RYO Magazine
Lots of MYO info here. The site that got me started.
Comments [ new ]
- Where's the Love...?
- Posted by Randy on Friday, 23-Feb-2007
This is my first post here and what I want to say here first will probably make me sound like a mole for RYOmag or something... *rolls eyes*
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I didn't read much praise here for all of the efforts that went into to RYO magazine. What gives?
That magazine, (webzine really), converted me from using pre-maids for over 20 years to RYO/SYO in about 2 days. And it took that long only because I wanted to absorb all that I could before placing my first order.
My first order was from RYOtobacco since I had assumed it was an subsidiary of RYOmag. I wanted to support the magazines website by placing an order with them. Of course I now realize that the 2 websites have no relationship aside from the web addresses but I'm fine with that since RYOtobacco has very good service and products. I see that I could have bought my supermatic elsewhere for a bit less but I really appreciate their flat rate shipping charge. No hidden fees. (I'll post my 2 cents about the Sagamore platinum gold and vanilla in the proper thread later).
Let me say first that I'm a web developer by trade. So if I'm bias then shoot me and delete my post...
All of these accusations here that the dude who runs that magazine is a sell-out. Harsh! I can assure you that he could make a hell of a lot more cash if he really sold out and used a banner advertising service that would spam the pages with adds from legit and scumbag companies alike.
So he's trying to make a little money to offset his expenses, Great! If he didn't he would probably be forced to make that a pay-per-view site and that would suck way more!
Then I read someone saying that he will only review things he likes and not the products that he doesn't... Ya, and? If it were me deciding what to spend my precious time on, I too would choose something worthwhile.
He has relationships with the major MFGs....
Again, awesome! Only the ones with inside info get the real story. IMHO.
And then someone mentioned that if he was a TRUE enthusiast he would post here...?
WOW! That comment seems very odd. I see it the other way around. If you guys (that think this) are such enthusiasts then why don't you guys have FREE webzines with tons of reviews and informative videos... Oh wait that costs money... : )
And speaking of those videos, did anyone notice how professional those videos were done? The video quality was very good and the audio was top-notch. From the glimpse he shows of his sound studio, (injector video number 2 I think), that equipment is not cheep...
So I don't mean to a troll here but it really bums me out that this guy doesn't get the credit that he deserves. Maybe I'm still a noob but what I see on that webzine is true passion and I would like to applaud that dude!!!
And while I'm clapping I would like to thank the dude who runs this site too. Forums are a huge PITA to moderate and the guy here does it with finesse!
The unintentional troll,
Randy
Peace dudes!
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by Eyeroll of disgust (not at newbies) on Friday, 23-Feb-2007
Dear Friend...it's alot to go into about Doug....try to keep this simple, for such a talented man, and even a bit handsome too, he came here and made an ass of himself because he's the mighty "Doug Kennedy"....I (we) fired back as we should have.....it is actually Dave Lers who is consistently a figurehead, and you'll get mighty bored waiting on RYO updates.....I could tell you more, but then I'd have to kill someone, and my hit list is as full as I care it to be right now......Doug is NOT our enemy, we all listen to his advice, BUT, there is an alternative if he doesn't do us right....MARK RYAN
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we love you, stay here, this is where it's really at, and money will eventually follow, but that's not the point anyway......RYO is RYO, but this is the Elitist SYO list....stay in perspective.....just don't try to piss people off uless you're me, as it is VERY VERY risky, and requires great skill not immmediately apparent in my jagged ways...you found us, congradulations....and by us, I don't mean me, I just cause chaos over machines and they tolerate me because I worked hard to climb the stairs correctly.....be patient, and you may even get the honored Scott Johnson to share with you..not to mention others who all know I know who they are
*Mike the newie, but not newbie anymore* good luck, you don't want to lose this wonderful place
"Love, Peace, and Rebellion in the Street"
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Friday, 23-Feb-2007
I'm not sure anyone here has failed to give credit to Doug for his efforts ... but criticism and not showing love are two different things. Sure, the posts getting on his case for wanting/needing to make some cash for his efforts are a little silly, but that was previously addressed by a few here I believe. Being a laissez-faire capitalist myself, I have no problems whatsoever with anyone making whatever they can from their honest efforts.
