What did you do with your Dream-Plan-Build DVD?

[jfugate]

Boy, I am amazed at how nasty negative some of you are at this DVD effort by Kalmbach.

My friends send me mail unsolicited. I consider the folks at Model Railroader to be my friends, so if they send me something unsolicited, then I'll take a look at it. Sheesh.

And as to level of detail, video is always a balancing act. You can only cram a max of about 120 minutes of material onto a DVD, depending on the rendering quality level you opt for. If you opt for a higher quality image, then you'll only be able to get 60-90 minutes.

If you go for more detail, then you won't have as much variety, and we'd be seeing posts that people got bored and there wasn't enough variety.

Whoever said it was right ... "you can't please all the people all the time".

[MJ4562]

I think they tried to cram too much onto one DVD and ended up not covering anything in adequate detail. When I read the list of topics covered I thought it was for the entire DVD series not the first disc. The sample DVD was like the workshop/information desk column from MR. I'd be more interested in the series if it was like a GMR/MRP on DVD--meaning more in-depth coverage. As an aside those locomotive graphics/sounds between articles are really annoying.

As a person that always reports errors made by cashiers/organizations (in my favor), I feel no obligation and no guilt for accepting the DVD and not sending the $9.00. No one ever has an obligation to pay for or return something mailed to them unsolicited. They know this full well. The DVD is their compensation to me for taking the time to listen to their sales pitch.

I also find it rather amusing that they ask you to mail it back if you dont want it. I'm sure it costs them more for the postage and handling than the <10 cents the DVD cost.

[wcb4soorr]

We receive a stack of unsolicited mail 1" to 2" thick each day. That doesn't include the unwanted mail (bills!!). My wife has even bought a paper shreader she placed next to the mail/bills sorting table. She shreads all the credit card offers, mortgage offers, or anything that may have our private info in it that she doesn't want in the trash. When I received the DVD in the mail, and realized that it wasn't a mistake but a deliberate marketing ploy, steam came from my ears! I opened the box, found the return address label, checked the box saying I didn't want and wrote in big letters "DO NOT SEND ME UNSOLICITED ITEMS AGAIN!" It was back in the mailbox ten minutes after I found it. After reading the above responses I think I made a mistake. I should have just thrown it out. By returning it, I just gave them a chance to send to it to someone else who didn"t want unsolicited junk mail. The next time they send me unwanted junk mail, I will return it but with a letter cancelling my MR subscription.

[aussiesteve]

They are not sending them outside the US[V][:(][banghead][censored][banghead][tdn]

[trainchris]

QUOTE: Originally posted by knewsom

Where does it say that future DVD's are $25? I could not find anything that told me the price of future DVD's.

I liked the DVD so I called the 800 # on the flyer that came with it to find out how much the next DVD would be. They told me also $25 big bucks. I like the DVD's and it was nice to see the hands on things But I still do not have a layout started and I need the money for that right now. If the price went down some I think I would get more.
For the people here that did not get this heres the # call it and maybe you can get a copy for your self. Customer Service 800-339-0964 Hours Mon.- Fri, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm CST I hope this helps and was OK for me to post the info?

[jfugate]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tileguy
Joe, Slot cars are alive and well and now in several scales. There are several magazines ,1/2 dozen forums and a ton of very well done Slot layouts out there.The Ebay market is rampant with not only the old, but the new and unique as well as custom products.
Slots are far from being gone!!!

So slots have not died completely ... but it is a more obscure hobby than it was during it's hey-day in the 1960s.

One advantage of our internet age is it's literally now possible to hook up with people anywhere in the *world* that share your interest. The internet has probably given the slot car hobby a real shot in the arm, sounds like.

If the internet and modern media like the DVD are exploited to their fullest, then I expect that to likewise give a real shot in the arm to the flagging model railroad hobby.

The Dream-Plan-Build DVD from Kalmbach is a step in the right direction, so I applaud it. Anything to get more video media out there covering hobby subjects is the right thing to be doing, if you ask me.

