This is a misconception I feel compelled to correct. Model Railroader, and in fact every advertising-supported publication I’ve ever worked for, maintains a strict division between the editorial and advertising divisions. Other than the Product Reviews and News & Products departments, which depend on manufacturers to send us samples for review, product manufacturers have little to no impact on our editorial decisions. We use a lot of Woodland Scenics products in our projects, and yes, they happen to be big advertisers. But we also use a lot of Scenic Express, Noch, and Kibri scenery items, too, as well as others who may buy little or no advertising in the magazine. In fact, as the writer of the “Ask MR” column, I receive questions from readers almost every day that I must answer with the stock reply, “I’m sorry, but we can’t recommend specific products by brand name.” So when you see us mention a specific brand product in an article, it’s not because we’re trying to butter up an advertiser.
Steve,
Thanks for clarifying that. I sorta fumbled through those issues when I included this elsewhere:
“It’s not the sort of thing that mags will make promises about, as there is attention to be paid to the need to keep business and editorial decisions separate and each justified on its own terms, but the more it happens synergistically, the better for everyone – MR, its readers, and those who support the mag buying ads.”
That still left things unclear enough that I totally understand your need to be more specific about this than I was. It’s an important difference, so thanks for noting this important distinction is really more a wall than a window, which I mischarecterized in attempting an economy of words to describe it.
That said, the distinction undoubtedbly makes it even more satisfying for a mfg to see his product valued and useful enough for any author to mention it so that it makes it into print. The fact that this is not some smoky back room decision, but because mutiple people felt it contributes on its own terms, roughly equivalent to what is called peer review in academia or a profession - and not based on what someone invested in marketing and advertising – is reassurance to readers they might also find it useful.
Just don’t recommend painting a steam locomotive with stove polish.
[:D][:-^]
Kalmbach got the last laugh there - they’re still in business, Floquil is gonski.
–Randy
[(-D], good one, Randy.
It’s worth noting that presenting enhanced or state of the art technique and technology is likely a big plus for considering an article for publication in MR. Floquil, as good as it is in many ways, is old school paint. Not stove polish to be sure, but you’d have to do somethng new with a discontinued product to make a good argument for using it as being an example of something new and of note that adds value to an article.
ok, put a fork in this one.
Whats the next topic NWP SWP ?
No, one last thing to note, Floquil did not just up and die. Floquil was a paint along with others that was sold into another company and then another and was phased out for many reasons, you kinda have to be into the history of paints (last 40 years or so). Lets just say thay acylics have come a long, long way and are way less toxic and water clean up. Also of note, when I say history of paints, I’m not just talking hobby paints as anyone who dwelt with the first semi-gloss room paints can attest, it took them a long time to get it right.
Can’t a funny just be a funny? Yes I am well aware Floquil was aquired and folded in as just a brand name for another pint company that also sucked up several other brands under one umbrella, and then was eventually discontinued. And even long before then Floquil came back and advertised in MR after the stove polish debacle, likely because they realized not advertising in the largest circulation hobby magazine was cutting off their nose to spite their face. Regardless of the exact precise details, you can no longer buy Floquil paints, but Kalmbach is still going concern. Bet you can still get stove polish, at least in one of the more old time hardware stores if the big box places don’t carry it. Actually - yes, found some at Lowes. Fyr-Pruf brand seems long gone though.
–Randy
Apparently not…
Your sense of humor eludes me.
Is that because you don’t know the stove polish story, or some other reason?