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I also believe it's certainly valid to question whether someone's relationship with certain manufacturers and vendors is influencing their reportage; that said, to make the accusation that it *does* somehow blanketly influence his work in their favour without proof is foolish. It's like politicians ... to fail to question their relationships with special interest groups simply because we appreciate their efforts in the main is just plain wrong, but to make that accusation without knowing for sure or having objective proof is just as wrong.
As far as only reviewing the "good stuff," I'm against that philosophy for one big reason, at least if your stated aim is to truly provide meaningful reviews and critiques. Mainly, how do we know whether he's not reviewed a product because he doesn't like it or because he just hasn't got around to it? No way of knowing for sure since we know he doesn't talk about stuff he doesn't like or objects to ... and in the mean time, those who put undue stock in his opinions might be ignoring some really fine products and/or services.
Other than that, I think by and large each and every one of us has been checking out Doug's site for a long time and have learned and gleaned many things from it. I know I have.
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by Steve Hillage appreciator (a bit off-topic) on Friday, 23-Feb-2007
Clap Clap Clap Clap Hurray!!! clap clap clap clap hurray!
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BTW, Slap Maxwell was one of the people I referred to without whom our list would be downgraded....
I don't have the academic training to convey what he just imparted
ENJOY, NEWBIE (hahahaha....it'll pass!)
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by Randy on Friday, 23-Feb-2007
Ah yes... The old story-behind-the-story. I should have known. Well my noob stripe is shinning brightly now that my foot is firmly in mouth. My apologies for stirring the pot.
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I see your point. I didn't realize there was some arrogance attached the man behind the magazine. I too find that to be a huge disappointment. Forgetting to be humble typically makes for an undesirable person. Hopefully he will find his way back to reality again.
I probably should have kept my post simple and thanked Doug for what he has served up so far. Meanwhile I will continue to bask joyfully in my newbieness before it passes...
- I forgot to mention...
- Posted by Randy on Friday, 23-Feb-2007
Thank you for pointing out the separation of "the love" vs. criticism. Point well taken. I guess I got too hung up on the posts that went a tad beyond criticism.
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As for an influenced opinion... I've obviously become accustomed to the good-ol-boys-club way of doing business (shame on me). I just took his words as his opinion. If I were a paying subscriber to his magazine then I'm sure I would be thinking the same type of thing. It sounds like many of you here were early supporters of his work when it was introduced and probably gave strong support by touting his site to others. Now I realize how you might feel a bit betrayed as time whet on and influence strengthened.
Your point about how do you know which brands he didn't care for vs. brands not yet reviewed... I had not thought of side. Perhaps in this terribly litigious time we're in, he's afraid of a defamation suit from a bad review. I heard somewhere (not verified) that it is illegal to say anything bad about our food industries. Wasn't there some hype around some TV personality that said something bad about the beef industry when the mad cow deal was raging? Poor excuse I realize but makes for good conversation.
I now see how this was a rather poor choice of topic for my first post. Oh well, live and learn right...?
On the good side... I've maid perfectly decent smokes with every attempt thanks to those videos. The worst I've done so far is forget to properly tap down one and received a "flaming meteor" (as someone put it here) as a reminder.
Right on!
- Re: I forgot to mention...
- Posted by G.A.S. appreciation society on Friday, 23-Feb-2007
Randy.....relax deeply..I won't speak "for" Wazmo Maxwell, but i'll stick neck out and say.....we (I) enjoyed ourself,...we do dedicate alot of our time to this list.
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YOU MADE NO MISTAKE, NO ERROR.....had fun, thanks, and NEVER buy pre-mades unless you HAVE to, and even then, maybe keep it secret....speak your mind, if you get truly out-of-hand, we'll bring you back
"love" Michael Coleman
- Re: I forgot to mention...
- Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Friday, 23-Feb-2007
Heck, we all have stirred the pot on occasion, so no harm/no foul. At least you gave us all a reason to consider our own thoughts on the subject once again.
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I've no problems with Doug's site, his editorials or how he conducts business; in fact, the only real problem I have I already stated -- but it's his gig to play as he sees fit, just as it's our gig to call 'em as we see 'em.
Welcome from the shadows.
