|
|
Post by jimsandman on Dec 10, 2023 22:12:09 GMT
Yes but try to get a paper subscription by it self, you can't which makes no sense. If you can get it with digital why not on it's own.
I prefer paper as not fond of soaking these old bones in the tub with a electronic devise, water seems to destroy them if they slip out of your hand beside kinda hard to bring my desktop into the tub Paper magazines survive better in water? I still like paper versions.
|
|
|
|
Post by rtraincollector on Dec 11, 2023 1:19:32 GMT
Yes but try to get a paper subscription by it self, you can't which makes no sense. If you can get it with digital why not on it's own.
I prefer paper as not fond of soaking these old bones in the tub with a electronic devise, water seems to destroy them if they slip out of your hand beside kinda hard to bring my desktop into the tub Paper magazines survive better in water? I still like paper versions. Cheaper to replace 
|
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Dec 11, 2023 13:12:14 GMT
My wife and I went to the bookstore yesterday (the one remaining large name store). We keep hearing about the death of paper print magazines, but I must say that to my surprise the magazine section, which is fairly large, was full of options.
Of course, the magazines on offer were things that I didn't care about. A lot of fashion, cooking (nothing on eating which I am good at), other hobbies (knitting, woodworking, etc.), electronics, cars, lifestyle, teens and many more.
The model train section continues to shrink. Nothing available on the Ham Radio hobby.
I wonder if the print magazines are not so much shrinking but changing. The continued shrinking of the model train offerings might mean that certain topics are getting fewer customers, so they go the way of the dinosaur while others continue to sell well enough to be offered.
|
|
|
|
Post by josef on Dec 11, 2023 14:00:26 GMT
Was one time we subscribed to no less then 10 magazines. Now we're down to 3, (was 4 but one stopped printing, last issue this month). I won't go digital and never cared but did try it several times. I enjoy paper and flipping pages. As to newspapers, use to enjoy them as well as the Sunday paper, but the Daily comic section changed to less and the paper became to political. Stopped Sunday paper after it became smaller and entered the 4.75 cost and increased its political stances throughout and wasn't worth reading and all the local news started disappearing.
|
|
|
|
Post by rockymountaineer on Dec 11, 2023 14:46:48 GMT
This was announced at York in October. CTT started out in 1987 as 4 issues and now 36 years later is back to 4 issues. I have been a subscriber since the very first issue and have always been a fan. Dave Dave, an interesting timeline for sure. 36 years is a long time, and 1987 was a VERY different time in our hobby. Back then there were no social media platforms, no YouTube, no internet and print media ruled with large sponsors taking out multi-page ads. There was a time when CTT was "the" way of making one's layout, modeling talent, and toy train tips visible to the world. That's no longer the case anymore.
Nothing stands still forever, and neither CTT nor OGR have adapted with the times. They are no longer relevant. And the articles have lost sizzle and pizazz, because the same (or better) content is available almost instantaneously on various digital media nowadays.
I tried a CTT subscription again for the last couple of years as a means of supporting a long-time entity, but then THIS year an auto-renewal kicked in at a much higher price. Seriously??? They're dropping the number of issues per year, and they want more $$$ from subscribers. No thank you. I called Zinio (the company that handles the digital subscriptions), and they immediately reversed the renewal charge... no questions asked. That was much appreciated.
I wish CTT well, but we're all living in a new world now.
|
|
|
|
Post by fanwoodguy on Dec 18, 2023 14:59:38 GMT
I just found out about this. I stopped subscribing years ago, needed an excuse to visit the LHS. The last time I purchased the magazine i was a bit put off by the thin content and 8.99 cover price. I wanted to read their editorial so off to the LHS, now 66 pages for 12.99. No thank you folks. I figure the advertisers will rethink their engagement given the reduced exposure to customers. This isn't circling the drain, they are flushing the magazine.
|
|
|
|
Post by curtis on Dec 18, 2023 18:21:40 GMT
Seems Like I am by myself again on a subject. I do get the magazine because I like it. I like holding it and reading it without scrolling. I can stop any time and restart whenever at the same spot without having to search for it. I do not need an electronic device to read it. I enjoy the content. I wish they would do a lot more modern but I get it, They are doing what their title says, CLASSIC. As for me it is worth the money. Gas use to be 28 cents in 1971. Do I expect to pay those prices today for everything? Better yet for those still working, can you live today on 1971 wages? Oh I did not forget us older guys either, can we, being retired live on 1971 retirement. The reason prices are what they are is simple. IT IS PART OF THE CIRCLE! Worker wants more, Company pays worker more, Company has to charge more due to EQUIPMENT, OVERHEAD and Product to manufacture product, so price is increased. Worker can't afford product so goes on strike for MORE WAGES, back to beginning of circle AGAIN!
