunday and it'll be great plane reading. Hopefully subscribers receive it before or at the same time it hits the shelves unlike last month. I'd be disappointed if I didn't receive it before my trip :cheers:
Cheers, Sam.
For CTA ... I've been told it's a 5 - 7 day turn around AFTER it's been printed by Mag Shop (or whatever it's called), but it only takes 2 days to hit the stands. Not sure how factual this is ... I've only ever received 1 mag via post ... and it was 10 days "late" (that's 10 days after it hit the shops). ???
CTT I usually get quite a bit prior to it hitting the shops. ;D
Kit_e
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Looks like I'll have to buy a copy from the news agent and my father in law will score my subs copy when it arrives.
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I have been getting 4WD Action for ages, and last year CTT. Agree that articles are repetitive, but also agree there is only so many ways to write about any destination. I like a lot of the articles about gear but get frustrated that 4WD Action seems aimed at the 30 and under set that seem to like BIG (wheels, tyres, lifts, motors, etc).
I just resubscribed to both for $3.65 a copy which I think is chicken feed. So now I just read the articles that take my fancy, ignore most of Roothy on the DVDs, and still figure I get value for money. ;D
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Agree that articles are repetitive, but also agree there is only so many ways to write about any destination
... but surely there are more than the regular 8-12 destinations they go to every month in this large land... aren't there? maybe Im mistaken.
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I just resubscribed to both for $3.65 a copy which I think is chicken feed.
Where can I find that offer?
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No Lost, there are more destinations, and I love reading about them when they occur, but I presume as the magazine seems to survive on contributors stories that they are just not getting enough. I think several of the regular contributors do a great job of getting a bit of variety in the destinations (Hennessys, Paveys, Jones', Athertons, etc). Unfortunately, in the past, when CTT sent their own crews out they tended to do things that were so hard that I was not prepared to, as I can't afford the chance of smashing things. Maybe the new editor will change things.
EMG were advertising 20 issues for around $73 about 6 weeks ago, so I took the offer.
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Things I don't like:
Roothy harping on about his "handbrake" - (what a wonderful way of turning women off 4wding)
As a female who is getting into camping more, this really annoys me as there are some women who like it too. And as I am the one who does all the trip planning, I love reading the mags for trip ideas.
I have subscribed to CTA because they appear to be more family friendly and I like the fact that there are female contributors.
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Roothy harping on about his "handbrake" - (what a wonderful way of turning women off 4wding)
Has anyone actually seen the 'handbrake'?
Could be a work of fiction...
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Roothy harping on about his "handbrake" - (what a wonderful way of turning women off 4wding)
Has anyone actually seen the 'handbrake'?
Could be a work of fiction...
Have met the very lovely Mrs Rooth and the three tin lids. All the handbrake stuff is for the camera, he is a very doting hubby and dad when out with the family.
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Roothy harping on about his "handbrake" - (what a wonderful way of turning women off 4wding)
Has anyone actually seen the 'handbrake'?
Could be a work of fiction...
Yep, I saw her when he drove at tuff truck a couple of years ago. He drove down with his wife and kids.
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Hey - just to get one more kick in, the first issue of my Kimberley trip is on sale this Thursday (Camper Trailer Australia, issue 45). It isn't the definitive issue, just one bloke's dream trip over a month. I test out four camper trailers, catch a 90cm barra in the Pentecost and hit most of the bucket-list spots.
We also filmed a killer DVD, which will be on the second Kimberley issue (out end of October), and I think it's our finest work yet.
Carlisle
We'll see....
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I know what evryone means about the disappointment and for me it is a constant argument with self " will I buy, should I leave it on the shelf?" "that was a good read this month, will I subscribe and save some hard earned?"
BUT WHAT REALLY TICKS ME OFF IS THAT THEY ARE IN PLASTIC COVERS AND I CAN'T HAVE A QUICK FLICK THROUGH TO HELP ME DECIDE..................! Ok, I know they have to be "packaged" so you can get the DVD and the "free" previously unsold mag too but sheesh ! Gimme a break!
Having said all that, I am not a loyal buyer of one mag, I will often buy different mags and usually browse through them for ages and yeah the repeats are tedious but there are often little gems of info and that is why I keep going back.