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by Steve Hillage Fan on Sunday, 30-Dec-2007
Are you the producer and techno-animal, guitarist Steve Hillage Who first established himself as one of the leading names in the 60s psychedelic rock movement ? :)
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click link to see what I mean [link]
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by mike c on Sunday, 30-Dec-2007
Steve is a personal spiritual advisor of mine
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that's why the BBC LP sitting just a few feet away can never be cashed in, no matter how physically weak I become, like now..
and to a couple forum friends:
after I go feed the annoying bodily temple, I'll be in touch.....
ps-I just pushed my cat out the second story window (by accident) and he was a goner...my semi-telepathic blind friend helped steer him back (he's still just a total baby)
TG
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by Ralph on Friday, 23-Feb-2007
When I first got into stuffing my own, I read all of his articles. He doesn't have a comment section and it's a pretty static webzine. I don't go there anymore and that is the reason. Has he changed his tune? Dave on the other hand is raking in money hand over fist with his hopper (tongue in cheek Dave). He's doing it for the love of the craft. The advice on this board is par excellance and you don't have to wait for 6 months to get the scoop.
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Welcome to the board Randy and I hope you find this site as useful as I do.
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Saturday, 24-Feb-2007
First off, welcome to the forum! Come back often, and read.
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Doug Kennedy is one of us; he is a Connoisseur and I can say I've missed reading RYO Magazine (new stuff). I don't know why Doug took a leave of absence, but I became concerned when he quit returning my e-mails as well! Besides being one of us; Doug has connections in the MYO industry and that makes him a valuable asset to us all as I see it. Don't get the wrong idea--people comment because they care; weather they'll admit it or not. I still haven't read all the information in RYO Magazine yet, and RYO has been my homepage since I discovered it! The videos in RYO's Media Section are educational, and entertaining to say the least! Sure, I took a couple cheap shots at Doug here; hoping to draw him out in the open during his "Walkabout" (absence) of sorts. I was glad when I logged on to find he updated the weekly, and came straight here to put in on the forum! You don't see me get that excited about anything Sally Baldwin has to say, do you? Believe me, Doug has gotten a lot of credit from us over time; especially when one of the regulars here points a new comer to RYO Magazine for a look--see on the Media Page, or to a review he's done on a tobacco brand. Unfortunately, there's only one Doug Kennedy, and one RYO Magazine; since as you put it--it would cost big bucks to do an on--line magazine. Hell, I'd have to take out a mortgage just to buy the equipment he has! So, I don't know what else to tell you, but if you had been around you'd have had a better understanding of the thoughts behind the comments. Mike AKA Capt,n
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by listcreep with overlove on Saturday, 24-Feb-2007
Doug came here>? about his update?
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really Mike? show me show me
mc
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by Dano on Monday, 26-Feb-2007
Well, if you're new here you've missed a lot. There's love for Doug and his Mag.. It's an excellent resource and he's a nice guy.
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For a lot of people here, that have been into MYO, (and yes his mag got me into MYO a long time ago) the problem is this.
Here's an example. His mag comes off as being an MYO advocate. He promotes things like Premier Tubes giving them really good reviews when in reality they are the worst tube on the market. Those tubes are so bad that they will make people go back to Marlboro's :)
One controversy (from my standpoint is) that he insinuated that D&R Tobacco was making a replacement for the McClintock Virginia which is now out of production. A couple of years ago when I first called D&R I mentioned the reason I was calling was to make an order and inquire about the replacement. D&R alluded that it would be here soon. It's not and they are not. So the problem becomes, Doug is doing a back door thang with D&R. He's not a MYO advocate as it appears he's a salesman. Which is ok, but for the first time reader of his mag, one would assume otherwise, and that's the problem many people here have.
I like Doug, I like his mag, but one has to be able to separate truth from reality while reading it.
It's a very well done come on to suck people in and steer them.
- Re: Where's the Love...?
- Posted by Tom S on Tuesday, 09-Oct-2007
A few months ago I stumbled upon the RYO magazine website and found it very interesting. Since then it hasn't altered one iota! If not now curremt, can it be removed from the web?
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I am tired of logging in and finding the same old contents. The archives are useful, but I have read them so many times!
- RYO Magazine is Back!
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Monday, 12-Feb-2007
The new weekly update has been updated, Mike
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[link]
- Re: RYO Magazine is Back!
- Posted by mike c on Thursday, 15-Feb-2007
thanks very much for discovering Doug is yet alive....
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looks pretty cool..
I notice he refrained from the word "Topomatic" (I read fast, could be wrong, etc)...but did refer to Chinese machines having a nozzle calibration flub....he ain't speakin' Ultimatic....
