NGS Journal 1/14

MikeDunn · February 16, 2014, 10:39:18 AM

Cheers Mike,

I thought H might have had a little input, but it makes sense that you're always an issue ahead. I wasn't expecting it all to be his this early

Mike

trkilliman · February 16, 2014, 11:07:55 AM

I may get flamed for putting this on here, but here goes anyway. I have let my membership lapse after several Years a member of the NGS. Indeed I felt that level of interest the Journal had for me] diminished over quite a long period of time. The internet has made a profound difference to the way many of us glean information. A specialist tropical fish club of which I have been a member for 37 Years is struggling to get new members. Why, because so much information is available on-line...why do people need to pay for membership? There was a time when the NGS kits were a life-line for something different when Farish was the only choice. Times have changed profoundly though. I have not put this on here to upset anyone, but merely to add my views/weight to what somebody has already said about so much being available on-line, and instantly.

ParkeNd · February 16, 2014, 11:15:51 AM

Quote from: trkilliman on February 16, 2014, 11:07:55 AM
I may get flamed for putting this on here, but here goes anyway. I have let my membership lapse after several Years a member of the NGS. Indeed I felt that level of interest the Journal had for me] diminished over quite a long period of time. The internet has made a profound difference to the way many of us glean information. A specialist tropical fish club of which I have been a member for 37 Years is struggling to get new members. Why, because so much information is available on-line...why do people need to pay for membership? There was a time when the NGS kits were a life-line for something different when Farish was the only choice. Times have changed profoundly though. I have not put this on here to upset anyone, but merely to add my views/weight to what somebody has already said about so much being available on-line, and instantly.

Magazines are less anti-social than online. You can read a magazine without drawing criticism. Whilst this forum is great it is the communication that works and not just it's method of delivery. Teens stuck into tablets and smartphones is a less audience friendly phenomenen than magazines on the whole. Just a case in point - SWMBO has just shouted through "are you on that thing again!!" Never happens with books and magazines - she just thinks I am behaving myself for a change.

Caz · February 16, 2014, 11:17:15 AM

This is a very interesting thread so lets try and keep it open, but please, guys and girls, don't get personal, this is NOT the place.

Agrippa · February 16, 2014, 12:17:14 PM

Not sure if this has been mentioned before, but for a small sum (£1.50)
non members of the NGS can get an introductory pack and a sample copy
of the mag. I'm not a member and spotted this on the NGS website.
Might be worth a shot for anyone wondering about the benefits of membership.

silly moo · February 16, 2014, 12:34:03 PM

I think this issue will be my last but not because of the quality of the journal. We have recently had two postal strikes and our currency has done a nosedive. The journal is posted by Air Mail which makes it expensive and with the unreliable postal service it doesn't always turn up.

I'm hoping that one day there will be the option of a digital or PDF version.

Veronica.

PostModN66 · February 16, 2014, 12:42:11 PM

Quote from: ParkeNd on February 16, 2014, 11:15:51 AM
Magazines are less anti-social than online. You can read a magazine without drawing criticism. Whilst this forum is great it is the communication that works and not just it's method of delivery. Teens stuck into tablets and smartphones is a less audience friendly phenomenen than magazines on the whole.

Yes - this is a very good point! I guess that feedback and comments are a two edged sword. Just as it is rewarding when someone says "thanks - good idea" it can be upsetting if people say "that's a stupid idea" or words to that effect!! At least with the mag you can imagine that readers are hanging on your every word and nodding wisely in response to your pearls of wisdom!!

Cheers Jon

Paul B · February 16, 2014, 12:49:57 PM

Maybe I am just old-fashioned (or maybe just old?

) but I quite like picking up a magazine, reading through a few bits, and putting it down again, so I can continue reading it a little later. When I want to read the Forum I have to fire the PC up (yes - old-fashioned again - I still have a desktop computer!) log in, and then spend the time specifically reading the Forum. As has been said, reading a mag is less anti-social! (Although SWMBO has just got a laptop so she can browse the interweb while watching TV...

)

Sprintex · February 16, 2014, 01:52:01 PM

I've had a couple of articles published in the Journal that have also been posted on this forum, and although there is some crossover of readership you have to remember that not all NGS members are on this forum, and likewise not all NGF members are members of the NGS!