Final result for me, I will continue my subscription as it is MY CHOICE. You can stop if you want, after all you most likely think the HOBBY IS DYING ANYHOW. Personally I do not see that either.
|
|
|
|
Post by rockymountaineer on Dec 18, 2023 19:01:51 GMT
Seems Like I am by myself again on a subject. I do get the magazine because I like it. I like holding it and reading it without scrolling. I can stop any time and restart whenever at the same spot without having to search for it. I do not need an electronic device to read it. I enjoy the content. I wish they would do a lot more modern but I get it, They are doing what their title says, CLASSIC. As for me it is worth the money. Gas use to be 28 cents in 1971. Do I expect to pay those prices today for everything? Better yet for those still working, can you live today on 1971 wages? Oh I did not forget us older guys either, can we, being retired live on 1971 retirement. The reason prices are what they are is simple. IT IS PART OF THE CIRCLE! Worker wants more, Company pays worker more, Company has to charge more due to EQUIPMENT, OVERHEAD and Product to manufacture product, so price is increased. Worker can't afford product so goes on strike for MORE WAGES, back to beginning of circle AGAIN! ... Curtis, you forgot the most important components in the equation: VALUE and RELEVANCY. We don't just pay more because company's put a higher price tag on products. Said products MUST still have value and relevancy to help buyers feel good about reaching for their wallets.
For me, CTT is failing miserably in both the value and relevancy department. Heck, in the efforts of being completely transparent, I'll even mention that almost 6 years ago THIS WEEK... when my Dunham Studio's layout was installed by a team of talented artisans the week before Christmas 2017, we had an article tee'd up for publishing in CTT. Sadly, it never happened.
Bottom line... we couldn't even get out of the starting gate, because one of the CTT editors demanded a certain type of photo. And we could never even agree on an overall theme for the article. It was a very frustrating experience, so a I canned the whole project after several correspondences, when I was reminded how many cover stories the magazine already had in the pipeline for publishing and my photos weren't what they were looking for. Oh well... life has moved on... and the sun has risen many days after those exchanges... as it will continue to rise many more days... with or without CTT.
As I said earlier, I wish CTT well. But the world has changed.
|
|
|
|
Post by josef on Dec 18, 2023 21:05:36 GMT
Of the magazines I still subscribe to are Historical of aviation and of western history. I forgot I still subscribe to the SAG paper even though I let my SAG dues die off and my last gig was in October and my agent passed away last year.
As to my interest in Model Railroading, I probable get more info and sharing here then out of the magazines. Most magazine give little in way of honest reviews of products, the good and the bad and have come to rely more so here on OGF on these. Even those that review products on YouTube only give rave reviews.
The same for scenery ideas, track work, or just seeing individual layouts, I get more enjoyment here then out of a magazine.
As to the other magazines out there, Model Railroad for one, seems to concentrate more on HO and N then any other scales so it is a waste of my money to subscribe.
|
|
|
|
Post by firewood on Dec 18, 2023 22:21:12 GMT
My wife and I went to the bookstore yesterday (the one remaining large name store). We keep hearing about the death of paper print magazines, but I must say that to my surprise the magazine section, which is fairly large, was full of options. Of course, the magazines on offer were things that I didn't care about. A lot of fashion, cooking (nothing on eating which I am good at), other hobbies (knitting, woodworking, etc.), electronics, cars, lifestyle, teens and many more. The model train section continues to shrink. Nothing available on the Ham Radio hobby. I wonder if the print magazines are not so much shrinking but changing. The continued shrinking of the model train offerings might mean that certain topics are getting fewer customers, so they go the way of the dinosaur while others continue to sell well enough to be offered. True, that - IMHO. It seems the niche hobbies are disappearing from the print medium. Whatever has mass market appeal is still seen on the magazine racks, and also those "special edition" magazine one-offs like a documentary in print. I can only see that area of the print market shrinking too. Dave
|
|
|
|
Post by dlagrua on Dec 18, 2023 22:50:58 GMT
A while ago Mr Carp saw pictures on my layout online and said that he would consider a magazine article about the layout. I must have sent him 30 photos that I thought were very good and NONE were to his liking. Ok so now let him take his own pictures and post them on his wall. CTT does nothing for me, so why should I subscribe or do anything for them? Do they do anything for you?
