By Glenn Thompson

I knew within the first two years of founding LSTJ that the same tool, the internet, that is so valuable in creating every issue, is a primary reason why many in the throws community do not subscribe. If so much is available online for free every day, why pay for a hardcopy that publishes only once a quarter?

I understand that reasoning and I’m sure I apply it in some of my purchasing decisions. That is why LSTJ strives to be all original, first-time published content. It doesn’t always work that way, but I’d venture that well north of 90% of the content you read here is published for the first time anywhere. I know that I’m not going to score a news scoop over the internet regarding a May meet when I don’t publish until July. So I focus on giving a closer examination of major championship competitions. And giving a little more insight on an athlete or coach than you may not read elsewhere. And then mixing in technical articles. It’s kind of like Track & Field News meets People meets Popular Mechanics.

I’ve learned a great deal about marketing over the last eight years. I’ve tried a variety of promotional schemes, including giveaways, flyers, mass e-mails, advertising in various magazines, subscriber referrals, etc. Some of those ventures met with success, and others were virtually D.O.A.

I even ventured into poster production the tail end of 2004. My thinking was there are posters from most any sport, but none for track and field, and in particular, throwing. I’m not all that artistic, but I gave it a shot. Adam Nelson is our most decorated thrower and he gave his enthusiastic nod to my little daydream.

Just goes to show you that just because I think it’s a good idea....

Unfortunately, the vast majority of that initial run of 1,000 still sits boxed up in my basement, yet to see the light of day. I get periodic questions about when the next poster will hit the streets. At this point, I’m not certain, but I know Adam needs to adorn a few more walls before a follow-up is published. That being said, I do want to thank all of you that ordered the first poster and inquired about future offerings.

So it was with these thoughts in mind that, although I am committed to continuing this publication until Hell freezes over, just how could I make this creative outlet a fiscal success as well as an artistic one? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that more readers means improved revenue, which means a better end product. Yes, it’s great to be critically acclaimed, but how many people actually watched Allistair Cooke and Masterpiece Theatre?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not taking a full page to whine. So many of you have been with me for most of these eight years. Your notes and e-mails of encouragement are invaluable. I read them all and they are a tremendous source of motivation for me.

Now, finally, I’ll get to my point. Rob Lasorsa, President of the National Throws Coaches Association (NTCA) , made me an offer in November I just couldn’t refuse. In 2006 the NTCA is going to yearly dues. For $85 per year, NTCA members will receive numerous benefits including a membership kit, t-shirt, newsletters, clinic and conference discounts, and discounts on merchandise.

And there’s one more benefit. A huge benefit by my way of thinking, but then again, I just might be slightly biased. That ‘other’ benefit is a one-year subscription to the aforementioned LSTJ. Yes, that’s right, all four 2006 editions of this publication. In addition to all the other benefits, each member becomes an LSTJ subscriber.

So, you’re wondering, how will all this work? Glad you asked! Rob will send me periodic lists of the NTCA membership. I will add those members to my records and ship all copies of LSTJ for the calendar year to the new member.

Now, unless you borrowed this issue, you’re already an LSTJ subscriber. And if you are a coach, chances are you will become a member of the NTCA. So if you are a paid up subscriber, you’re missing out on a benefit by joining the NTCA, correct?

Not at all! When a current subscriber is found on the NTCA membership role, I will extend their current subscription for another year. Or, if you wish, contact me and I will gift your 2006 subscription to another coach or athlete.

Given the $20 value of LSTJ, discounts and free stuff, the NTCA membership is a great value.

Thanks to Rob and Mary Lasorsa for their continued support of this publication. The NTCA has a vision for unifying the throws community. I share the same vision, just in a paper and ink format.

And thanks to all of you for lending and sharing your LSTJ copies with fellow throws enthusiasts.

Hell won’t be freezing over any time soon. *LSTJ*