Journal of the iCSBS

[Wattana]

I don't wish to sound too critical of the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society's Journal.

The long awaited Spring 2024 issue arrived just a few weeks ago.
This time the ususal 54-56 pages was reduced to a slim 36 pages - including front and back covers. I wouldn't criticize size if there was any interesting academic content.

Here is a breakdown of its contents:
1 x front cover
1 x back cover
3 x contents pages
8 x full page ads
8 x promotion pages for a Bonhams auction in September
6 x promotion pages for the Philadelphis Convention in October
4 x letters and news
2 x pages list of dealer members
3 x pages of Chinese translation
___________________________
36 pages total

This was already my most expensive subscription, even before the additional $60 for receiving the printed journal. I do not attend the annual conventions, so the informative academic contributions to the journal is the main reason for keeping up membership for the last 26 years.

What is perhaps most upsetting is that I have tried to encourage other collectors to join ICSBS in recent years, citing the solid academic content.

If this is the level of content in future issues of the Journal, I am seriously considering cancelling my membership.

Best,
Tom

[Joey Silver / Si Zhouyi 義周司]

Dear Tom,

   I honestly can't argue with what you've written here.
Have you made your objections known to Berthe and Julia?
Best,
Joey

[Wattana]

Dear Joey,

It's not so much an objection - more an "observation".
I'm just curious to know if anyone else noticed the "cover-to-cover" promotional content.

I do not intend to make my comments known to Berthe or Clare.
I'm sure there are valid reasons for the paucity of the last issue. Perhaps a contributor pulled out at the last moment?
Only the editing team knows.
To borrow one of your mother's phrases out of context: The Spring 2024 Issue was a few sandwiches short of a picnic basket!

Unless the Journal content improves, what I WILL definitely do is stop promoting the ICSBS to potential new members.

Best,
Tom

[Joey Silver / Si Zhouyi 義周司]

Dear Tom,

   One point I want to correct, which actually strengthens your 'observation':
The 8 page Bonhams NYC auction in September, the Bob & Flo Weiss collection,
is being auctioned to benefit the ICSBS.
They seem to have taken a leaf [or possibly 36 leaves ] out of the playbook
of Michael Kaynes-Klitz and his wife Elizabeth Kaynes.
Best,
Joey

[Wattana]

Dear Joey,

Thanks. That is a very valid point which I missed. Yes, it does strengthen my opinion.
Mind you, whether the article is promoting Bonhams or the ICSBS, it's still a "promotional playbook", leaving this issue of the Journal without a single page of academic interest.

Best,
Tom

[Joey Silver / Si Zhouyi 義周司]

True, But it DOES support 'Retail Therapy'...
Joey

[bambooforrest]

Tom and Joey, Henric Adey told me the club leadership is aware of the "light content" of the current journal and are working to fix the next issue.

[Joey Silver / Si Zhouyi 義周司]

Wonderful, John.
Thank you.
Joey