markpierce wrote: Opinion: I like the advertisements. I prefer more ads as long as they don't reduce the editorial and article content.
Opinion: I like the advertisements. I prefer more ads as long as they don't reduce the editorial and article content.
Yeah, I like the ads, too! For me, it's like window shopping at a candy store. It's one of the best places for a supplier to put their new products. Even if the new passenger cars coming out now are way too big for my Disney-ride 18-inch curves, I still like to look at them and think about building a "proper" layout some day.
How many of us get the Walthers monthly flier, either in the mail or from our LHS? I love it. I read through that just like I used to go through the Lionel catalog when I was a little kid. It re-activates those old nerve pathways and gives me the same thrill, even better sometimes, because now I don't have to ask my Mom and Dad for stuff or wait for Christmas.
Although I now try to get everything through my LHS, I have bought stuff because I saw the ad in MR and went to the web site based on that. However, a tiny ad that says "visit our web site" isn't enough, unless my eye gets caught by a specific product picture. Trainworld, which probably has more ad space than anyone else, gets a lot of business because it basically puts a catalog on those pages every month, and you can see their prices (always good) for literally hundreds of items.
Hopefully, advertisers know all this. The smarter ones also realize that not all of us are on-line way too many hours every week, and a lot of modellers don't even own a computer or know how to use one. This is one business where a magazine ad is going to reach a lot of people that a web site never will.
So, advertisers, get with it. Buy more ad space in MR, and RMC while you're at it. There's a big customer base out there that will never see this thread.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Fact: MR is the only model railroading magazine I purchase regularly.
Mark Pierce (originator of the deleted "Skinny Model Railroader" topic)
I think the thread was deleted because of the vituperative remarks that were appearing in some responses. Bergie always does this regardless of the topic.
What continues to amaze me is how upset people get with MR over their choice of content. Over the years I have bought/subscribed to a number of model railroading magazines, when I find that they aren't interesting to me I stop buying/subscribing. I am sure that the editorial staff reads all courteously written letters, but in the end the magazine has to remain economically viable. So most of the content choice has to appeal to a wide audience. The recent demise of several magazines emphasizes this.
MR has always been and continues to be my favorite model railroading magazine. Would I like to see some changes? Of course, but overall the magazine still appeals to me. I have found over the years that MR and RMC provide me the best total package - evidently others have too, since these are the survivors.
Enjoy
Paul
jasperofzeal wrote: In the January 1994 issue, they ran an article called: "Model railroading today and tomorrow." In this article they said that they asked readers 8 questions in order to see what was thought about the hobby at MR's 60th anniversary. I want to quote a part of the article that caught my attention:(the following is a direct quote from Model Railroader magazine, January 1994)"7. What can Model Railroader Magazine do to help you enjoy the hobby more?...Readers said they want more painting and decaling articles, articles on building with brass, more detail, more drawings, more scratchbuilding, beginners' articles, simpler electronics diagrams, head-to-head product evaluations, track-planning articles, more on N, more on G, more stories on large layouts, more emphasis on small layouts."
In the January 1994 issue, they ran an article called: "Model railroading today and tomorrow." In this article they said that they asked readers 8 questions in order to see what was thought about the hobby at MR's 60th anniversary. I want to quote a part of the article that caught my attention:
(the following is a direct quote from Model Railroader magazine, January 1994)
"7. What can Model Railroader Magazine do to help you enjoy the hobby more?
...
Readers said they want more painting and decaling articles, articles on building with brass, more detail, more drawings, more scratchbuilding, beginners' articles, simpler electronics diagrams, head-to-head product evaluations, track-planning articles, more on N, more on G, more stories on large layouts, more emphasis on small layouts."
Off the top of my head, and without digging through my stack of recent MR issues, I am pretty certain that there are examples of articles on each one of these topics within the last couple of years. Maybe they did listen after all?
Dan Stokes
My other car is a tunnel motor
I looked at the issue folks are complaining about in the store the other day. I didn't think it was any thinner and I thought it had some great articles in it. If I had an extra $6 on me, I would have bought it.
Keep up the great work Kalmback!
Discussions of what folks like and what folks don't like about the magazine have been tolerated in the past. It's the obnoxious bashing like what went on in the subject, and now in this, thread, that isn't tolerated. I expect this thread will be gone soon, too.
Learn some manners, children! Complain to MR in private. And to those who have done so and claim MR told them they were wrong - if the demeanor you displayed to them is anything like the demeanor you've displayed here, you're lucky you weren't hung up on (if you were on the phone)!