[knewsom]

Where does it say that future DVD's are $25? I could not find anything that told me the price of future DVD's.

[Anonymous]

I liked the dvd. Ive been modeling for a few years but their are some things I still can learn. I'm not interested in paying 25 dollars per dvd though, on my buget that's a little steep. I would be willing to pay 20 although that would cut into my modeling budget.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: it's going to fade into obscurity right along with slot car racing.

Joe, Slot cars are alive and well and now in several scales. There are several magazines ,1/2 dozen forums and a ton of very well done Slot layouts out there.The Ebay market is rampant with not only the old, but the new and unique as well as custom products.
Slots are far from being gone!!!
Like you, my interest in trains made me blink. I was amazed at what was out there and improvements made since the 70's.
You wont believe what Parma's done with slot controllers :)
The hobby has some organization to it also and even includes sanctioned Slot drag strips.
Far from Dead Joe.......I hope one day you re-explore the world as I did. Its a nice break from trains on rare occassion for me.
http://www.slotcarplace.com/
Thats a good place to start if your interested Joe.
Sometimes we run em slow(trains) then there are times for speed and Slots with Magnatraction Fly!!!!! [:D]

[Rotorranch]

If any of y'all don't want you FREE, UNSOLICETED DVD, send it on to another modeler!

I, for one, would like to see it. I don't subscribe to MR, but buy issues that interest me.

Rotor

[twhite]

I liked it, though I was a little surprised at the marketing ploy--I have this thing about unsolicited material from ANYONE. At any rate, I'm keeping it, but at $25 a pop for future DVD's, I'm going to be very selective about the ones that I decide on. But I think the DVD's very well done, and there were certainly several segments on scenery that I know I'll benefit from.
Tom

[douginut]

What Dream, Plan Build DVD, I didnt get one.

(feeling left out)

Doug, in Utah

[Anonymous]

According to the lady behind the phone when I called in my payment, she said that the DPB DVD is being very successful!

[darkstar974]

I kept mine and sent in the 9 bucks but the jury is out over future dvd's

[trainboyH16-44]

I still haven't gotten mine, but I'm thinking coaster.....
IF I don't like it that is.
Matthew

[Big_Boy_4005]

After almost 2 weeks mine is still sitting, unwatched, on my desk. In all honesty, it wasn't something I would have run out and bought anyway. So, watch it or not, I won't opt in. The question is whether to keep it or send it back, either way it will be the last.

However the bigger dilema is whether to keep my subscription to the magazine itself, as the November issue is still sitting on my coffee table untuoched after a week. This is not due to lack of time, more to lack of interest in the content. The only real reason I can think of to renew, is to continue a tradition. I have 56 years worth in binders.

[jskerbaugh]

Watched mine approx. 75% of the way through and intended to send the $9. During the airbrush segment, the DVD quit working and the remaining program could not be viewed. I returned the DVD with a note and requested that I have a chance to audition future programs.
jskerbaugh

[maandg]

I plan on paying the $9.00, keeping the DVD and purchasing all future editions. I love any and all published materials on the hobby. In fact, I'm obsessed with them. To illustrate my point, I submit the following list of media I own:

All of the early Kalmbach how-to and Layout Tour videos

All three of Joe Fugate's DVDs (plus pre-purchasing the last two volumes)

All 51 of Allen Keller's Great Model Railroads tapes

All of Dave Frary's Trackside Modeler how-to videos

Every issue of Model Railroad Planning and Great Model Railroads

Subscriptions to Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman, Mainline Modeler, Rail Model Journal and Model Railroading

Hundreds of back issues of each of the afore mentioned magazines, including MR and RMC back to 1970.

Countless books on prototype railroads.

Nearly every Kalmbach how-to book made in the last 30 years

Assorted other prototype and model videos too numerous to mention.

I think I need to be involved in a 12-step program for addicted model railroaders!!! The sad truth is that if each magazine published an issue weekly, I would be a sucker for them ALL!! The same holds true for DVDs. My only disappointment with the new Dream-Plan-Build DVD was that it was made up of previously released material. I already own every how-to clip shown - on DVD even!!!