If my friends new Topomatic is anything to go on, I'd say he's hinting in that direction....(comment about what I have heard so far..one word...PROBLEM(S))
noticed he's speaking of our issues here and that he mentioned existing cig-size "prototypes".....maybe Dave will end up with some royalties yet, I speak mostly about machines because they are my favorite part......
- Re: RYO Magazine is Back! Don't Think So
- Posted by Dano on Monday, 26-Feb-2007
Weekly Update? Geesh, his mag ends spring 2006, where's the other 52 weekly updates? :)
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It really doesn't say anything. Something about injector nozzle sizes, without mentioning and specific injector and then the supermatic guy making his last crank RIP.
What's the point? Apparently Doug has moved on to other pastures. It seems as if he has nothing left to say or sell.
- Re: RYO Magazine is Back! Don't Think So
- Posted by scott johnson on Monday, 26-Feb-2007
I believe he is spending a lot of time with his music interests and fingerpickmagazine (which is interesting for those who play guitar like myself)
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sj
- Re: RYO Magazine is Back! Don't Think So
- Posted by Dano on Tuesday, 27-Feb-2007
That's cool, I play too.
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Haven't seen that mag on-line though.
I remember somewhere along the line him talking about it.
How does one get to that?
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Bigdog on Sunday, 07-Jan-2007
Seems the ryomagazine.com site hasn't had any new information added in quite some time ... is it now defunct or does Doug plan on new issues?
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I'd sure love to see an unbiased review on the Fresh Choice.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Sunday, 07-Jan-2007
No word on RYO Magazine yet. We'd like to see it come back up to date as well.
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As far as the Fresh Choice Machine goes; I'm sure we'd all like to see an unbiased review of it too by someone we trust--like Dave Lers! Many of us have asked only to fall on deaf ears. Mike
- RYO Magazine
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Friday, 01-Dec-2006
I wasn't going to comment, but I guess I will. I have found RYO Magazine to be a very informative publication, and I actually found this site and RYO Magazine doing a search for Turkish Tobacco. I found out Doug owns the Patent on Vera Cruz, which didn't bother me until he screwed it up with cheap dyed paper that is rougher than Russian toilet paper; then tried to make up for that shortcoming with a 20 mm filter! When I e-mailed him about it; he explained that the paper was a Proprietary, natural paper. I never got a response about why the dye washes out of the new Vera Cruz, and not the old? Even the tipping paper seems to have this dye, since it fades as I smoke if I get it wet!
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Other than that, I can't complain about Doug's' rag. I do wish he'd get on with the 2006 Annual Issue though! I've been looking forward to reading what he thinks about all the crap that's come down on smokers this year! I also have to say I don't believe he's anal-retentive, or has been paid to not write by the Anti-Smoker armchair social engineers either! Further, I believe Doug will publish the 2006 Issue when he has enough advertisers to help with expenses. Lastly, yes, I am looking forward to reading this years issue of RYO Magazine! Mike
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by mike c on Friday, 01-Dec-2006
I agree. He does seem to have an "attitude", (however) , and he appears to have shown up on this site flaming?
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so, since I have been here, the SYO description has sunk into my subconscious, and I think in honor of this site, and in honor of Mark at D'n'R, the name should be kept for time immemorial!!! if he would only educate here on a somewhat regular basis, he would improve himself, I think.
now for my 5:32 am ramble:-
if this hobby can somehow escape the oncoming tax dooms, we are all actually quite "original" players in this scene, because if it stays going, there will be MASSIVE improvements to machines (should be, even tho' it's difficult), and cigarette cases, etc. It could become quite a common thing for people to SYO, and we can say we were doing it "back in the day, before it got commercial"
mc
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Matt on Friday, 01-Dec-2006
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It would be great if Mark Ryan would post here often. I'd always be interested in what's new at D&R.
As far as machine improvements...I wish Zippo made them. Imagine the quality of a Zippo crank style injector with high grade parts throughout. They could make the housings with different finishes like chrome, anodized, or something custom. I'd gladly pay $100 for one even though they'd probably cost a little more and I'd probably pay that too.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Raymond Morris on Tuesday, 05-Dec-2006
It beging a Zippo=it would have a lifetime warranty=just like their lighters and case knives BTW=zippo owns Case.
