"Competition breeds the best," right? But seriously, I agree wholeheartedly with Ed's comments (except for the "Bob can make you rich..." bit. I can't make you rich, but I can put a smile on your face -- take that any way you want). My view is the S Scale SIG and the 1:64 Modeling Guide work hand-in-glove. It is true that the reservoir of authors is smaller for a specialty magazine than, say "Model Railroad Hobbyist", "RMC" or "Model Railroader." And there is that other S magazine (and I don't mean the NASG "Dispatch") that enjoys more support from advertisers and a larger subscriber base. Like those other publications, I like to have a variety of articles from as many authors as possible "in the can" to plan future issues. That's why I put the call out periodically, even though I may have a few articles on hand. Sometimes it's the mix of articles and photos needed for a specific issue. Or it's other editorial issues. So if there's anyone out there that have previously touched base with me and haven't heard anything back for a little while or haven't seen their article published, please don't be offended or discouraged. The are two other things that I need a LOT more of: subscribers and advertisers. Otherwise, discussions like this will become merely academic--not that there's anything wrong with that, but it simply doesn't pay the bills! Bob Nalbone
--- In [email protected], "Ed" <Loizeaux@...> wrote: > > > you face a lot of competition not only from all of our websites, but the SIG website <snip> > > Roy > > > Golly...... > > I hope the S Sig and it's web site at www.sscale.org is not viewed as competition for Bob's magazine. In case of uncertainty, let me clarify the S Sig's purpose: to promote S scale to non-S folks. Period. That is it. Nothing else. Recruiting is our mantra and our efforts are to support that end result. > > Yes, we have a web site and also a conversational Forum. Yes, people send us photos and, upon occasion, short articles. All the material created by the S Sig itself has been oriented toward explaining the virtues of S to the non-S modeler and providing him/her with easy-to-read basic information about S scale and S products. > > Let it be known the S Sig does not pay for articles or photos. Bob can make you rich, but we offer only fame -- and not much of that. But we happily accept material that comes floating into our neighborhood. On some occasions, we even offer to pass it along to Bob Nalbone for use in his 1:64 Modeler magazine. He, in turn, provides the S Sig with a page or two in each issue for the use of the S Sig's newsletter. So far, neither of us has viewed the other as competition. > > The S Sig hopes to begin a serious marketing promotional campaign this coming Fall that will let the entire model railroading hobby know that S scale exists. If you'd like to make this happen a bit sooner or make the effort a bit louder/larger, please feel free to use the green voluntary contribution button on our web site. > > Thanks.....Ed L. > www.sscale.org >
