I wrote some articles for a model train magazine (I’ll leave out the name). Was told that if I were to post information or photos on a forum relating to the article, that I would forfeit getting published in that particular magazine since in effect, I’ve already published in a public venue. This makes sense and I can see the rationale.
However, that would make me hesitant to share ideas on the forum such as remote control, how to make a functional switchstand, structures, bridges, etc, all topics I’ve covered in the past.
It would seem that if I present the material differently and use photos of different angles, that I could still submit for publication. But now I’m not so sure.
Is my choice limited to either doing magazine articles or sharing info on the forum?
Your thoughts on this matter appreciated, as I need to respond to the editor who contacted me.
If its something you spent many many hours on, and would like it to reach as many as possibly, I would submit it for print in the magazines. The forums are read by many people, but I belive these people probably also read the magazines. Some do not have internet access, or do not wi***o have internet access. If it goes to print, you get both. Plus once it comes out in print, you can post here and say “Hey!! Check out my article…”
Obviously, you have a decision to make. Weigh out the pros/cons and decide your motivation.
What are YOU looking for? Making money? Getting whatever credibility (fame, notoriety) being published in said magazine would/might bring? Getting salient and important information out to your fellow hobbyists?
All three are rewards. Which one is most important to you?
Money – I would say it should depend on what they’re offering to pay. Magazines derive their income from advertising, subscriptions and point-of-purchase sales. So they ostensibly have it coming from three different sources. From my experience, most hobby-oriented magazines don’t pay very much because they don’t have to. They have a near-endless supply of amateur author/hobbyists who are thrilled just to see their stuff and name in print. They don’t need the income to pay their bills like a professional writer. And those same publications may be no more than a “hobby” to their owner(s) and are probably run on a shoestring, like most other cottage industries. The owners have other sources of income and are happy to be a small part of the hobby/industry and “breaking even” is often their goal.
Let me also say here I’ve heard Kalmbach is very fair in compensating their freelance authors, with their fees above the average. That’s because Kalmbach is a big-time, real-deal publishing house. Kalmbach is successful because it isn’t afraid to pay for high-quality editorial, which is the engine that drives circulation. And the lofty circulation numbers allow Kalmbach to charge more for advertising – because what all publications sell to advertisers is “readership.” Unlike most hobby publications, which are run by comparative amateurs, Kalmbach has full-time employees and a huge office complex. I know, because I’ve been there. It’s not being run out of a spare room above the garage.
On the other hand, I know a model train publication that has been aro
Dave, Poppa_Zit, etc.,
Great points, while searching through the forums, I see lots of information that could be very usefull, but I doubt that the authors would be able to write a full column. What would be nice is a way to provide the information in an easily searchable method. Perhaps a specific location on the web site. While it may not give the people any glory or compensation, I for one would be happy to share information just to help others in the hobby.
I have interacted with many fine, knowledgeable people on this forum, and have no where near the experience of some eg: bob Nelson. I am sure that I could gain lots of information from reading tips and hints from the many contributors to this site. It is just too much to read every post, but if we had a specific spot, or if CTT had a “tips from the forum” area in the magazine containing the best ideas, I think we could all benefit.
Just some ideas,
Dennis
ONE MORE THING: If the article has already been published by this model train magazine and you have been duly compensated, you may now do anything you want with it – but first read the contract you signed. The standard author/publisher contract talks about things like North American Serial Rights, etc. It gives the publisher the right to use the article ONE time, and one time only – and this must happen within a time limit also spelled out in the contract. Any additional usage rights must be spelled out in writing.
For instance, there may be an added “no compete” clause that says you cannot sell the article to anyone else for a specified time. This proviso and anything else slightly contentious would have to be added to the standard contract as “clauses.” In the absence of a signed contract, you’re lucky – you still retain ALL rights to the article and if you have only a verbal contract, they can still only publish it once. Period. You MUST physically sign away any rights to the material – noth