But as I've shamefully admitted, I can't help myself

must....not.....purchase........................losing...strength...to resist........awww, screw it - I'll take them ALL!

Seriously, my hope is that future releases will not continue to cash in on old material. Even I can't pay $25 for something I already own...maybe.

[potlatcher]

They say we may keep the DVD, but they would prefer we send it back so they can offer it to someone else.

I'm keeping it so that I can offer it to someone else. Most of the material was too "introductory" for me, but I think this would make a great item to pass on to one of my friends or co-workers if they express an interest in the hobby.

As for future releases, I just can't afford $25 a pop. I figure that many of these DVD's will find their way to e-Bay or the train shows. If there is ever one that has something of interest to me I can pick it up later on the used market.

Tom

[Noah Hofrichter]

I was impressed by parts, but I wasn't as much by others. I had almost decided to send it back, until I saw the part on Air Brushing. This is fantastic!!!! It's exactly what a young and learning custom painter like me needed!!! I've read literature on it, but seeing it is far better!! So I am keep this first one and sending in the money, but I won't be getting any further ones, not for $25(yikes!!). For some, $25 may not be bad, but for a person who groans when he parts with 60 dollars to buy a new locomotive, I don't think I'll be getting the CD's, the WSOR has a GP38 and Gondola models coming out soon....

Noah

[Anonymous]

I thought the video mundane, and it isn't particularly useful for me. If they had leveraged the medium to do in-depth clinics or layout visits, I might have been more intrigued. I'd love to see a video half on background painting (i.e. 45 minutes, in-depth, basics up to advanced) and half a true in-depth visit to a great layout - going over the layout, but also benchwork, operations, technical (DCC or not? How wired? How switches controlled, any automation?), detailed scenicking techniques, etc.

Having said that, I thought is was a nice overview DVD and probably well worth the $9, just not to me. If this were a "preview" DVD, and each of the "segments" in it was going to be the subject of a future DVD of its own, I'd be all over it.

As to the marketing technique, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'm not going to condemn it to the extent some others do, but I expect more from MR than to try and 'monetize the subscription base' with this sort of Publisher's Clearing House tactic. The "sure you could keep it if you're a ***" message was rather buried in the letter, the response card didn't make clear there was any option other than "keep it and pay or send it back"... It's the same "buti t's in the fine print..." thing where most people really believed they had to order a magazine to enter the PCH sweepstakes (or at least that it helped their chances).

MR: I'd rather you send me a card offering me a free DVD preview and THEN send it if I respond. I probably would if it seemed interesting, I'd be certainly be more likely to actually order the thing, and your mailing costs would be less.

Alternatively, apply the magazine model. Let advertisers buy 30 second spots between segments and/or bundle flyers and slicks with it. Then send it to subscribers free, or at least at rock-bottom prices like $5. I'd have no problem with that.

On the other hand, I can't really condemn it too much because I can't really object to getting free stuff in the mail. But in the future I _will_ be treating it as just that - a free gift. Having played "nice guy" and sent it back this time, I will keep any 'gifts' I get in the future.

[Adelie]

To sum this up, some loved it, some found it useful, some were unmoved by it, some thought it could have been better, some haven't seen it and some never got it.

As far as the marketing, some think it is brilliant, some have not thought about it, some hated it.

My suggestion to Kalmbach is that before they send out anything else to their subscribers, they probably want to give them a means to opt out of future unsolicited product mailings. By sending it only to existing subscribers, they are not going to generate new subscribers. At best, they could keep some that were going to let their subscriptions lapse. However, those who do not like the marketing technique may get irritated enough cancel their subscriptions to avoid getting more of this type of marketing merely because they subscribe.

There is probably not a surprise in any of that.

