upcoming Nov issue

A couple of things happenin' around here for the November issue. First, when you pick up a copy look for our first-ever Gift Guide brochure. We're giving this a try, and as far as we know, we're the first antiques/collectibles publication to give such a "standard" marketing/advertising vehicle a try. After all, TARGET consumers, not just dealers and collectors.

Second, read what Harry Rinker has to say about the antiques and collecibles market. If you're still thinking 20th century, you won't like what he has to say. Things — as Dylan sang — are a changin'.

more on Fenton

Fenton dealer Jim Smith, interviewed for the feature "Fenton's end brings more sadness than surprise" (www.discoverypub.com/small_feature/index.html) in the October issue, called me today to say he's talked with more folks close to the Fenton situation. According to Smith, the company plans on "turning off the furnaces" at the end of October with the finishers to be gone by November. Some Christmas gift, uh.

Meanwhile, Smith says, Fenton will help people identify "what they have in their cabinets" as to whether it's a Fenton. Go to www.fentonartglass.com for more information.

One has to wonder why the company couldn't have at least waited until after the holidays to shut down.

Bruce R.