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- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Monday, 01-Jan-2007
I have been thinking lately that I've been too critical of Doug over at RYO Magazine, and would like to apologize; having thought about it somewhat after my original post! Doug has a secretary and an office to pay for, and I believe, he deserves compensation for his time as well! I couldn't afford to pay a secretary, and rent on an office. No, I'd at least expect to break even; since I hate to book a looser--why should I expect Doug to? On the other hand I still firmly believe he goofed up when he re--engineered the Original 17mm Vera Cruz Nocturne! I still have a few left I use for special occasions, and compared to the New 20mm Vera Cruz, the old still are much better in my opinion! Yes, I've said it again, and I mean it! Mike
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- MYO CMC using RYO or SYO
- Posted by Dave Lers on Monday, 17-Jul-2006
I've been a proponent of using MYO (Make Your Own) to label any method of making your own cigarettes and RYO (Roll Your Own)/SYO (Stuff Your Own) to label specific methods of MYO.
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Doug (RYOM) doesn't care for the MYO label and has proposed CMC (Custom Made Cigarettes) and registered the domain CustomMadeCigarettes.com. I like the name, its a classy alternative to MYO (... but works better as an add-on). What I don't understand is how trashing the SYO label is even on topic.
"While RYO (Roll Your Own) has some fluidity and sense of identity to it, AND it rolls off the tongue pretty well, MYO sounds a bit stiff... Now MYO does certainly not sound as downright ignorant and backwoods as SYO (Stuff Your Own) which we find offensive to the extreme, as it degrades the quality of the experience with its lowbrow baseness. But MYO leaves a lot to be desired as well." [link]
"You'll notice that we refrain from using the phrase "Stuff Your Own" It sounds egregiously ignorant and the acronym SYO is even worse than MYO." [link]
edited, added quotes and updated links
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Matt on Saturday, 15-Jul-2006
Supposedly, a blend or brand not worth mentioning will never wind up in the pages of ryomagazine...so why in the hell is this junk getting a write-up?
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[link]
Seriously, fake weed? I can't imagine anyone who'd buy this crap in lieu of the real stuff. I guess it's like people substituting real porn mags with Maxim.
Oh well, it's only business.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Matt on Saturday, 15-Jul-2006
...but you'd be insane to pass up an oz. (yes, 1 oz.) of "Rasta Smoke" for $45. Or if you're in a bind you can always spring for approximately 20 smokes worth of "Wizard Smoke" for $15. What a hoot!
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I reckon if I had an online magazine & a company offered the right compensation I'd put their ads up too.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Kerry on Saturday, 15-Jul-2006
I don't go to that site anymore, unless provoked, which you did and I couldn't find a "write up" about this product although I did find a graphic (gif) ad for this "product" on the RYOmag site.
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Please don't draw me into going there again unless it is really worth it! It is one thing to simply attempt to provide information about products as this site does. It is totally another animal to simply hawk products under the disquise of being a non-biased proponent simply for commercial gain.
Yep, I said that.
As for the product you were referring to, their site has very little info about exactly WHAT one will get if one buys their stuff. Over-priced and under-described says "stay away" to me in very clear language. Just MHO.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Matt on Sunday, 16-Jul-2006
I had sworn off visiting that site also, but went there just for sh#ts & giggles to see if there was anything new. The write-up is in the review section right underneath the piece about scales...
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[link]
It really hurts the legitimacy of RYO/MYO to put "head shop" items in with bona fide tobacco products. But once again, business is business.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Dave Lers on Monday, 17-Jul-2006
RYO Magazine is an advertiser driven site. While it may slant the presentation its still leading edge informative. Most of my postings about St Vincent tubes came from information I found at RYOM. My visit today netted the information that Escort and Rayo tube production may be revived, a new brand 1839 (no writeup that I saw, company is an offshoot of the Flue-Cured Tobacco Cooperative), a link to a lengthy page which may have some interesting information on tobacco, and something else which I think merits a topic of its own.
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Re the product in question. RYOM's writeup above the ad indicates they sell herbal blends. While technically true it does appear (like you said, the information on the site is sketchy at best) its all about fake weed (like Matt said), i.e. probably not what folks interested in herbal blends are looking for.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Matt on Monday, 17-Jul-2006
I would think that someone looking for an herbal blend to smoke ceremoniously or for pleasure would be far better off with American Spirit Pow-Wow blend. I also think that anyone who seriously smokes ceremoniously would steer far away from "Albino Rhino" or "Dro" and would most likely be knowledgeable in making their own blends or smoke mishma.
