Advertising and Market Share

[nblum]

I'd like to thank everyone, in particular Bob Keller, for frank and open discussion of a potentially difficult topic. The hobby could use more open and civil discussion of the many difficult issues that are simmering, IMO.

[Frank53]

That's an excellent point Neil, and not one that should go unoted. You would not see this discussion on other magazine sponsored forum(s).

[Poppa_Zit]

I also appreciate the opportunity to participate in a great discussion.

I'm in the same business as Bob. As a longtime subscriber of CTT, Trains, MRR and CT, of course I have the right to have some expectations. I subscribe to CTT even though I'm an S gauger and in my opinion they don't offer enough about S scale.

Oh, we S folks do have a publication -- S Gaugian -- that, unfortunately, is about as journalistically weak as it can get, and that makes me even more frustrated.

[trigtrax]

So, this is personal? Because you don't think you're a priority for Lionel, you're letting it affect your choices of new products and reviews?

My first thoughts were perhaps Lionel was not aware you would do product reviews without advertising.. But you have cleared that up.. Since you've talked to Jerry's assistant you've made more than enough effort in this area.

Questioning Lionel's priorities is a foolish enterprise.. Some quotes from past CEO's brings that out..
Gary Moredough... "We're it and that's All"
*** Maddox......... "You're Lionel, you can do whatever you want"

Obviously some of their fans hold the same mindset... they don't need to advertise, they're Lionel.

So why place blame on the editorial staff of a special interest magazine? Why insist they spend their money to cover products that are so superior anyway?
The arrogance of Lionel and some of their followers never ceases to amaze me. They got nailed in a public trial, they're sitting in Chapter 11, they're bleeding money and still the chant "We're Number One".. Keep on keeping on, boys [:D]

[nblum]

Sour grapes are always less interesting than fine whine :). Anyhow, arrogance is hardly a monopoly of the Lionel staffers or followers. Just check out the DCS forum on the OGRR Board (DCS is so superior to TMCC we cannot deign to hear any arguments to the contrary) or any of MTH's advertising for the 1990s and early 2000s. They've probably patented arrogance and a new lawsuit will be forthcoming shortly.

Sure Lionel followers and Lionel are arrogant. They've got to keep up with the Jones :).

[Bob Keller]

And that sound like a good place to wrap this thread up ...

[:)]