I don't see any harm in asking Ray but, just to throw the cat amongst the pigeons, one of the questions might be, "Why should it be free?". If the space is being taken from advertising there is a loss of revenue to consider and if the space is being taken from contributor's content then could it affect sales negatively rather than positively? When you consider the time involved in submitting something to it being published I think a very high percentage of readers would rather have posted it on Ebay for a much faster turnaround and at least a degree of protection should things go pear shaped.

Don't get me wrong, I'm only playing devil's advocate, as I used to enjoy looking through the adverts myself, but we might need to have a good case behind the suggestion as I could see those concerns being raised.

Ray , l agree that ads should be brought back , certainly in the mag. . I did ask the question of mag editor some time ago and was told there were no plans for their reintroduction . I would also suggest that if they are , that the information form describing the items for sale should have the mag issue details printed within the header. I know a number of people with similar " minority" interests buy their respective magazines in part because of the adverts sections . Similarly l believe an ads section would boost flagging mag sales , with maybe a 12 month trial period to confirm . Trevor

I agree with Ray – the interest in model boats comes from the older set to be polite. The average age of model boat clubs must be well into the 60s . Know that at SRCMBC the average was +-65. There are still a lot of people out there who are not computer literate and don't use the internet . The budget for the club always allows for the postage of the quarterly news – believe it was to about about 50% of members . I am personally only computer literate because my job called for it. Further developed as my son  was interested in I T  which is now his profession – he also only uses Kindle as books are cheaper that way………..

There is also a problem selling online – Gumtree and the like don't take payments so you could well end up giving out bank details to a swindler – as I was asked to recently. – fortunately I did not !  Also sold some kits a few months ago via a list  sent to some of the remaining clubs in SA . The secretary from the biggest one had to print out quite a few of those  for members who don't use the internet ……………..

The free ads were always limited to a half page in any event and added a bit of interest – usually with the mail section. Paul Freshney saw no need to dispense with it and as far as model boats go nothing has changed since then – he was one of the best editors in my opinion.

I also begin to wonder just how many fliers migrate to model boats as they get older ?

Edited By redpmg on 21/09/2021 12:08:06

Edited By redpmg on 21/09/2021 12:14:23

Richard I think the most relevant point is that with ads in the magazine you reach people with an interest in model boats – whereas with online sales you tend to reach a far greater audience (plus more swindlers of course…….)

Its tends to be the older modellers who are downsizing etc that are selling their boats – and they are more likely to be computer illiterate……… Where else could they sell their boats – without resorting to asking someone to place them on an internet site…….

And when dealing with another modeller and not someone buying a present for their son or father (usually) its easier to understand each other . I sold off a lot of kits before leaving the UK on Ebay and the only problem I had was when dealing with a non modeller buying a present for one………….

The best sale was to a lady in Malta ( the Harvey a Baltimore Clipper) – She was not allowed to join the club there – but made a superb job of the Harvey and a couple of others she sent pictures of……

Edited By redpmg on 21/09/2021 12:43:23

Sorry to be late to the party (I have been out today) but Lindsey and I did discuss this in August 2020. It is correct to say that the classified ads were intended to appeal to older, maybe non computer savvy readers and was fairly well used in the past. The decision to drop it was partly due to Lindsey's concern that, despite a disclaimer it is possible the magazine might be drawn into disputes between buyer and seller and secondly because it does absorb an appreciable amount of editoriial time in preparing the item when the editorial budget has been cut to the bone! I know it takes a while as I had to do it myself once or twice when standing in for Paul Freshney.

However Lindsey did say at the time that she would be open to reintroducing classified ads if the demand is there and sufficient editorial time is available. I will flag up this thread to her to see what her present views are.

Colin

Ray,

Lindsey has taken this on board and said she would discuss with some of the other editors. Personally I rather doubt if bringing back the free ads would have any significant effect on circulation – after all, just how many people do buy and sell models and how regularly? Collating them does add to the editorial worklload as I have already said.

I am not aware that there have been any requests for their return other than the few posts on here.

So, yes it is being considered but not I think as a priority at the moment.

Colin

Yes, indeed worth mentioning and it may still come to pass. I don't know for sure but when I used to do my Special Issues I was given a budget per issue and it was up to me how long I spent on it. (and how much I spent on contributors). Lindsey may be in the same boat (sic) I think when Martyn was editor he had other jobs on the go at the same time. You'll never make your fortune editing a niche interest magazine I'm afraid.

Colin

My take on this is, If I buy or sell a boat, I always look 'in house' first.

If I have a boat that I have no further interest in, I usually put it up with my club, at a price that will help another club member to move forward.

If I am looking for another boat to move into another class, I will ask my fellow club members if they have one they would sell.

I find that there are always boats to be had within club, rather than a risky eBay purchase & you save all those packing & postage charges.

I'm not saying that I distrust my fellow readers, just that I prefer to stand face to face with my buyer or seller when making a deal.

Edited By Kev.W on 12/10/2021 23:11:29