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In any case, ryomagazine does contain lots of valid industry info & after all, I do buy from a lot of these companies. They aren't inherently evil & neither is the editor of ryomagazine; the fact is, I hate to see something I used to enjoy reading metamorphasize into what it's become. Sort of like when a product changes to keep up with the zeitgeist & makes you long for "the good 'ol days".
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Dan on Monday, 17-Jul-2006
I do think it's funny when RYO mag reviews things that are obviously for smoking weed. Somewhere on there he had these little hash pipes and the little bat one hitters for smoking weed. Now I can see if you want to say these might be good for getting a quick hit of tobacco, but at least acknowledge what they are primarily designed for.
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DS
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Dave Lers on Monday, 17-Jul-2006
I hadn't payed attention to NAS's Pow-Wow blend. Its not 100% herbal but sounds interesting:
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"100% Additive-Free Tobacco, Herbs, and Botanicals
Natural American Spirit Pow-Wow Blend is a ceremonial pipe blend of additive-free tobacco and the following pure herbs and botanicals: Sage, Red Willow, Bearberry, and Yerba Buena (spearmint)."
I hadn't heard of Mishma before, not sure I'm interested in smoking catnip :)
...though I'd definitely try Mishma before trying the $1,120LB!!!* "Black Widow" :)
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Matt on Monday, 17-Jul-2006
MYO = Mishma Your Own
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- Re: RYO Magazine-"Dro"
- Posted by short sharp shock on Monday, 30-Oct-2006
"I also think that anyone who seriously smokes ceremoniously would steer far away from "Albino Rhino" or "Dro"".......now THAT is funny!! I unfortunately wear the "newbie" hat, however I am not new to MYO or community forums and may I just say my own $.02 -I am proud that I somehow stumbled upon this site..no idea how I got here, anyway I predict this place will explode into something very large, especially if it can be a "family community" and I find from my own experience that getting to know people's characters can be enjoyable and I found this post to be just as valuable as the education I have already gleaned here. I recently have gone back to MYO due to financial reasons but after finding out about the quality of the tobacco I will keep this hobby as well as this forum
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helps the whole experience. Thanks to you guys, now I guess I have to graduate and get a TOP-O-MATIC..(I can't resist the packaging!) and speaking of Republic..I was in a convenience store today and was glancing at the old TOP 3/4
oz packets when I noticed something new to me...now TOP has a new line (new to me) called "Wildfire" in strawberry and peach lol!
I passed..mike c
- Re: RYO Magazine-"Dro"
- Posted by short sharp shock on Monday, 30-Oct-2006
whoops, i should have transplated my above post to the general SYO forum...I sincerely apologize
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mc
- Re: RYO Magazine-"Dro"
- Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Tuesday, 31-Oct-2006
The peach isn't spectaular, but the TOP Wildfire strawberry is actually incredible. Not as an everyday smoke, mind you, but it's amazing as the occasional after-dinner smoke with a nice cup of coffee.
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- Re: RYO Magazine-"Dro"
- Posted by short sharp shock on Tuesday, 31-Oct-2006
admission. Top tobacco was my second SYO experience and I preferred it to Bugler or Midnight Special, I'm a fool for asthetics and I always kinda liked Republic tobacco for the way they kept offering new types of coupons and promotions etc. When I was in that store yesterday, the guy was behind glass and couldn't speak english real well but I had to hassle him about the price of things...then I noticed the Wildfire, I got excited as I will buy and try any old over-the-counter stuff that is new, saw it was peach and said naw, then noticed the other one was an unopened case in plastic and looked even more interesting, saw it was strawberry, almost bought it, but just got myself a Top regular as the four bags of Gambler I bought were all dried out much to my sadness...I want a direct line to them!!! they need to put Gambler back in the first "regular" type of 6oz bag that it originally appeared in. Also, the price has gone up here from %5.99 to $8.49 which really pisses me off. I realize it's all garbage compared to what most of you smoke but thats why I am here! I have never had a flavored smoke in my life except maybe a friends girlfriend's clove cigarette in 1985....I will go and get a Wildfire strawberry Asap, bless you, thank you, won't forget you, and it should go nice with the several pots of coffee....and in a timid head-hung low attempt to sneak back on topic,,,I have a friend who smokes like a chimney who has recently started going with American Spirit and I will try to involve him in a scheme for the both of us to get crankers and bring him here and finally attempt to have him SYO with that tobacco if he wants to stick with it!
