Those in the FSM hierarchy might want to read the following thread.
http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=SquawkBox&file=index&req=viewtopic&topic_id=42852&page=1
Interesting. I’m not trying to start a “Which is better?” war or get flamed for my opinion, but the reason I don’t post on Armorama (I signed up at the same time as I did here) is that there, to me, at least, seems to be a pervasive “If you aren’t at OUR level, don’t bother us with your simple problems” attitude. Granted, that may have just been my take on the topics I viewed, so your milage may vary.
Very interesting, but not news. I’ve felt this way about the mag for a while now.
As for armorama, I’ve been a member for a while, but never once posted. I like the online community here, but it’s become clear that the online and mag parts of FSM are two totally different entities. I agree with most of the views in the armorama thread. I resubscribed this year, but to be honest, I’m kind of wishing I hadn’t. If the mag continues at the rate it is going now, I think I will not be resubscribing again. I am tired of their total lack of anything of value to the armor modeler, except the armor modeler who is just starting out. I’m tired of having vague explanations of modifications in buildups, if any. I’m tired of the fact that more SHIPS are covered in the mag than armor. I know that I sound like I’m ranting and raving, and truthfully, I am.
I’ve been a subscriber for several years now and also agree with the sentifments regading lack of detail in some articles. As to being aircraft oriented, I build aircrafts (mostly), so dont think they have enough! But seriously, I think the article ratio probally relates well to the ratio of poeple interested in the particular topic, just look at the # of posts in the FSM forum for each topic, Aircraft #1 followed by Armor #2.
But I look to FSM as a general modelling magazine - which is what it is, and helps me look at other parts of the modelling world that I’m not usually exposed to. And I learn a thing or two from ship/figure/Sci-fi/Armor modelling that I can use in my Aircrafts. It also boarden’s my horizons a bit, which is a good thing. For the same reason, I read Tamiya model mag.
So having said that, I do subsctibe to more ‘hardcore’ modelling magazines that’s tailored specifically to my core interest - like Scale Aircraft International or SkyModel.
interesting. most interesting. i usually pick up a copy at borders and then sell it at my LHS on commision to recover the exorbidant cost here in singapore. i find its good to read to give me inspiration, but as for answering questions this forum is infinitely superior
Oddly enough, I think FSM publishes to much about the sideshow called armor.
Just Kidding, all you track toads and tread heads. As a dyed in the wool aircraft builder, I only look at articles on armor to see if their is any cross applicability to my own field, and typically I can find some useful tidbit amongst all the talk of zimmerint and sdkfz’s and ausf whatevers.
But I can sort of see where some of the gripes come from. I would like to see more in-depth info on technique, but I can appreciate that that isn’t what FSM is designed for and maybe I should check out some other magazines too. But overall FSM hasn’t staled for me yet.
With all the special interest groups nowadays, I think it is difficult for a mag like FSM to try to please every group. Like what was said about in the Amour Thread, if they want a mag thats dedicated to armour, then there is mags that do just that. I think it unfair to try to FSM in that catagory.
If I want a mag thats just about general modeling, then FSM is it. Although I build sailing ships, I get a lot of ideas from the articles about cars and tanks in FSM.
Too bad Model Ship Builder sold out, since there is now nothing out there that caters to plastic sailing ship builders.
[2c]Scott
The Dark Side isn’t happy without a lot of whining & nashing of teeth that all things in the world of modeling aren’t exactly to their liking. I’ve rarely seen this kind of complaining from the flyboys.
Regards, Rick
A multi-posted reply to a multi-posted topic:
The whole thing seems rather silly to me…any modeller who focuses exclusively on one genre of modelling, be it aircraft, armor, automobiles, whatever…would certainly find FSM lacking due to it’s nature as a GENERAL modelling magazine (uh-oh, the Sci-Fi guys (including me) are gonna be screaming!!). There are specialty magazines devoted to those modellers who focus on one genre only. Beats me why they would take the time to complain about FSM.
Personally, although I’m primarily an armor/aircraft/SF modeller, I enjoy and learn from each and every article in FSM, whether it be new info and techiniques or a reconfirmation of something I already know. No matter what your skill level is, there is always something new to be learned, and plenty of new twists on old techniques.
In my opinion, these folks should spend less time complaining and more time pursuing their interests. Wait a second…maybe their interest IS complaining?
Well then, knock yourselves out, fellas! [;)]
Well put, J-Hulk!
I concur completely…
I too am mainly an aircraft man and think that there is a bit too many ‘target’ related articles, but I suppose it is more of a general modeling mag and you have to take the bad with the good.
I have not renewed my subscription this year, but have been getting the mag on and off since '86.
As far as the forum is concerned, do you not think that when someone posts photos, they might welcome a critique of what’s on show, rather than the pages of ‘‘ooh , nice’’, as long as it is civilised and doesnt turn into a rant by some rivet counters!
OK… I’m the one who Started the thread over there… I Focus Mainly on Armor… But have found alot of usefull info in FSM in the past. It Seems (to me anyway) that some of the stuff is “getting recycled” every few years… Now, I’m not bashing the Mag by any means… I do still find it useful. But then again I’ve been a subscriber since way before I had Internet Access And all of these wonderful Modeling related sites have popped up. The nearest Club is a 2 hour drive one way… so that was out growing up (even Now I can’t justify it to myself.
I asked this beacause, Mabey i’ve hit a level (I’m scratchbuilding more) and the basic Stuff (covered Constantly) Just doesn’t seem to be of any use… I have all my back issues Arranged in order in 3 ring binders for Reference. I do reffer to them when Questions come up (on alot of the Boards like here & Armorama).
I dodn’t mean to Start a small war or anything… Maybe I’ll just got to the Bookstore and Browse through the issue first … and Buy it if it’s got something new & usefull.
Rant over…
“Interesting. I’m not trying to start a “Which is better?” war or get flamed for my opinion, but the reason I don’t post on Armorama (I signed up at the same time as I did here) is that there, to me, at least, seems to be a pervasive “If you aren’t at OUR level, don’t bother us with your simple problems” attitude. Granted, that may have just been my take on the topics I viewed, so your milage may vary.”
I’d Disagree here, Take a look at the AGE camnpaigns They’re for youong and/or Inexperienced modelers. There’s constantly the FAQ’s getting asked and MOST of the memeber’s on Armorama Are willing to help/ point in the right direction or Tell you Whom to ask.
Folks, I posted this link here not to get into an argument but as a courtesy to the powers that be at FSM to realize there’s some (and from the number on non-resubscriber posts) significant dissatisaction with the mag. Subscriptio rates are what sell a magazine to the advertisers. A dropping subscriber base means it’s harder to sell a magazine space, increasing the cost to the consumer or reducing content.
In reality, most of you who are posting here are not the targetted audience.
For the record, I have every issue of FSM dating back to 1982.
Let’s all please stand down from any defenssive/offensive postures.
I think FSM will measure its success based on it’s subscription rate. If it’s constantly going up, then they’re doing some thing right -if it’s going down, something needs to change.
Some issues I like better than others but I’ve never been dissapointed to the point as to drop it. Using the web and forums is great but I still like having a magazine on the subject to read in the Doctor’s office, lunch break or in the living room in the evening.
Two very good points. This post wasn’t meant as a way to start a dispute. It merely brought up an invitation to discuss things that could be a good change for the mag. If you take a look and read through most of the posts from the guys over at armorama, a lot of them are long-time subscribers, like ajlafleche, and the opinions of long-time repeat customers should be quite high on the ‘pay attention to’ list of the powers that be.
Actually, I enjoy FSM for most of the non-armor related articles. I subscribe to several different model magazines and pick up armor related ones at the LHS. Their “what’s new” section suffers from jet lag. That is, the news isn’t too new now that the web has almost instantaneous previews and reviews on the newest kits.
As far as LemonJello’s views on Armorama, I think he is way off mark. I was one of the first members (register user #9) and I’ve become one of the moderators and editors of the site. My skill level is way below some of the masters at the site. I’m not a novice, but I’m far from a great model builder. I doubt any of my models would even rate a posting in FSM. I just like to build.
Just for the record I don’t agree that FSM is not worth subscribing to. I don’t subscribe myself but regularly buy about 6 issues a year off the rack.
Ironically one of the reasons I started Armorama as a “military modeling” site was because I didn’t want to try to cover all areas of modeling. And just as ironically most people just assume the site is only armor. doh!
Could FSM be better? Sure. So could a lot of things. My site has been doing a miserable job in the area of ship content since we started. It is very difficult to be all things to all people and that is the road FSM is on. I think they offer quality photos and articles and all that is only good for the hobby. I just wish more scale modeling magazines were available in major bookstores. Heck I have noted that my local supermarket ussually sells out of FSM very quickly. So what does that say.
Cheers,
Jim
I think the magazine serves its purpose as a magazine that can be appreciated by beginners (e.g., tips and build ups) as well as experts (e.g., new product releases and gallery ideas). However, the under-represented categories such as Sci-Fi, Figures, Autos, etc. could be greatly improved. I’ve come to realize this likely won’t happen, so I read it for ideas that I can apply to the other genres.
It humors me that Hasegawa can release six beautiful new Macross kits, Bandai could release several new Gundam kits, and the countless other Sci-Fi kits from Platz, Ashomi, Wave, Yellow Submarine, Kotobukiya, B-Club, and Studio Half-Eye and NOT ONE OF THEM IS EVER INCLUDED IN THE NEW RELEASES SECTION… BUT BUT BUT every little mundane add-on set for an ancient P-51 gets in there. Yep, they throw sci-fi a bone every now and then in Gallery section. I’d like one article a year on Wonderfest and then I’d be happy. But it’s a battle I’ll never win.
But I think that Jim from Armorama is right. I think the tendency is for people to float to their genres.
The aircraft modelers go to Aircraft Resource center
The armor modelers go to Armorama
The sci-fi builders go to Starshipmodeler.com
The car modelers go… well they can go to hell. Just kidding. I don’t know where they go.
Yeah, that wouldn’t be the first time. I can’t put a finger on what it was about the forums over there, but I just didn’t feel as welcome to ask questions as I did here. I still go there to see what’s new and happening, and you may be right Rob, and I just picked the wrong threads to read, it was only an opinion, and we all know how the rest of that saying goes…
Topic? Oh, yeah, I like the mag for general modelling as has already been stated. I’ve looked at some of the other mags, but to me, they get a little too into the topic, but then research is the bane of my building. I just like to build, I’m not worried that a kit is 6 scale inches too short, just as long as once I’m done people say “nice tank/plane/car” and not “Holy Cow! What happened to that?”
Well, my A-10 came today, so I’m off to get elbow deep in some styrene.
Hopefully, they go to Scaleautomag.com, FSM’s sister site that is dedicated to all things automotive. They have their own forum, events lists, etc…