When Kalmbach ran the forum, I was surprised when it was reported that less than one-third of the forum users were subscribed to one of the magazines.
I feel Firecrown has done a lot of work – not only on the forum, but also on buying and continuing the magazines.
I feel it’s important for all of us who use the forum to support them. They’ve taken a big chance on this, and the best way to support them is to subscribe to one of the magazines.
I know all the arguments: I don’t read it, it’s mainly for beginners, it’s mainly for experienced modelers, it has too few pages, etc.
While that may be true to you, I still feel it’s important to support their efforts. They will know they are on the right track when they get magazine sales.
I was thinking the same thing , I am thinking about subscribing to classic toy train, do you know if I can still get it in paper form or is it just online only, can’t read the online stuff.
There’s also the Trains Unlimited subscription that gives online access to all of Firecrown’s railroad oriented magazines. The forum does make some money from the ads.
I think a lot of readers are those thinking of getting into the hobby or are already dipping their toes, and are looking for info that doesn’t require further investment in a hobby they’re not yet sure they’ll remain in. Of those that later commit to the hobby, many are likely to subscribe, so forums are part of the selling process, much like free food samples or trial sizes.
Yes, if you want this industry to be strong and support the hobby, then you have to support the industry.
Thru thick and thin I have been a Model Railroader subscriber since 1968 - and I have the physical evidence to prove it.
Same is true of the NMRA. You can whine and moan about their failings - OR - you can volunteer and make it better, or you can pitch in a couple bucks to help those who volunteer their time - or you can shut up.
I don’t care how this might sound, but if you can afford any moderate level of activity in this hobby, you can afford to support a company like this that provides all sorts of info cheap or free, forum access, etc.
And the same applies to the NMRA, who may not be doing what you see as important right now, but who’s history is responsible for the hobby you enjoy today.