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

[dragenrider]

I'm curious to see how everyone reacted to this new sales technique. As this is not exactly an unwelcome item, I believe this falls in a unique category of trying to sell you an item you may actually get WANT to buy. [:p]

[Train 284]

I have not gotten mine yet! [V]

[ARTHILL]

I like this marketing idea. I throw away a lot, but I do get to look and sometimes, this time, I pay for it. I do want to see the rest, but the price may be a little high.

[Anonymous]

Ain't got mine yet! Whens it suppose to come? anyone know?

[pastorbob]

It had nothing of interest for me since my current layout has been down 15 years and I don't plan to rebuild it. It has DCC and is to current standards, so just not interested.

Bob

[trainfan1221]

You are all one step ahead of me, I have no idea what you are talking about.

[Anonymous]

I sent mine back. I am not going out to buy a dvd player just to see what they sent me. If I wanted it I would have requested it.

[Anonymous]

I haven't gotten one yet! And MR came 2 days ago! Do only select subscribers get it?

[Shopcat]

This is an interesting marketing ploy. It will be very interesting to see if there is any market interest, and how they market the second wave.

As an aside, I received a very similar offer through the alumni group of the very large university I graduated from. They sent a similar packaged and proposed subscription with a keychain type fob very similar to the engine coin. It was the same deal, keep it and pay, and you get more...or return it at their expense. I sent the disk back and kept the keychain. When I got the MRDVD, I was disappointed the coin wasn't a key chain....its the same company in St. Paul.

Video magazines aren't new. A company I worked for 20 years ago tried it. They were too expensive then. It will be yet seen if $20 per issue/disk will be too much now.

I will look at the next one. If the quality is strong, and the information pertinent, then maybe. If its a bust....the market will tell them real fast.

[claycts]

Got mine, paying for it and want the balance of the series. Reason is simple, I play it on my computer and print the pictures of what I want and take it to the layout room. I can then draw on it mark it up or whatever and still have a clean copy. Like it better than print since you can SEE the operation of the roads in the story.
Pricey, not realy when we are dumb enough to pay $450.00 for engines and $25.00 plus for turnouts and such.
It is like the CD version of the car manuals I buy they run $250.00 to $3,500.00 for a full set and I can do the same thing when I work on my cars, which I have not touched since the train fever bit me.
Good idea for the 21st Century

[railroadyoshi]

i just recieved mine today, and have watched the first 45 minutes. I've already learned something, so im rather pleased. Still, im unsure about spending the nine dollars and keeping it. $9 per DVD really isn't bad though; this DVD seems to be really helpful for beginners like me, though I think all you MR Guru's would become bored by this DVD.
The feeling i get is that It is the same as the magazine except it is in motion, which makes a huge difference

[Adelie]

It arrived Saturday and haven't looked at it yet. I eventually will, but who knows when. Frankly, it is not a high priority for me (too much else to do).

When it comes to marketing, I'm a curmudgeon. I don't appreciate people sending me stuff I didn't ask for. The usual result is a trip to el garbage canno without being opened. Since I subscribe to MR, this will probably wind up on a shelf with other MRR videos. But anyone sending me me stuff I didn't ask for in an attempt to sell it me will only drive up their cost by the amount of one unit. If I'm interested, I'll ask.

The other issue is that I prefer my reference material in written form, such as the large stack of MRR books I have, many from Kalmbach. It's easier for me to refer to written stuff later than it is to dig out a video and find the passage that tells me what I want to know.

[Sunset Limited]

I bought mine, very interesting! Has a lot of helpful tips and techniques. nice layouts! But they should have included an N-Scale layout in one of their features. I was hoping they would have also included Pelle Soeborgs and Eric Brooman's layouts. (It has a picture of Pelle Soeborgs layout in the front cover of the DVD box). Overall, I enjoyed it! [^]

[Anonymous]

I am still undecided. Its a big bunch of Canned Ham.

