Name: Jerad Tuxen
State: Wisconsin
Age: 23
Years wheeling: 9
Why be a Cover Critic? I'm not one to discriminate between import/domestic or classic/late-model. I've been around the scene for some time now, and have seen just about everything first-hand. Toyotas will 'wheel just as good as Jeeps, so when the cover comes down, I'll take the functionality and looks of the vehicle over the badge on the grille. Also, I have a paid subscription through the end of the decade, so I'm dedicated to your magazine. And if that isn't enough, I'm like a shareholder. Now give me my voting rights! Oops, forgot my Midwestern manners.
Name: Kevin Easley
State: Colorado
Age: 47
Years wheeling: N/A
Why be a Cover Critic? I'm only giving myself 30 seconds here. I'm new to four-wheeling, and there are way too many magazines to choose from on the newsstands. At this time, no "one" magazine stands out. To grow your subscription base, you need new readers, but too many of the magazines' covers and articles are all geared towards veterans. You need a "newby" perspective. I can help, period!
Name: Julie
State: N/A
Age: N/A
Years wheeling: 8
Why be a Cover Critic? (1) I have a good eye for detail and eye-catching trucks. I got into photography shortly after I got into 'wheeling and I've always said that when I grow up (if it ever happens), I would love to be a photographer for a 4x4 magazine.
(2) The tech articles and pictures of sweet rigs are mainly what attract me. So that would probably be my main focus if I were picked.
(3) I took photography and design courses in high school.
(4) I'm pretty well known on a local Internet forum for 'wheelers in my area, so I know I would be able to get a lot of feedback on what other hard-core 4x4 enthusiasts really want to see in your magazine and what really attracts them at the magazine rack.
(5) I'm a girl. We bitch about everything.
Name: Rod Skaggs
State: North Carolina
Age: 67
Years wheeling: Over 50
Why be a Cover Critic? I have BA and MA degrees in Theatre Arts and English, and have designed and built stage productions for schools, from kindergarten to college and community theatre. I know layout and audience perception of the picture being presented.
For over 20 years, I've enjoyed how-to articles, reviews and previews of new vehicles, and columns like "Techline," "Willie's Workbench," "Readers' Rigs" ... Hell, I like it all. I read each issue from cover to cover and keep every one of them all the way back to 1984. And I still miss old Granville. But I think that you do need help.
Name: Daniel D'Aurora
State: Italy, courtesy U.S. Navy
Age: 24
Years wheeling: 10
Why be a Cover Critic? As an American serving in the Navy in a foreign country, I can provide a unique perspective to four-wheeling outside the U.S. as well.
Name: Carmen Wythe
State: Alberta, Canada
Age: 20
Years wheeling: All my life
Why be a Cover Critic? I have grown up 4x4'ing with my family and have been 'wheeling since I got my '87 Blazer four years ago. Everyone knows me for my love of my truck and 4x4'ing. The only magazine I read is Four Wheeler (no Cosmo for me!). Coincidentally, I happen to be a full-time graphic designer with the biggest (and best) firm in my city. It just makes sense that I would make the perfect critic for Four Wheeler!
Name: John Perry
State: North Carolina
Age: 18
Years wheeling: 4
Why be a Cover Critic? 'Cause I'm the only kid out there who's keeping it real and gangsta on the trails. I do most of my own work on my rig, and you need some young gunz in the magazine.
Name: Shaemes Cassidy
State: Ohio
Age: 26
Years wheeling: 13
Why be a Cover Critic? I feel I would be a good candidate because I'm still young enough to know what's cool but old enough to appreciate a good classic when I see one. Plus, I love your magazine, and I love watching the TV show. Finally, it's probably the closest I'll come to saying that I work at Four Wheeler magazine.
Name: Big '79 Terry
State: Oregon
Age: 44
Years wheeling: 28
Why be a Cover Critic? Greasy truck parts are my addiction.
My divorce allows me much more personal time with my 'wheelers. My children love to wheel. The ex didn't.
I once called out my supervisor on his new '87 Ford F-250 (brand new with many googahs) because he applied a Chevy emblem on it. He was very angry with me.
In the past I would have to have a shipping address, so UPS wouldn't meet with wife. Not pleasant!
I Have been an avid reader of all things dirt-related for 30 years. Are subscriber fees tax-deductible?
Name: Jim Ferguson
State: California
Age: 31
Years wheeling: 13
Why be a Cover Critic? Why not?
Editor: Why not, indeed? Well, guess what, folks? You're all invited-welcome to the Critic's Corner! And thanks to all of you who wrote in with your critiques, comments, and suggestions.