3) This forum, in my opinion, is a superior source of information and "sharing" of articles, etc., and it is my preferred place now. Between here and my own website, where I post things to download, I really have little intention of doing more magazine articles. Why? They take a lot more work, have months of lead time, and this is such a better venue . . .
I think ALL printed magazines are struggling with this reality... which is why we likely see OGR transitioning its ad base to the online world (in the form of this forum for now). In fact, at the rate sponsors are coming on board here, I'd be cautious that the pace is outgrowing the sponsor banner real-estate at the top of the page. I'm already a bit dizzy-eyed watching ads blink, so I often avoid looking at the top of the page. I suggested in a different thread quite some ago that all ads either be static (single-image) or multi-image with smooth fades rather than hard cuts. But that post was eventually deleted. 
Some ads already implement smooth fades, and they are much more "friendly on the eye" -- at least to my eyes. Nonetheless, expect ad space concepts to evolve here over time, as required to be most effective. But a concentrated array of ads with content changing via hard cuts is not optimal even now much less so as more sponsors come on board.
For now, it's probably wise that sponsors keep one foot planted in both printed and online media. But I suspect we'll see a day when the printed magazine will be retired. The raw business numbers will determine when this happens.
On a related note... Years ago, lots of folks balked at the idea of spending $$$ to participate on the forum. But as time passes and the value of being here increases, those very same folks may see things in a different light. Sponsors already see the advantage of paying for visibility here. And premium memberships have access to exclusive content already.
Do you see a pattern forming here? 
David