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yipes! many thanks
mc
- Re: Dougs Mag
- Posted by Dano on Sunday, 26-Mar-2006
I started reading his great mag when he only had 2 or 3 back issues online. As great as it is, (i chuckled at your "Annual Mag" comment) it seems as if Doug has sold out :)
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I kind of get the feeling that he's gone to the Dark Side. IE: promoting what he's got a financial interest in and masking it as 3'rd party reporting.
:)
- Re: Dougs Mag
- Posted by Kerry on Monday, 27-Mar-2006
At least this once, I think I agree with you. Although there is a lot of good info in the archived RYOmag issues, it seems apparent that Doug is in it for business reasons. Not that there is anything wrong with making money or being in a business in order to make a profit.
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However, the filter of experience tells me that Doug is not an unbiased proponent of SYO/RYO, but simply a guy who is using an angle to make money. As I said, nothing wrong with that, but I now read his blurbs with a box of rock salt close by. Actually, since he still likes to claim that his site is updated several times a year, I only go there when I read about an actual update here.
Kerry
- Re: Dougs Mag
- Posted by Dano on Tuesday, 28-Mar-2006
Sort of like going from the SYO/RYO Bible to an Infomercial :)
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I'm being facietious of course. Doug seems like a real nice guy and his mag's an outstanding resource.
I always assumed he was making money from the advertising and then unbiasedly reporting on all the stuff he writes about. Whatever the truth actually is it isn't an issue for me since I look forward to what he has to say.
I agree with you, i'm a little more skeptical about glowing reviews :)
- Re: Dougs Mag
- Posted by Kerry on Tuesday, 28-Mar-2006
I think one tip-off to his definitely biased reviews is that he states clearly that he will not write a bad review. He claims to simply ignore those products which he does not find reason to write a positive review about.
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Hog-wash. Either you write about the good and the bad, or you are really just a hack selling product(s). Oops, did that come out sounding harsh? (grin)
- Re: Dougs Mag
- Posted by Dano on Wednesday, 29-Mar-2006
Harsh and cold blooded :)
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In retrospect I think for me it was his continued and unrelenting praise for CTC's Premier tubes.
Since he's obviously familiar with and likes high end tobacco it's beyond belief that he could have anything good to say about those tubes besides 'they are cheap'.
Imho, they are hands down the worst tubes on the market. You can taste the glue, you can taste the paper, it's like smoking a grocery store bag. They are the only tube i've ever tried that I can honestly call 'bad'.
Naturally my exposure to those things is entirely Dougie's fault, so I say this.....
'Curse You Dougie! Curse You, you Evil Sales Mongrel!'
(can I have my 89 cents back? :)
- Re: Dougs Mag
- Posted by Kerry on Wednesday, 29-Mar-2006
I will give him partial credit for turning me on to D&R. The rest of the credit for most anything of value that I have learned about SYO has come from this site. I have tried to add what I can here as well.
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I do find that, imho, Doug seems to like (Bali Red, Stokkebyes, et al.) tobaccos which have more casings and flavorings. Or, at least the brands he seems to favor all seem to have more in the flavor from toppings than the tobacco. Just mho on all that though, considering not all of D&R's tobaccos are casing/topping free and there is some doubt about that whole issue with D&R given the given the way they don't list (along with almost all bulk tobacco's) their ingredients.
In any case, now that I have a better understanding of Doug's business connections/investments (which he has not been candid about), I don't have much respect for him or his business practices. Take it for what it is worth, but perception can be everything and in most business operations, your reputation is everything. For me, Doug lost any perception that he is an unbiased proponent for SYO fans.
OK, I guess I've said enough or more than... ;)
- Re: Dougs Mag
- Posted by mike11667 on Monday, 11-Dec-2006
Notice that all the products he seems to like most, and devote the most space to--Bali and Stokkebye as you mention--but also McClintock, are Stokkebye poducts. Coincidence? Maybe, but Stokkebye was one of his major advertisers and he seemed to have a pretty close relationship with that company. However, in the last couple of issues (especially the last one) he seems very high on D&R. But that was also around the time Stokkebye (or at least most of their brands) was bought out. Again coincidence?...
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- Re: Dougs Mag
- Posted by scott johnson on Monday, 11-Dec-2006
Well, I must say the Stokkebye's stuff is top notch. I really like the Amsterdam Shag. If I could afford it, I would probably smoke PS brands more often.