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
Tony and Guys,I suspect thinner magazines are all the rage seeing that RMC isn't any thicker nor are the slot car magazines I buy..
I also suspect its because a lot of the 2 and 3 page ads are gone in favor of the advertisers Internet sites.
The question I feel we must ask ourselves is:Do we want a fat magazine with ads or a lean mean magazine with less ads and better articles?
Remember friends not so long ago when I was picking and choosing the better MR magazines I to bash MR for its down hill slide..After receiving a gift subscription I have found every issue had something I could use or give me food for thought just like old times.
I will renew my subscription.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Granted we're on someone else's turf when it comes to this forum, but as some of you know, Kalmbach probably doesn't spend too much money when it comes to hosting this site. If you take notice, you'll see Atlas, Tower 55, Trainworld/Trainland, and others' ads on the pages of this site. These companies and others as well, pay to have their ad run on here, so MR gets funding for their site from these private sellers, from our subscriptions, from ad sales, and elsewhere. Sure it's only $40 bucks to subscribe, but multiply that by however many subscribers it has and that's a pretty penny with only subscriptions.
I remember posting and reading the "Skinny Model Railroader" topic. I have to agree with Midnight Railroader and say that MR deleting the thread was not a good sign of customer appreciation. As I read along on the deleted topic, I saw no reason for it to be deleted. If it bothers them that much to read complaints that some of us may have, then why not just delete the posts that are questionable to them, the ones they felt made it necessary to shut down the entire topic? To me that says that the truth hurts!
In reviewing our readers' comments on this one, it became clear that new MR editor Andy Sperandeo has an impossible job. Only about 20 respondents came up with similar comments, and 15 of those were basically "keep doing what you're doing"; all other readers were looking for different things from the magazine. Here are just a few suggestions; Andy gets the rest of them.
(end quote)
To me that sounds exactly like the deleted topic. It also says that MR is well aware of our needs but still chooses to do what they feel like doing. Of course, they run the risk of losing readers (subscribers) in the process. So again, I have to agree with Midnight Railroader that MR is giving us bad customer appreciation by deleting something that is already known to them.
TONY
"If we never take the time, how can we ever have the time." - Merovingian (Matrix Reloaded)
I am certain that the editorial staff will be pleased to know so many people are willing to defend thier work on this board and may even keep doing what they're doing as a result.
Unfortunately for them, the Circulation folks know the truth.
8500HPGASTURBINE wrote:Email him directly instead of using the forum for personal problems.
I agree with 8500HPGASTURBINE. It would be best to take the matter up with Bergie directly rather than posting it here on the forum like this.
I'd also like to take the opportunity to say that, in the past, Bergie has deleted a number of my topics and replies as well, and sometimes it's really ticked me off and I wanted to confront him about it, but all that might have gotten me was my membership deleted... The fact is this forum is provided by the magazine (at their expense) to encourage and assist model railroaders of all ages and skill levels. And if because of it they just happen to sale a few more magazines, then great, but if not that's okay too. The bottom line is that they manage the forum in the same way they do the magazine, as in, you won't find name calling, flaming and running down of the magazine itself in it, so they won't allow it here either because it reflects on their reputation. The only advice I have to offer in this matter is that, and not to brown nose, but any time you create a topic, put yourself in Bergie's shoes and ask yourself if it's appropriate.
Just my two cents worth...
Tracklayer
Midnight Railroader wrote: BTW: I did write directly. I was told I was wrong--the magazine is as good as ever. Remember, when you deal with a customer who is dissatsified, make sure you tell him he's wrong. Because arguing always makes the customer happy. Next, I suppose I'll be banned from posting, because I couldn't be argued into agreeing with the MR staff.Linn Westcott is rolling over in his grave. So's Al Kalmbach.
BTW: I did write directly. I was told I was wrong--the magazine is as good as ever. Remember, when you deal with a customer who is dissatsified, make sure you tell him he's wrong. Because arguing always makes the customer happy. Next, I suppose I'll be banned from posting, because I couldn't be argued into agreeing with the MR staff.
Linn Westcott is rolling over in his grave. So's Al Kalmbach.
I'm guessing, since I did not see their reply to you, but I doubt if they told you in so many words that you were "wrong". Most companies will defend their position and that's probably what MR was doing. That's a long way from being told you're wrong.