[Anonymous]

The Marketing plan while not new is still in its infancy and being tried by several publishing outfits.
Personally, i disagree with recieving any item i did not ask for and guilt tactics (even subtle one) of keeping it and not paying for it.
"because you did not ask for this you could consider it a free gift.If you do return the DVD, we will give another model railroader subscriber the same opportunity"
Subtle guilt.........Cmon Terry and crew, your better than this!!
We are all capable of making decisions based on information provided in the numerous vehicles you have at your disposal as to wether this is something interesting enough to purchase...........(a full page 30 day free trial Ad amongst your numerous pages would have been sufficient)
I have recieved MR for many many years and recently renewed for another 3 years.I own almost every book they have produced (and as a side note will go on record here as saying i am dissapointed in the new 88 page format that leaves less value for more money)
I am not a beginning modeler and while many advanced modelers have turned away from MR, I continue to support them for those strengths they do maintain.
#1 The quality of authers.They continue to keep many of the best writers in the field in thier pages and compensate them for thier efforts.
#2 Timely information on new releases and techniques
#3 Quality of photography and thier willingness to produce with the finest materials and techniques available for a magazine with a comparatively small readership when lined up alongside the giants such as US NEWS, Newsweek and People etc.
#4 Managements willingness to give a guy a chance. Terry thompson has recieved some really tough critisisms yet they have chosen to reserve judgement and give him a chance. MR's had some superb Editors over the years making some very tough shoes to fill , or to put it another way, tough acts to follow.

Now, getting back to this marketing technique.
If you support it, then be prepared for your mailbox to fill up with the same type thing from every book club, Music Service and widget company out there.

While I understand why the marketing technique looks attractive on the surface, the potential for irritating many loyal customers is risky.
Publishers are scrambling to find thier place in the new E world where information is flowing freely.Finding methods to maintain is not enough, all business's must move forward or die a slow death.
I wish MR the best luck in finding ways to accompli***his but I do not believe this is an Avenue that will ultimatly be in the companies best interest.
My Opinion, Worth Price Charged!!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by railroadyoshi

$9 per DVD really isn't bad though;

Subsequent releases are $24.90 with shipping.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

I haven't gotten one yet! And MR came 2 days ago! Do only select subscribers get it?

If you don't get it(I'm sure you will) I can airlift my copy to you.

[Anonymous]

I watched the entire thing and looked it over very very thoroughly.
Because I do not believe in the marketing technique as I have stated it will not be sent back, However, It is a very nice DVD to entice new modelers to the hobby and there are some very good spots in it that will propel the beginner in the hobby ahead dramatically.
The "first model RR" piece was well done and made the hobby look very do-able rather than some ive seen which only serve to intimidate a potential new entrant into the hobby. Tom Lunds backdrop technique was enjoyable and seeing the F&SM is always a treat.
While some of the material is mundane to even the novice they did try to get a little bit of something for everyone into it which is of course MR's standing Doctrine.

Therfore, My Mind Is Made Up!!!
My final decision is to use it in a clinic at the local community center
(right before christmas about the end of November).
I will then give the DVD to somebody who i know really needs a hobby and i believe can be enticed to try "The Greatest Hobby"
.
Model railroader and thier sponsers may come out of this winners yet and more folks will see it this way. Now, Mr Thompson (if your listening)I still disagree with the marketing ploy and will not return unsolicited materials.
If however you really insist on sending me unsolicited material for free, And it has the same quality of material designed to forward this great hobby of ours, well then I will just have to keep using them to put on local clinics putting Kalmbach, Model Railroader and the other participating sponsers in front of a potentially new generation of customers..............You can keep the coins for the future grandkids though < big grin>

Your call!!
1 other thing as long as I have your ear,
Could you please bring back protective slip covers for mailing? I know you will replace damaged magazines when asked and youve been very good about that ,but isnt it better to not get damaged magazines at all ?
Oh and thank Lou for a great scenery article !!!

[dieselfan04]

I alreay know most of what they were talking about but I am planning on using it to help promote the hobby. The layout visits were pretty nice.
One thing they could improve on in the future is that annoying segment between each topic. Why can't they just fade from one subject to the next?

[RMax1]

Personally I don't like getting things in the mail like this. It puts a burden on me as to sending it back. $10 every couple of months is ok but $25 is a different story if I have to sit down and look at it to determine if it is worth while. The video looked very nice and there were some things interesting on it. Unfortunately I saw this same technique used at Boston Logan airport a few years ago. Hi let me give you this, Ok that's nice, how about giving me something in return??? Why, Well I gave you something!!! But I didn't ask you for it????, well???? Ok here's a quarter, hey that's worth a ot more than a quarter!!!, well you shouldn't have given it to me, how bout if I give you this instead??? , well let me look at it??? Nah I like this better!