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- Re: Dougs Mag
- Posted by mike11667 on Monday, 18-Dec-2006
I agree. Bali is my regualr smoke. Just pointing out that he seems to develop relationships with certain (sponsor?) companies and devote a lot of space in the mag to those compaines.
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- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by G on Sunday, 15-May-2005
Yeah, that plus the loss of an independent CTC- probably 2 of his largest advertisers.
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- RYO magazine still active?
- Posted by Kevin S. on Friday, 04-Feb-2005
I have enjoyed reading ryo magazine (online) very much since its first issue
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http://www.ryomagazine.com/
And am still waiting (wont be long now since Sept!)for the winter/spring 04-05 issue with videos told would be ready in Sept. I am wondering if someone knows what the status of the website or Doug is--- I think I'll download all the back issues IF the well done site does go down. Doug's reviews have always been appreciated by me even though some reviews of advertisers tobaccos may not have been as favorable as the advertisers may have wished! my hats off to him for that!
I hope the sponsor's still see it fitting to support a great site.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Racoonster on Thursday, 23-Dec-2004
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RYO magazine converted me from a person who had tried SYO, and was not fully satisfied, to someone that will not smoke a manufactured cigarette. Until I found RYO Magazine, I was unaware of the the variety of tobacco available, and the differences between them. My local tobacco choices included mostly Bugler, Top, and the occasional ZigZag. None of these could be considered an improvement on brand name cigarettes. Also available was Drum, which was too large a leap to take at first.
By now, I have smoked countless brands and blends, and probably have over 30 on hand at any one time. And I feel that I have outgrown RYO magazine, in the sense that my tastes and cravings for variety have grown faster then they can keep up.
Until I found this web page, I did not know there was any where else to gather info.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Kurt Wall on Thursday, 23-Dec-2004
<aol>Me, too.</aol> I'm disappointed that RYO Mag can't keep up or isn't as actively maintained as I'd like. However, in an exchange of email with Doug, he stated that not enough new products come out to justify a new issue each quarter. I haven't outgrown it, it just isn't serving my particular interests anymore. Well, and I do tire of the "new issue Real Soon Now (c)" text...
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- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Al Lane on Friday, 15-Apr-2005
I think after the 1st year or so of Ryo Magazine, money began dictating the issues,who's tobacco's where the best and the number of magazine issues put out and so on.Then the Editor/Writer wanted to make it a platform for his beleifs/politics more so than a magazine about ryo/myo tobaccos....Seems like the magazine has been adrift since the passing of Peter S. in Denmark.... All this IMHO, Al
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- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Kerry on Wednesday, 11-May-2005
As good as the info on RYO may be, I too am tired of seeing the title of the "current" issue claiming to be the "first quarter" of 2005. Heck, we are in the second quarter of 2005. Also, the multi-media section may be fine and dandy, but us dial-up users can't enjoy it anyway.
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Just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Either this is a magazine that stays current or it isn't. Right now, it is defintely NOT current. Saying that there have not been enough "new" products introduced is a lame excuse. There is more to the tobacco/smoking world than new products.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Newbie on Wednesday, 11-May-2005
Quite honestly other than a little information, the ryo mag seems to be mostly a shill/mouthpiece for certain manufacturers. Looking at it in that light, you can see why there's no new issues until a lot of new products come out.
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If you doubt what I'm saying, open up a new supermatic premier and note that there is a sheet of 'tips' on using it from RYO magazine... also watch the stuffing videos where clip after clip clearly display the vera cruz nocturn tubes.
I'm not knocking any of these products but it seems as if RYO is far from being impartial and is well paid to promote certain products.
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Smok_Daddy on Friday, 24-Jun-2005
Guess Doug has a new Bizness.Cuz it sure ain't Ryo Mag as of late....
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Sad to see it come to this.But thats the real world...SD
-Maybe what we have here on this forum is better anyway???
- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by mick on Friday, 30-Sep-2005
im in australia and the only tobbaco ryo has revied that we have is drum. what happened to diversity?
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- Re: RYO Magazine
- Posted by Skweekah on Sunday, 02-Sep-2007
yeah, when it comes to ryo and basically all tobacco stuffs, australia sucks. You guys in the states pay jack shit for your stuff and you have the most amazing range. Just becuase John Howard [Prime Minister of Australia] doesnt like a Nat Sherman MCD with his morning pot of joe doesnt mean the rest of us have to be so anal about it all. SKweekah...
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