Bye Bye BTL

The Fan Club ring the changes on their quarterly magazine.

18 May, 2007

Well that's it, then. The new issue of Better Than Life, the official magazine of the Red Dwarf Fan Club since its fumbled beginnings in the late 80s, will also be the last... To make way for a New Mystery Magazine!

Appropriately enough, the final issue - due in a few weeks' time - is number 52, the same number as there are episodes of Red Dwarf. But this isn't a decision based on numerical coincidence - it's about reinvigorating the club's main link to its members. To end the lengthy delays between issues, and revitalise the content.

Club chairman James Bull explains. "Firstly the Fan Club must apologise to every single member of the club for the lack of BTL. This has given rise to many issues and discussions over the missing months. Things that must be addressed. With new direction and new input for the magazine we have decided that BTL should change, not only in the way it is made by us, but in every way."

"The new look, name and layout will be directly contributed by the fans. Making it more a fan magazine than ever before. Direct input at all levels. Each fan has the chance to comment on how you would like the new mag to look, how it's presented, and even choose its name! How about a logo? You may want it to stop as BTL. You may want to call it Bob - but there's one thing for certain, you have the power!"

There is also much talk about managing the content better, to ensure each issue isn't kept hanging around waiting for material. Which all sounds pretty good to us!

Details of how you can have your say will be in BTL 52, but anyone with content, ideas, or a willingness to help the new mystery magazine's development can email James with their offers directly at james@reddwarffanclub.com.

As one-time editor of this long-running fanzine, I can't deny a small nostalgic tear. But the promise of a slicker (and more punctual!) publication is good news indeed!

You can learn more about the Red Dwarf Fan Club from the Officers' Club.