And every company, including Kalmbach, takes to heart any criticism since its vital to growth and moving in new directions. Unfortunately, everyone wants instant change and it just doesn't happen. You are one of how many subscribers or former subscribers? If 99% of the people are either happy or silent, why change for 1%.
Ranting over
Rick
I will agree that the magazine has got thinner but the photos are getting better by the issue.
I love seeing what some-one else has built,and the size of the layout does'ent enter into it.Bear in mind I live in the UK,never been to USA,but it gives me a good impression of American roads and way of life at the time of the model.
Regards
Steve
Yeah, take a hint whydontcha.
What a waste, talking about topics deemed buried and KAPUT.
Let's move it along shall we?
Okay, if all a company has to do to alleviate criticism of its product(s) is provide an internet bulletin board, then every company on the planet ought to do that--because then you won't be able to complain about anything anyone does.
I'd think Kalmbach would rather see what its customers think right here, rather than customers complaining on every other model railroad board that exists. But then, their solution, instead of addressing the complaints, was to eliminate the thread, so maybe they'd rather we DID air our criticisms elsewhere.
That way, even more prospective subscribers would see them.
"Lend a helping hand?" How? And don't you dare tell me I have to write an article. I buy a cookbook to learn about cooking, not to be told, "This would be a better cookbook if you'd help."
You guys know how to bite the hand that feeds you don't you?
Not to brown-nose, but the forum is here as a courtesy to us from Kalmbach. If you have a problem with the magazine, write Bergie or the editors directly and complain to him/them.
"It's easier to point a finger than give a helping hand." comes to mind with some of these comments.
I'm sure they get tons of flack as it is from manufacturers when one of us bashes a particular engine.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
csmith9474 wrote: BRAKIE wrote: csmith9474 wrote: rayw46 wrote:You people have got to get over it, both forum members and forum monitors. It seems people are taking themselves way to seriously.I didn't even bother looking at that thread. What was the overall subject matter? (I do belive this thread may be a rule breaker itself) You didn't miss much just another MR bash and yada,yada,yada..I will still renew my subscription.Gotcha. I tend to stay away from those sort of threads. I have bigger things in the world to worry about other than how the publisher of a magazine that provides free forums to enjoy is running their business.
BRAKIE wrote: csmith9474 wrote: rayw46 wrote:You people have got to get over it, both forum members and forum monitors. It seems people are taking themselves way to seriously.I didn't even bother looking at that thread. What was the overall subject matter? (I do belive this thread may be a rule breaker itself) You didn't miss much just another MR bash and yada,yada,yada..I will still renew my subscription.
csmith9474 wrote: rayw46 wrote:You people have got to get over it, both forum members and forum monitors. It seems people are taking themselves way to seriously.I didn't even bother looking at that thread. What was the overall subject matter? (I do belive this thread may be a rule breaker itself)
rayw46 wrote:You people have got to get over it, both forum members and forum monitors. It seems people are taking themselves way to seriously.
I didn't even bother looking at that thread. What was the overall subject matter? (I do belive this thread may be a rule breaker itself)
You didn't miss much just another MR bash and yada,yada,yada..I will still renew my subscription.
Gotcha. I tend to stay away from those sort of threads. I have bigger things in the world to worry about other than how the publisher of a magazine that provides free forums to enjoy is running their business.
Oh, wait. We pay for those magazines. Well, that just makes us customers buying a product.
Who cares about customers and what they might want?
I saw no behavior that would have required it be locked or deleted.
I did see some legitimate complaints that were never answered by MR staff. Instead, they chose to delete the thread.
When a business refuses to be responsive to complaints, I take action, too.
Time to cancel my subscription after 30+ years. Today. And I have--both MR and Trains.
Yes, you should worry about declining circulation when this is how you respond to your customers' concerns.
Erik,
If you did, I assume it's because some of the posters were getting carried away with MR bashing and possibly flaming the other posters. If so, it's too bad that the topic got so out of hand.
To me, magazine editing/publishing is just as interesting a facet of the hobby as model building or layout construction. I enjoy reading topics that discuss the content of the magazine, and it's interesting to see both sides of the issues that get raised. I'd like to think that the constructive criticism that comes forward in these topics gets noticed and possibly taken into consideration by the editors.
Even if it doesn't, that's no excuse for non-constructive criticism and bashing. And, it's not fair to folks like me that enjoy these topics for other posters to ruin the discussion with less than polite posts.
I hope we can have similar discussions in the future without behavior that requires the topic be locked or deleted.
Tom