A classified section would be good also what members make , unless no-one sends in any content ( I have had a item in the mag some years ago now ), Also in the UK I see no point in listing USA / other country events as I don't think many of us would fly all over the world . Maybe a subscribers competition , something that will change ( In my opinion monotony )
rant over
Doesn't the Woodturning mag regularly publish photos of items turned by members of the woodworkers institute forum? That's open to anyone who wants to participate.
I think the "Woodturning" magazine does carries classified ads but I suspect there aren't many because most people don't want to wait 3 months from insertion to publication to sell their stuff and these days there are faster and easier ways to sell.
Last year there was the "British Woodturner of the Year" competition, which was open to anyone (not just subscribers) but was organised by GMC publications. Alongside that, they also staged the two week exhibition and demonstrations on a variety of woodcrafts at the Oxo gallery in London.
Those who have been in the field long enough will remember there used to be "The woodturner" magazine as well as the "Woodturning" magazine. The publishers of "The Woodturner" decided it wasn't viable any more and merged it with "The Woodworker". GMC have managed to keep the "Woodturning" magazine going so I think you have to give them credit for that.
I don't know of any commercial magazines that don't carry adverts. They are both a service to readers who are interested in related products and a way of part funding the publication but if you aren't interested in the adverts, don't read them! Nobody is forcing you!
Even the AWGB "Revolutions" newsletter carries adverts, which I think is beneficial both for our readers and the association.