RMax1

[jfugate]

I guess if MR did this thing regularly then it might be something to get upset about, but as a pure once in a while marketing technique, it should be pretty effective.

I wouldn't get all wrapped around the axle as to getting the thing unsolicited. Being affiliated with Model-trains-video.com and their distribution of my Siskiyou Line DVDs has helped me learn the economics of burned DVD production. I suspect MR has maybe 50 cents in materials in the DVD and mailer.

Plus if the video is material that was originally produced and aired in other venues (one's I've never seen, BTW, so I'm thrilled to get the DVD -- and I suspect I'm in the majority), then any additional income generated from further distribution is gravy. The original cost has already been amortized. So enough with the guilt complex already. [8)]

You guys are taking this whole thing way too serious and turning MR into some sort of mean-spirited monster. C'mon, time to lighten up and give them the benefit of the doubt. [swg]

[DavidGSmith]

I am a subscriber and did not get it yet. Are they sending to Canada? With the exchange I pay a lot for the mag. The subscrption only comes due when the dollars are far apart. Just my luck.

[Darth Santa Fe]

I played it on my old record player.[:D]

Well, actually, I watched it.[:D]

[Anonymous]

Joe, sorry if i offended you in any way, And i was not attempting an all out atack on kalmbach but on the marketing technique as a whole.This is the second product i recieved this week with the same marketing strategy.The other was from a book club.
This venue is to give opinions and i simply clearly stated mine regarding this particular avenue as being something that could potentially become rampant throughout the country from many differant types of vendors.
I believe i did my best to put a positive light on the many strengths MR has also.
I dont think i was being heavy handed in giving my opinion ,but in doing so was not intentionally trying to offend anyone's sensibilities either.I'm sorry if you were offended by my commentary.

[topcopdoc]

I spent an enjoyable couple of hours watching the video and plan to use some of the information in the PDF files as a reference while building my layout. I have seen some of the chapters before but I think the presentation was professional and very well done and I will be looking forward to seeing the next installments. Hats off to Model Railroader.

Doc

[AggroJones]

I didn't get nothin'.

[JohnT14808]

I'll be paying for the first one. However, the clip quality needs to be improved, syncing the voice up with the video would be nice, and allowing more sweeping and longer shots of the final view of the painting technique, or the "wavey water" technique will be a requirement on the $25 DVDs. If the quality doesn't improve, I'll be passing on the next one.

[Anonymous]

Received mine today. Installed the exe file. Media player still doesn't recognise it. I'll probably send it back.[xx(]

[Anonymous]

I sent mine back.. Actually, by law I could have kept the unsolicited merchandise and not sent in the money. I guess MR knows model railroaders are pretty straight people. I don't like this type of marketing. Next time I won't send it back.

[jfugate]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tileguy

Joe, sorry if i offended you in any way, And i was not attempting an all out atack on kalmbach but on the marketing technique as a whole.This is the second product i recieved this week with the same marketing strategy.The other was from a book club.
This venue is to give opinions and i simply clearly stated mine regarding this particular avenue as being something that could potentially become rampant throughout the country from many differant types of vendors.
I believe i did my best to put a positive light on the many strengths MR has also.
I dont think i was being heavy handed in giving my opinion ,but in doing so was not intentionally trying to offend anyone's sensibilities either.I'm sorry if you were offended by my commentary.

Tileguy:

Thanks for the concern, but I'm not particulary offended by any of these comments, and we all certainly are entitled to our opinion.

I'm actually more bemused and a bit befuddled as to why suddenly MR has become this cutthroat outfit because they decided to test market this DVD.

The hobby desperately needs more multimedia content to be produced ... hardcopy magazines just isn't going to cut it any more. I for one, am jumping up and down and saying YES! to this DVD distribution attempt, lame as it may be in some people's eyes.

I expect their efforts will be a success and those who are concerned about the unsolicited nature of the item are fretting about the wrong thing. I firmly believe without a move to multimedia methods of getting out information about the hobby, it's got maybe another 10-20 years left and then it's going to fade into obscurity right along with slot car racing.

Now THERE'S something to fret about. [xx(]