Hefner Credit Crunch?

I could never figure out how they made any money on what they charged for Playboy magazine. Both times that I've gotten a subscription (utlimately just to cancel it cuz the magazine sucked IMO), it was for very, very little money. Some of those past editions sell for a lot of money too for some reason.

Hef refuses to change much of anything...he's still living in the past for sure, but he's an old man...what else is to be expected?? "You're gonna die soon..." ;)

The "business" needs to be run like a business. It can't possibly be all THAT difficult to make money off the Playboy name, logo, recognition, stable of hotties, connections, history, interest. Stop giving out free copies and free parties. Stop paying for the girlies to wear pink gold lame thongs at a thousand bucks an inch. Charge entry to the mansion. Shoot porn and broadcast it on latenight TV. Duh.

I had Playboy for a year and cancelled myself for exactly the same reason as MisterGuy. I am sure Playboy had its time and place, but it's my belief Playboy would be best served by ceasing publication, especially once Hef passes. No one ever gets it for the articles and the pictures are just a little too tame for today's consumer. And besides, who could ever outdo Hugh Hefner at being Hugh Hefner?

Maybe Hefner just needs to send some playmates over to Warren Buffet to get some credit. Maybe he could talk to some rich oil tycoons or to Donald Trump. I heard Trump supports either Miss Universe or Miss USA. Buffet would probably know how to run the business and make a better profit.

Two things to add: Casualguy is right, D. Trump owns the Miss Universe organization, which includes both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA contests.

Under certain circumstances, Pboy just gives the magazine away. I know, because about 10 yrs ago, I complained about a video tape I orderred from Pboy. To help make it right, they offered me a free subscription, and they have renewed it for free every year since.

I agree that Hef's smut mag has not kept up with the times. Our population is more diverse, but you rarely see any Asian pmates, and a black centerfold comes around only once every 18 months or so. And putting female stars trying to revive their popularity like Janet Jackson and Cindy Margolis in the mag cannot be considered cutting edge. You're supposed to get 'em while they're hot, Hef, not when they're approaching 40 and you gotta wear out the airbrushes just to make 'em look halfway decent.

The only thing I've ever missed about Playboy is the club. There was one in Miami, and a nice place to go and have some drinks, eat what was relatively good and reasonably priced food, and see some VERY lovely women. That said, this was over 30 years ago and, yes, times have changed.

At one time, in my office, there was a former club bunny working. In the office, she was attractive, but nothing that would drive a man nuts. I tracked down a pictures of her in her club attire, and DAMN, what a difference!

I too, about 10 years ago, had a free subscription for a while. I just got my most recent subsciption for only $1 an issue. The magazine is pretty much like it was 25 years ago-same features and pictorials. It seems like their pay cyberclub would be raking in the $$$-but maybe it isn't.

Playboy is a relic. Product identity and publication is my field and I can't figure out why they aren't constantly updating their image. This is an industry where only the fresh concepts make any money. Just let it die...

one thing i'd suggest is a tighter connection between the mag and tv channel. they rarely have anything to do with each other. You can still have all the softcore porn you want, but they should do a far better job with past and current playmates. Pam Anderson constantly professes her love for Hef, for example, but they rarely do anything with her.

If bunnymag goes back to it's roots, it can be a success again, that, and realize it's demographic.

A) Models-natural only-no breast enhancements, and a strict rule of no tramp stamps, no extraordinary piercings (one per ear lobe only), and end the airbrushing. Three models per issue, the first being a barely legal babe, made up to look young. The centerfold of college age, and the third babe-a Hooters girl, or hot working girl of natural beauty only.

B) Writing-first, make an alliance with the NRA for the gun of the month story. Another article on a hot car (restored classic-not those high six figure cars), and articles written by authors who are fiscal conservative-social liberal types. Be more responsive to fans with story of the month contests, and a column dedicated to whatever questions fans have about anything-like cars, guns, women, etc. An advice column written by a porn star (there are a few smart ones out there).

C) Celeb pictorials of true celebs only-not reality TV star of the month. If you can't shoot a true celeb-forget it.

D) Monthly contests for things of recent interest-for instance, backstage with the Pussycat Dolls, Miley Cyrus, popular show tapings, etc.

E) Post places of events guys might want to see (locations/dates of wet T shirt contests in Florida/Texas in Spring Break), fan gangbangs of porn stars, and post lists of how to get tickets to things like NASCAR, NFL/College games (other sports too), and hot concert tours.

With all the porn available on the internet, from soft to hardcore, why pay for an anachronistic girly mag? I haven't seen an issue in years, but I suspect that the features and writing can't compete with dozens of other mags that are out there (Esquire, etc.)

FYI, a magazine does not survive based on it's cover price or subscription rates. Advertising revenue is where profit comes from. As sales decline so do advertising revenues.

Hef should sell to Dudester. I would keep going for cutting edge interviews with less emphasis on so called celebs. Need stories on travel where guys can get laid.