27 replies to this topic

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

Senior Editor Peter Kokalis is leaving SAR magazine. His editorial skills seemed to be wanting considering his efforts at the defunct MGN and SAR. The guy was never in the military and yet always appeared in camo outfits. His solecism articles were as bizaar as his penchant for Totenkopf decorations.

[LIONHART]

I don't know Arthur, I've always enjoyed reading his articles.

[Bisley45]

ditto, I like all the articles I saw that were by him.

BB

[Poprivit]

FWIW - I'm a writer and have had articles in SAR over the past few years.
When Peter came on board, he cut off all the freelance writers and turned to in-house only.
I could no longer get articles printed and he told me that "that's the way I want it, and I'm the editor."

I, for onr, won't miss him.

Oh yeah, at least I carried the weapons in anger while serving my country.

[21 smoker]

I enjoyed most of his unique points of veiw, but I did not always agree with his product evaluations...for instance his take on MACS, he absolutely despised them and I find them very much a blast! I begin to wonder about his take on the M60...they`re bringing 25k now...could all these civilian owners be wrong?...still I will miss his writing,my .02,out

[awp101]

He's a good techinical writer but that's his problem imo.

He can tell me HOW everything works, but I'm more interested in the WHY part.

I enjoy articles about how and why the weapons are chosen and employed as well, but give me some "human" interest rather than a textbook explination.

Just my ramblings...

[awp101]

QUOTE (PhilOhio @ Mar 31 2004, 08:56 PM)

I notice he has been publishing pieces in the SGN.

It's usually a reprint of his SAR article the month before.

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

Kokalis's appearance in Dillon's MG video practically sinks the entire production from the begining. Naturally, he is wearing his camo attire, which must be de rigeuer for all occassions. He is definitely not telegenic, and his approach to journalism is reminiscent of the thrill of reading an Army manual.

[awp101]

QUOTE (Arthur Fliegenheimer @ Mar 31 2004, 09:15 PM)

his approach to journalism is reminiscent of the thrill of reading an Army manual.[/b]

Ouch. I think that's the best description yet.

[John Jr]

I have been a recent subscriber to SAR. Its a good magazine.

I enjoyed the publication so far.

QUOTE

The guy was never in the military and yet always appeared in camo outfits.

I guess its wrong to wear military attire unless you served in the military. Must one have been in the military before he can wear camo? I think not. Once again, Arthur makes a judgement based on........


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NOTHING.....

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

John J,
Is this really an admission that you like to slip into WAC outfits on the weekends even though you didn't serve in the Women's Air Corp?

[ftc3906]

Hey, if Peter the Great wants to wear his starched cammies with honorary foreign military insignia, that is A-OK with me. Some folks like to celebrate Halloween 365 days a year. The state hospital down the road is full of them.

However, I do have a problem with him being photographed for cover of Soldier of Fortune magazine firing a mini-gun while wearing a hat with the Nazi SS Deaths Head (Totenkopf) insignia prominently in view.

As a technical writer I thought his product was fine. IMO he did not write fluff like the "popular gun press" as he would call writers other than himself. I was disappointed when his lengthy articles about holsters and .45 government models began appearing in Small Arms Review. Many of his SAR articles would appear later in Shotgun News. He would also deride recreational machine gun shooters at every opportunity. He was particularly critical of using comfortable seating or high tripods when shooting, or firing any more than a three to five round burst. According to Peter the Pious the only acceptable way to shoot a MG is prone on your belly in a mud puddle behind sandbags with incoming fire. He would know.

I wonder where Poison Pete will turn up next. Perhaps Guns & Ammo?

[John Jr]

Season opens Saturday! I will be wearing camo! Those blue headed turks can see purty good up in them thar hills.

Jr

[TactAdv]

Folks, I am limited as to what I can say here for several reasons but I will add a small perspective to all of this.

As a few of you know I am one of the listed "mast head" writers for SAR, and have been there since the very first issue, Day One. I have a LOT of ink behind me with this publication. SAR is and always has been a fantastic place to be associated with, the people behind the scenes from the top on down have always been a thoroughly professional and incredibly competent group.

Peter's joining the mag had a significant impact; he brought with him a long history of technical competency and effective publishing skills. He is an extremely well versed and highly competent authority on small arms and his expertise was well appreciated. Peter's publishing experience was also effectively utilised to improve and grow the magazine in many positive and successful ways which have been much appreciated by the majority of the readership, overall.
However, there is always more involved in bringing such a magazine to the readership than is sometimes evident from the printed page. The sum total of the effort required is not always visible. Obviously, those who make such decisions decided that it was in the best interests of the magazine to move forward with this change, and ultimately knowing what I know about the sum total of the situation, I readily concur it is best for SAR.

With his departure SAR will continue to prosper and grow, that is assured by the selection of our new Editor, Robert Segal, an absolutely perfect choice to take the helm.
-TomH

[colt21a]

the only deal i had with pete in 1975...he wanted a refund on a matched mp-40 that did not meet his finish requirements,it came from a markam,il.p.d.>money refunded...............about a $1,000.00 amnesty registered original.................now that they bring about $10,000.00 TODAY

}bet he wished he would have kept it.}wink!!!

about him leaving............life go's on....till we die!!!
take it easy.....................RON

[SecondAmend]

Colt21A,

On the MP-40, make that $27,000 asking price. The GREED covers MP-40s as well as Thompsons.

[21 smoker]

TactAdv,...Thanks for the insider`s heads-up on a great periodical...having been a subscriber from almost the beginning, I would hate to think Pete K. leaving could affect the magazine`s general overall superb content.Each month has been a revelation that I really enjoy.This month`s SITREP hit the nail on the head... Dan Shea wrote from the heart and every Vet and voter should remember it come November,keep up the great work,out.

[timg953]

I won't miss him much. I got tired of his constantly expousing Martin Fackler's theory of stopping power everytime he wrote a handgun article. He is extremely knowledgable but like so many engineer types he lacked the ability to relate his knowledge to people in an entertaining way. I for one can look up field stripping and operational information in Small Arms of the World. I read SAR (and MGN before it) for the interesting historical and or little know facts about weapons and use, users, adoption etc. I will not miss his TM of the month article but I wish him all the luck in the world with his new endeavors.

[John Jr]

I was wearing camo! Darn me!



Jr

[John Jr]

I thought he had a rather pretty snood. My Dad calls it the turkey Noodle.

Jr