Did you hear?… Marc Sani contacted SNEWS with the following observation

Marc Sani, publisher of Bicycle Retailer and Outdoor Retailer contacted SNEWS® following our news short on Outdoor Retailer’s editorial exodus (click here to read) with the following observation: “There is certainly not some huge conspiracy to force people out, as we believe was implied in the story. I did not hire Doug (McClellan) to make everyone happy. I hired him for his ability to make this magazine better, and I would hope he is ultimately viewed on the quality and level of knowledge he brings to Outdoor Retailer. With the January issue, you will see the first fruits of that labor which I believe readers will pick up and say ‘Whoa, this is OK.’ At least, that is what the goal is. We are going to have some new faces for sure, and maybe that is a good thing. We went through much the same thing with Bicycle Retailer over the last few years. New folks bring in a fresher viewpoint, and you keep revitalizing the pool. One thing I am convinced about is that by the time we hit the Summer Show the magazine and editorial team will hitting on all eight cylinders.” SNEWS® View: Fair points all, Marc. Bottom line is, Outdoor Retailer magazine will be judged on its editorial quality and whether or not folks feel it is a vital read. Our original feeling still remains though — OR will have a very difficult time replacing the brain and industry networking drain as a result of the recent and upcoming editorial departures. That depth of industry knowledge simply cannot be replaced overnight by an inexperienced editor, no matter how eager he or she is to pick up the phone and start dialing for stories.