37 – Interview with Asa Christiana

Video - January 10, 2008

Many folks expressed an interest in seeing the full interviews from our trip to Fine Woodworking. Only about 5% of the interview actually made it into the show, so there is plenty of good information here. Asa Christiana is the Editor of Fine WoodWorking Magazine. He gives us a lot of insight into the editorial process and how decisions are made. I also had the opportunity to ask him some of the questions that you guys wanted me to ask. Enjoy!

Discussion

Ken January 10, 2008 12:12 pm

Hi Marc & Nicole.

Just watched Episode 37. I’ve got to say that this is one of the best interviews on an outstream woodworking-related topic ie. what goes into the production of a fine quality WW magazine.

All your videos are great but I am particularly impressed with the warts and all longer versions of the interviews.

In fact, it has inspired me to renew my subscription to FWW. Something that I was not sure about as there are only so many times I need to be told how to make a mitre or such. I now have a new light on the mag.

Congratulations.

Ken

Reply
runningwood January 10, 2008 1:40 pm

I agree , great video and great interviewing skills Marc. It also inspired me to finally subscribe to FWW, I have held out up to now.

Follow up question for Asa, what do they then do with the 8 -12 table saws and other tools they acquire from the company, are they returned, donated or kept in house ?

Reply
thewoodwhisperer January 10, 2008 2:09 pm

I can’t recall who gave me the information, but I actually know the answer. They have to send the tools back to the company. Sounds fun!

Reply
allen January 10, 2008 3:18 pm

Marc- I’ve really been enjoying the F.W. interviews. They confirm what I’ve known all along. These people are a class act, and it’s reflected in their excellent magazine. What a treat for you to interview these people. Thanks for the inside peak.

Reply
Tomcat1066 January 10, 2008 3:51 pm

What about the stuff they buy? Does it go into their in-house shop?

Great interview Marc. Very cool and informative. It definitely helps me understand where FWW comes from in their approach.

Reply
Kip from Nothern Illinois January 10, 2008 4:12 pm

I signed up for the online mag. Good job Marc and Nicole

Reply
Mark Mazzo January 10, 2008 6:18 pm

Marc,

Great interview. Lots of enlightening info on the operations behind the publication and web site. You asked some great questions and Asa gave some really god answers!

–Mark

Reply
Glyn Weir January 10, 2008 11:05 pm

Marc & Nicole,

Just wanted to let you know how great this extended interview was. I really appreciate the information your questions produced. In particular, I liked the info on the the electronic version of the magazine. I’ve been debating on whether it is worth the extra cost. Now the decision is a lot easier to make. Thanks.

Reply
Jack January 12, 2008 7:36 am

Ditto! Next do Pop Wood (I think the most improved publication over the last 10 years) and Woodworking Magazine. T’wood be interesting to hear their approach as well.

Reply
Doug Brummett June 23, 2008 2:44 pm

Great video and also some very thoughtful interview questions. I really enjoyed this installment.

Reply
decoy February 15, 2010 11:36 am

Uh? He say that their magazine is the most expensive blabla. Did that change? I just checked, and a one-year subscription cost $42 incl international shipping.

Normal magazines cost about $15 in Norway anyway.. getting 7 FW issues in my mailbox for $42 is a steal.

Sorry to be a gravedigger on old threads here, but I just discovered this site :-)

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer February 15, 2010 11:40 am
  
  In the US, generally speaking, they are the most expensive. FWW cover price is $7.99. Something like Popular Woodworking runs $5.99.
  
  Reply
Alex December 20, 2012 9:57 am

I plan to subscribe due to your interviews. Though I would have access to the back issues, I just went to a used bookstore and bought out all their old copies and am really enjoying them already. They are mostly 2007 – 2010 issues and I can’t believe how many I randomly page through and see them covering something relevant to what I’m trying to do right now! If there is a way to give you credit for the subscription I will.

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer December 20, 2012 10:37 am
  
  Unfortunately they don’t have any sort of affiliate program. But it’s always appreciated if you even send them an email to let them know why you subscribed.
  
  Reply

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37 – Interview with Asa Christiana

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