Self-described “Confused reader” Josh Hoover writes:

Hey Brian and Traci,

I enjoy reading Shecky and catching up on the latest happenings in the comedy world. Although, in recent months the entire publication had begun to feel more like just a giant blog. What I mean by that is it doesn’t seem your contributing writers are doing any contributing. Its been April since Adam Gropman wrote something, and what about “The Big Move” or Tom Ryan or Kid Dave or the bi-monthly interviews?

To which we responded:

Astute observations, all.

Our other contributors were released from their monthly obligations about two years ago… since then, they contribute only when they want to and we welcome their contributions like an old friend!

In the past year, we’ve emphasized the blog heavily…first to comment on the Last Comic Standing episodes in near-real time, then to comment on the world of standup in general and to keep people apprised of what’s going on in the business.

Our columnists are no longer a primary focus of the magazine, but their archives are still up for those who want to peruse them.

And while it may seem that we’ve eliminated columns, we’ve actually developed some new columnists– Doug Hecox, a new Big Mover (two, really!) and a Canadian columnist! As for interviews, we’ve talked to Woody Woodbury and Emery Emery, just since the beginning of the year. And we’ve got a comic or two on our wish list, so interviews will continue to be part of our offerings.

We devoted a lot of attention in the first four years of the mag to our columnists…our numbers grew and our fans were many. Then, we switched to a blog format, kept the columnists archived, developed some new writers… and our numbers quadrupled. We have found that folks like the short form about as much, if not more, than they liked the long form. And, since we offered our content for syndication via RSS and Feedburner and other syndication portals, our reach and popularity has never been wider or more vigorous. (If you think we emphasize number a lot, you’re right. Aside from the occasional Like We Care email, the only way if we know we’re doing something right is by examining the stats!)

We won many fans with our columnists, so we’re not going to totally neglect them. But we’re not going to try to be all things to all people. We feel we’ve reached a nice balance. Anyone who has read the magazine since April 1, 1999, has noticed that the one constant with our publication has been change! We have never stood still and we’re always seeking to refine it.

We hope you’ll continue to read our magazine and we hope you’ll continue to check in regularly to see the changes! And we’re open to suggestions!

Thanks again for being a loyal fan!

Fear not, gentle readers, we will continue to experiment… and we will continue to bring you some of the more popular features that have become heavily associated with SHECKYmagazine.com. Like our Montreal coverage, for example. We arrive in Montreal on July 20. An update– text and photos– should pop up within 24 hours of our arrival! Stay tuned!!