[Anonymous]

I really thought that it was a great price for what I got. I'm still in the learning stages of my layout, and it helped to re-motivate me. It's easy to get stuck and frustrated when you don't have the experience or knowledge to accomplish something and I think the DVD with the printable info is perfect for someone like me. Besides, half the fun is watching the trains go 'round, whether it's on my layout or someone elses.

[jfugate]

QUOTE: Originally posted by IRONROOSTER

Frankly, I like it and am sending in my $9.

I thought their marketing technique was very good. It enabled me to watch it in my home and make a considered decision. If I had to respond to an ad, I probably wouldn't have bothered. So they made a sale they wouldn't have gotten otherwise. Considering you can keep it for free, throw it away, or mail it back in their mailer at their expense I don't see why some of you have your drawers in an uproar over this.

IRON:

I couldn't agree more. Those who just sent it back without viewing it are only hurting themselves. I'm sure MR has factored into the mix some who will watch it, keep it, and never pay for it. In fact, they say right in the mailer that you can consider it a gift and keep it if you wish.

How much more accommodating can a company get? Getting angry at Kalmbach isn't going to do anything except raise your blood pressure -- and rob you or someone you know of a nice promo item for the hobby. [swg]

[IRONROOSTER]

Frankly, I like it and am sending in my $9.

I thought their marketing technique was very good. It enabled me to watch it in my home and make a considered decision. If I had to respond to an ad, I probably wouldn't have bothered. So they made a sale they wouldn't have gotten otherwise. Considering you can keep it for free, throw it away, or mail it back in their mailer at their expense I don't see why some of you have your drawers in an uproar over this.

I hope they do a subscription at a reduced cost.

Enjoy
Paul

[donhalshanks]

I kept it and sent in the $9. To me, it is one other way to augment the fine how-to material in MR and the special editions that are printed. I for one, grasp a solution better when I see it being done. I thought the quality was excellent. Of course, I'm in the stage of building a layout right now, so I suck up anything that helps me. It might not be as much interest to the veteran modeler.

If the future price is $25, then it will have to be excellent and pertinent, because that will have to compete heavily with my $'s to spend on building the layout!

I'll defend the introductory promotion. I think this is a product that is far more appealing in your hands and your DVD, than it could ever be through a magazine ad or a flats promotional mailing, or being moved to ask for a 30-day look see. And since its a bobby I enjoy, I had no trouble getting it in the mail without asking.

Hal

[icmr]

Before I opened it I decided to keep it then I watched it. I plan on keeping all of them.
Everything on it is very good.



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jfugate
While we don't need to do anything really to keep the old kodgers in the hobby (maybe the fountain of youth would help ...), the hobby media is falling behind on leveraging the media sources that influence the younger generation -- namely the internet and video.

Joe,
(In my best Lee Corso voice) Not so fast, my friend![:)]
There are hundreds of internet resources available. As a matter of fact, I am neither
an old kodger or a member of the younger generation, but when I decided to really
get involved in model railroading, I got MOST of my information from the internet. I
got almost no info from printed material or videos.
I did buy Model Railroader magazine, but it had nowhere near the influence on my
decisions, on what to buy or how to proceed, as what I researched in the web.

The internet is full of modeling infomation... and is more accessible to newbies than
having to go out and buy books, magazines and DVD's or order them.

The internet is like RTR. It offers instant gratifacation. The younger generation needs
only to do a web search to find tons of information... This forum is a good example.

I agree that there could always be more, but I don't think that there is a shortage of internet
based information. Good luck, Dave

[howmus]

Just got the DVD today. Have only had time to take a peek at it. So far it seems well done and informative. Comparing MR to the Con game type of marketing where "we sent it to you without asking, now sent us the product back or we bill you for it" is unfair. The DVD series, if you pay for #1, still has the option of sending any DVD back to Model Railroader Mag post paid. From the Ad: "You decide with each DVD whether to add it to your collection, or return it at no cost, using the postage-paid return label supplied with every DVD. No minimum purchases, no obligation and no catch!" Sounds like a very fair deal for those of us in the hobby. Much better than, "You may have won $10,000,000,000.00." Yeh right! [:D]