The way I see it it's two distinct audiences, albeit as said with some crossover (pun intended

) Not everyone has internet access, so there's plenty of modellers out there that can appreciate a good helpful article in a paper magazine. Both communication methods have their merits, so it makes sense to reach as wide an audience as possible of you think you have something of interest to share with other N Gaugers

Paul

red_death · February 16, 2014, 02:11:19 PM

Quote from: Sprintex on February 16, 2014, 01:52:01 PM
The way I see it it's two distinct audiences, albeit as said with some crossover (pun intended ) Not everyone has internet access, so there's plenty of modellers out there that can appreciate a good helpful article in a paper magazine. Both communication methods have their merits, so it makes sense to reach as wide an audience as possible of you think you have something of interest to share with other N Gaugers

I completely agree with Paul - print is a very one-sided communication whereas forums etc are two way and you can get new ideas and input as you go. I quite often think that there are a number of forum threads which could be converted into nice printed articles with a bit of editting and tidying up.

Cheers, Mike

PostModN66 · February 16, 2014, 03:35:49 PM

Quote from: red_death on February 16, 2014, 02:11:19 PM
I completely agree with Paul - print is a very one-sided communication whereas forums etc are two way and you can get new ideas and input as you go. I quite often think that there are a number of forum threads which could be converted into nice printed articles with a bit of editting and tidying up.

Good idea! How about this, if you (anyone that is) like a thread, you could suggest in a reply that it would make a good NJS article. There are a few threads that I have either started or contributed to that I would be happy to make into an article if there was a following wind - just wouldn't want to do so if there was no demand or be accused of re-hashing old material!

Cheers Jon

ParkeNd · February 16, 2014, 04:45:46 PM

Quote from: PostModN66 on February 16, 2014, 12:42:11 PM
Quote from: ParkeNd on February 16, 2014, 11:15:51 AM
Magazines are less anti-social than online. You can read a magazine without drawing criticism. Whilst this forum is great it is the communication that works and not just it's method of delivery. Teens stuck into tablets and smartphones is a less audience friendly phenomenen than magazines on the whole.

Yes - this is a very good point! I guess that feedback and comments are a two edged sword. Just as it is rewarding when someone says "thanks - good idea" it can be upsetting if people say "that's a stupid idea" or words to that effect!! At least with the mag you can imagine that readers are hanging on your every word and nodding wisely in response to your pearls of wisdom!!

Cheers Jon

Wow. Wish I could take a swipe at someone so elegantly.

PostModN66 · February 16, 2014, 04:52:24 PM

Quote from: ParkeNd on February 16, 2014, 04:45:46 PM
Wow. Wish I could take a swipe at someone so elegantly.

Oh Lor......really wasn't intending to swipe anyone! One (me) needs to have broad shoulders when posting online, take the rough with the smooth...and even at it's harshest this forum is pretty polite and civilised compared with the horrible abuse you get elsewhere!

I'll take "elegant" though - first time that has been used about me!

Best to everyone! Cheers Jon

LNER1949 · February 16, 2014, 04:52:47 PM

Quote from: Paul B on February 16, 2014, 12:49:57 PM
Maybe I am just old-fashioned (or maybe just old? ) but I quite like picking up a magazine, reading through a few bits, and putting it down again, so I can continue reading it a little later. When I want to read the Forum I have to fire the PC up (yes - old-fashioned again - I still have a desktop computer!) log in, and then spend the time specifically reading the Forum. As has been said, reading a mag is less anti-social! (Although SWMBO has just got a laptop so she can browse the interweb while watching TV... )

I quite agree with you, my laptop had just died on me (flat battery !) as with a magazine, ither you are reading it or fall asleep whilest reading it ! Getting into the NGF does take time, while picking a magazine up is instant.

port perran · February 16, 2014, 06:55:43 PM

For what it is worth. I joined the NGS when I first took up modelling in N gauge. I had no experience at all and let my membership lapse after about 15 months as I had no idea what most of the articles were about. It all seemed, at that time, aimed at the experienced modeller. Some of the things I read were way ahead of my comprehension!

I rejoined some 6 months ago and I now look forward to the magazine arriving. I like printed material to browse through. I think the content is OK but I do think the "obsession" with the various awards/trophies & competitions is a bit tedious and "way beyond" the capabilities of most modellers.
I simply read the bits I'm interested in and miss out those that I'm not interested in. I do, however think that the editors make certain assumptions that we all know what is meant. Often I read an article and am none the wiser having read it ! It is very easy to assume "prior knowledge".
I will continue with my membership and hope that the NGS can prosper.