You have to take the "skills" of some drivers with a grain of salt. Not to mention the stupidity of where they get stuck - example the latest DVD where the Pootrol towing a camper was parked in a river on soft sand - Don't howl me down, I know it was set up so they could do a "tough" but unnecessary recovery but they should just never have put the vehicle in that position. That's mostly because as said before I am one of those "have been 4wding for 100 years or so and I know everything" types so I wouldn't make that mistake :angel:
Anyhow, in a nutshell, I don't like it and I resent the $10 everytime but I still enjoy reading through them, even the adds sometimes.
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...I presume as the magazine seems to survive on contributors stories that they are just not getting enough.
thats suprising if the $700 sprouted elsewhere in this forum they pay for an article is true.
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We just purchased the full series of those guides to various locations......they havent arrived yet so Ill reserve my judgement.
However I think it is fair to say it is very difficult to appeal to everyone all the time. What I like another man wont like etc.
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I had a subscription for 3 years and stopped it a year ago.
It was the same for me: repeating what they had done before.
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yeah i pre-purchased the full set, i have 3 of them so far, they aren't bad but if i had my time again i'ld give my credit card a breather and leave it in the wallet
but will keep getting 4WD action just for the out takes at the end of a Graham DVD
Can't wait for the latest CTT to see if it has a DVD reviewing the CT i just bought - i know they filmed one about a month ago
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Have met the very lovely Mrs Rooth and the three tin lids. All the handbrake stuff is for the camera, he is a very doting hubby and dad when out with the family.
Which makes him even more of a hypocrite then.
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Which makes him even more of a hypocrite then.
I'm with you there, I think there is nothing worse than guys who talk down their partners just to impress other blokes. I have discussed this with my wife a fair bit and from what my she tells me women are the same when they get together and love to sit and whinge about their husbands. What gives? If all you can do is whinge about your partner then have the guts to air your grievences and improve your relationship, or leave and find someone who you don't need to whinge about. If you are just doing it to "be one of the blokes" then stop being so disrespectful and grow up.
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I'm with you there, I think there is nothing worse than guys who talk down their partners just to impress other blokes. I have discussed this with my wife a fair bit and from what my she tells me women are the same when they get together and love to sit and whinge about their husbands. What gives? If all you can do is whinge about your partner then have the guts to air your grievences and improve your relationship, or leave and find someone who you don't need to whinge about. If you are just doing it to "be one of the blokes" then stop being so disrespectful and grow up.
Spot on! And they always start with "Me Mrs" ERGH!
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I am sure all the other halfs are reading this as well?
:-)
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I have never seen the 'attraction' to roothy and his antic's/articles/anything really... he acts like a hillbilly bogan of the highest order.
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he acts like a hillbilly bogan of the highest order.
I resemble that comment! ;D
:cheers: Cracka
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I have never seen the 'attraction' to roothy and his antic's/articles/anything really... he acts like a hillbilly bogan of the highest order.
It is just that though, an act. I do agree, some it is a little tired, especially as he is a genuinely nice bloke who can hold his own in any conversation.
There has been a change, they have toned down the drinking a bit.
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I don't see what the Roothy Fuss is all about? You think he's a Beer Swilling Bogan? He's obviously let you think that. I think it's great to see that he'll give anything a go and can get himself out of most (even if setup) Bogan Bog Holes.
Calling his wife the Handbrake? I don't have an issue with it personally. Minister for War and Finance? She Who Must Be Obeyed? Don't have an issue with those either. Just be thankful he isn't calling her the Bitch. Why isn't she or the munchkins in the DVD's? Because it's work and he's keeping Private Private. Good on him for that. When they require a family, they just bring one along ...
Either way you look at it ... he's a marketing plan that works most days! When people say Roothy ... what comes to mind ... 4WD Action and it's various mags.
Kit_e
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When I don't like something I either avoid or change it, NOT whinge about it ???
Why don't you get pro active and post in this thread: http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=16589.0 and try focusing on what you do or would like to see in this magazine ;)
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When people say Roothy ... what comes to mind ...
a beer swilling wannbe hillbilly that appeals to the <20yr old set.
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a beer swilling wannbe hillbilly that appeals to the <20yr old set.
LOL! I'm taking that as a dead set compliment! You are slipping!! ;D
Kit_e
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When I don't like something I either avoid or change it, NOT whinge about it ???
Sometimes I like to do all three :angel: