First off:
why was there a free advice booklet given with the March Issue of FSM in the newsstands, but not in the subscription copies? Are we, who subscribe to FSM, not loyal enough for such freebies?
Second:
Why does FSM make only 10 issues a year, when other good magazines pump out twelve? Could we please have twelve issues a year?
I’ve seen this addressed somewhere else, but I can’t remember where. Maybe a back issue of FSM. Oh yes now I remember. I called FSM once, to get the insert and they said it was because they felt most subscribers didn’t need the inserts, as they covered basics, and most subscribers were more advanced. I said that even advanced folks need to brush up on basics. I for one, would enjoy getting those inserts. One could always share them with new modelers who don’t know about the magazine. How 'bout it, anyone else concour? Maybe they will see the support here and start including them.
Lee
I totally agree with you Lee. It’s probably good for off-the-rack sales, but those of us who subscribe to this wonderful magazine, I think, would appreciate them also.
Shaggy
I’m in agreement with Lee and Shaggy, though I’m not gonna cancel my scrip just get freebies.
I’m pleased to see all the interest in our tips and “how-to” brouchures. The brochure in the March issue was an incentive for newsstand buyers, much as other kinds of businesses have incentives for first-time buyers or to generate interest in one particular product in their lines. Most of our new subscribers come from newsstand buyers, so it’s there that we offer incentives. So yes, newsstand buyers may get a “freebie” now and then, but subscribers get timely delivery to their homes.
By the way, these brouchures are usually available at no charge at modeling shows. Keep your eyes peeled for them. And thanks for your interest in FSM.
I concur with the rest, I have been modeling since I was a kid but would love to have the freebies, we can always learn even from the basics. And with all due respects Mr. Thompson, my subscription here in Calgary Canada gets to my door usually four or five days ’ after ’ I see it on the news stand, I have a few doubles of the magazine because I thought my issue may have been lost only to have it show a day or two later [:(] My willingness to pay the high price of the subscription, almost $90.00 Canadian shows how much I love your magazine but a timely delivery I do not get.
Madd Dawg[8D]
I agree with JCHURCH. I live in North West Florida and I usually get mine in the mail about a week after the news stand. And as for freebies, we all like to get them, if nothing more than to add to our refferences.
I agree. My copy usually comes a week or so after the newsstand. And not all of us can afford to go to modeling shows. I can barely afford to buy a kit and supplies now and then. I really don’t think we are askinf for alot. Nonetheless, I love FSM and will keep subscribing.
Lee
I concur with midnightprowler. I’m a modeler, not Donald Trump! What it sounds to me like is, and, I might be wrong so please tell me, but I think FSM is trying to save money. I’m not mad, and it’s a perfectly good reason, and if it is, I don’t care! I just want an answer that is at least logically POSSIBLE.
But that still leaves the other question unanswered, why only ten issues? Is it because of the two special issues? That is also a perfectly logical answer. I think we just want ANSWERS that’s all!
And don’t worry, I’ll keep reading FSM, but I might start buying newsstand for the freebies!
FREE??? DID SOME ONE SAY FREE???
HEHEHEHHEHE!!!
Well, I just signed up for my first subscription of FSM, and i did it with the issue with the freebee!!! So yes, this approach does work!!! However, i would like to see the freebees in future mailings!!! Who won’t!!! If it’s free, it’s for me!!!
Keep in mind though, FSM is not the only magazine that does this… other mags offer free stuff at the news stands, that you normally wouldn’t get if you had the subscription… Computer mags are great for this!!! and gaming mags… they sometimes offer free software, or game teasers!!!
Remember, these mags primary goal is to teach, educate and to have fun with any given subject!!! But keep in mind , it is also a buisness!!!
FSM… ROCK ON !!!
How about adding the freebies to the Scale modeling guides section? That we all get them.[:D]
The last time I heard a discusion about this was that FSM just did not think the increased cost for publishing 2 more issues was worth what the return would be.
Actually guys on behalf of our dear FSM, I recall reading several years ago, that the reason they only put out ten issues, was due to the fact that being summer time, alot of modeling gets pushed to the back burner and is replaced by the ubiquitous yard work and renovation season, it also allows time for many people to get holidays at Kalmbach Pub, as well as making two larger editions at the end of each long long long long wait, (yeah I’d like twelve editions a year too) as well as extra time for the special editions like the ’ Best of ’ issues.
Is this not correct Mr. Thompson?
Madd Dawg [8D]
I buy FSM at the local newsagent. It’s not about the money (I think), it’s just that I like going to that place and peruse through all the modeling and aviation and armor mags… Sure enough, we all love freebies… The mags here are full of them (although I’ll admit they rarely come with modeling mags)… Scale Aircraft Modelling once (and for a fair number of issues) gave away decal sheets that were specially done for the monthly ‘aircraft in detail’ subject. I loved that! But that cost too much and they finally gave up on that one…
Not too long ago, here in the UK, FSM came with a full kit (in two, or was it three instalments). Admitedly, it was a small kit (Italeri’s 1/72 Spitfire), but it was nice. Not that I ever built it, but that’s another issue…
If FSM came with more freebies, I’d gladly take them, but that would not be the reason why I’d buy the mag. I know what’s inside and I love it. However, it might be a way to get yet more readers.