Hello All!

I wanted to keep all posted on the status of the website, the new journal printing schedule, and article submissions.

1) WEBSITE:
Whenever a new website is made "live", it is expected that viewers will respond with comments and questions that usually point to some problems. This is helpful, as any feedback allows the web developer to become aware of any problems and then solutions can be found. Same with our site.

Some customers have had problems:

• registering on the site
• downloading individual back issue articles in PDF formats
• accessing the two journals in ePaperflip

Fortunately most of these problems have been solved! There are a few that remain, but I hope the site will be functioning at 100% in the next few days.

If you have ANY PROBLEM at all with the website or any ordering, please let me know! Write Mike, at email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2)  NEW JOURNAL
As you see from the new Current Issue on the website, the Volume 19 Number 2 digital edition of the journal is online! Materials are at press now too, and the print edition is schedule to ship on the 10th of this month. Copies will be shipped to a mailing house, so they will also take a few days to label, package, and mail individual copies to subscribers. Once in the postal system, it will take 1-2 weeks for delivery with the USA, and 2-3 outside the USA.

3) ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
Our new website was under contract to be completed by February 24th. Needless to say, the website developer did not fulfill their commitment, dragging me into prolonged months of website work and away from other work I wished to do. Finally, I can get to reading over article submissions and hope to respond within a week or two to all those received thus far. If anyone else has article ideas, an outline, or a draft, feel free to let me know anytime. It would be a good time to forward any article ideas you may want us to consider for possible publication in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts.

This is the news for now! Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

As ever,

Mike

BLOG 5/31, 2010


A Salute to All on Memorial Day,

We owe much to all of those who sacrificed themselves in order to benefit family, friends, nation, and world. Over the centuries, regardless of location or political affiliations, soldiers have made the "ultimate sacrifice." It is certainly appropriate for readers of the Journal of Asian Martial Arts to hold in memory all who have fought for justice and peace. I hope you are off from the regular work routine during this holiday, and can spend some leisure time with family and friends.

I thought to write a short update on the website and new journal. Work on the website has been a big headache, to say the least. It was to be completed by February 24th, and it is just being completed now. Sorry for the inconvenience for those who have had problems viewing the site, and especially for those who experienced frustrating attempts to place orders. Some could not register. Some could not access the digital edition of the journal. A few digital products would not download. Plus, the site was not as “user friendly” as I had wished.

I hope the site is functioning satisfactorily now. I do plan to have improvements made over the following months. It is good to have your feedback and suggestions.

Because of the time-consuming work involved with the website, the newest edition of the Journal of Asian Martial Arts was late in production. The digital edition is available online, and the print edition is expected to ship from the printer’s in late June. The following edition, due out in August, should be back on schedule.

A sincere thank you to all for your patience with the birthing labors of this new website. My appreciation also goes to those who have read the first blog, and also contributed to the forum. We have a long way to go to improve the website and your participation is always welcome.

I will be working hard to get caught up with the journal work, and hopefully will be able to update the blog regularly too.

Blessings for all on Memorial Day,

Mike

Dear Comrades-in-Arms!

I write this particular greeting since you are interested in martial traditions, and hopefully we are "comrades" in the sense that we share common interests and goals in this fascinating topic.

If you've seen the Volume 19 Number 1 Journal of Asian Martial Arts, you've noticed a big change in its design from the previous 18 years. Now you are seeing our new website! I hope you'll enjoy seeing the new site and benefit by participating in the "Community" section, such as the Forum. What changes do you notice??

Changes include:

• JOURNAL: New 6x9 inch format with more pages on better quality paper.
• DISTRIBUTION: Stopped distribution to book stores.
• WEBSITE: New look and we hope a much more user-friendly touch, with a variety of interesting content.
• ARTICLES: Availability of all individual articles in digital format (PDFs).
• SUBSCRIPTIONS: Also available online, in digital "flipping book" format. Saves on postage!
• HIGHER COSTS: Sorry, costs are up! Why? We have not raised the cost of the journal or related shipping and handling fees for 18 years. We were way behind, and should have made changes much earlier. For those who just can't afford the printed journal edition, especially those living outside the USA, the digital edition provides a welcome relief. It is even cheaper than the previous prices for a print edition.
• ADVERTISING: Rates are lower than in previous print editions, but now reaching a wider readership through print and digital editions. The online version allows readers to click on the ads and to view advertisers' websites.
• BUSINESS DIRECTORY: This section lets anyone browse through a listing of products and services dealing with many aspects of the martial arts. It also allows people or companies to present themselves here. I didn't like the previous design. It was not easy to navigate. Now you can browse easier and use a search feature to find just want you are look for.
• FORUM: I hope this proves to be a major addition, letting our readers share their questions and responses in a friendly, productive way. The Forum should be a gathering place to discuss aspects of the Asian martial traditions, providing a better understanding of the subject, as well as assisting in intellectual developments in this field. Right now, there are ZERO posts! Help get things started here by checking it out, and adding your post in a category you wish to discuss with others.
• BLOG: You’re lookin’ at it! I’m not usually one to stand up, speak out, or be the center of attention. Still don’t want to be, but a Blog does that… So, I want this part of my “work” to be the most casual part, and one that I feel like I’m writing to friends and potential friends. Here, I’ll share my experience as owner of Via Media Publishing and journal founder, and as a martial art practitioner. I hope that this form of communication will bring a clearer understanding of both Via Media and the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, as well as let you know who I am as a person and publisher.

There are other changes and things I’m not remembering now, but the Blog will allow me to come back and share whatever comes to mind that I think you may appreciate reading.

In all, I hope the above changes will offer some improvements to the field of Asian martial arts study and practice by fostering friendships and scholarly work through activities associated with the Journal of Asian Martial Arts and this website.

I plan to blog regularly, with short text. Please keep in mind that I'm new to bogging and forum discussions, and these will evolve with time. But, now that the new website is “live,” I need to work on the next journal and get it to press!!!

With all best wishes,

Mike