|
|
|
|
Post by Bill on Dec 19, 2023 1:07:03 GMT
A while ago Mr Carp saw pictures on my layout online and said that he would consider a magazine article about the layout. I must have sent him 30 photos that I thought were very good and NONE were to his liking. Ok so now let him take his own pictures and post them on his wall. CTT does nothing for me, so why should I subscribe or do anything for them? Do they do anything for you? Hey - share it here on my website. We have more viewers also - a few hundred thousand in over 200 countries! Pick 4 you like to represent your layout, and send them in. (the website is in my signature below) I'll feature it on the "My Village" page. Check it out - you'll be in good company! Bill
|
|
|
|
Post by curtis on Dec 19, 2023 3:41:06 GMT
Like I said I am lone guy out. For me there is VALUE and RELEVANCY. Each to his own. We still have that freedom. I like their articles and enjoy the value (as I stated earlier I can not expect 2023 articles at the 1971 value. If you are unhappy you do not have to subscribe. I just find it boring hearing people complain about something and then after a while it comes out that they kinda have a grudge because something didn't happen or work out for them. Hey Life goes on. I don't have the time to complain about spilled milk. I can't put it back in the glass and I would rather move on. A certain forum and magazine kicked me off and canceled my subscription which I had just renewed for 2 years. Is it worth complaining about? I really don't think so. It takes the HAPPY out of trains for me to get fumed up about it. Everyone has a choice. Your glass is either half full or half empty. How you look at is your choice. If every one enjoyed the same thing and only did the same thing it would be a very boring world. GMC or Ford NOPE YOU MUST BUY ELECTRIC! We all need choices as not the same thing makes us all happy. I understand your views and respect them as yours. Just don't say we as I may not have the same views as you. I run my railroad. No Name, No certain railroad only, I can run them or operate them as a real railroad, by myself or with others, all NS or a mix of every railroad out there, collector, operator or just running them. The choice is mine and mine alone. Some like toy like layouts some like super detailed layouts. I am all in for any layout. It is all about the trains. I had Lionel as a kid and honestly can not tell yo what engines or sets we had. I just know I love trains. I love magazines that have articles that I enjoy and that is why I like CTT regardless of price or number of issues. I drink a bottle or can of 7Up that I pay $2.00 for out of a machine and it last 2 minutes. Potato chips are super high priced for what you get when you look at the by the pound rate. CTT for me last a long while and has articles that I personally enjoy. I don't disrespect or object to anyone who doesn't feel the same way. Yes it is expensive but so is that soda and bag of chips. For me it is enjoyable. Do I value YOUR opinions? Of course I do. It is how we all see differently that helps make everything including this forum so much fun and so interesting.
|
|
|
|
Post by Traindiesel! on Dec 19, 2023 5:14:41 GMT
Like I said I am lone guy out. For me there is VALUE and RELEVANCY. Each to his own. We still have that freedom. I like their articles and enjoy the value (as I stated earlier I can not expect 2023 articles at the 1971 value. If you are unhappy you do not have to subscribe. I just find it boring hearing people complain about something and then after a while it comes out that they kinda have a grudge because something didn't happen or work out for them. Hey Life goes on. I don't have the time to complain about spilled milk. I can't put it back in the glass and I would rather move on. A certain forum and magazine kicked me off and canceled my subscription which I had just renewed for 2 years. Is it worth complaining about? I really don't think so. It takes the HAPPY out of trains for me to get fumed up about it. Everyone has a choice. Your glass is either half full or half empty. How you look at is your choice. If every one enjoyed the same thing and only did the same thing it would be a very boring world. GMC or Ford NOPE YOU MUST BUY ELECTRIC! We all need choices as not the same thing makes us all happy. I understand your views and respect them as yours. Just don't say we as I may not have the same views as you. I run my railroad. No Name, No certain railroad only, I can run them or operate them as a real railroad, by myself or with others, all NS or a mix of every railroad out there, collector, operator or just running them. The choice is mine and mine alone. Some like toy like layouts some like super detailed layouts. I am all in for any layout. It is all about the trains. I had Lionel as a kid and honestly can not tell yo what engines or sets we had. I just know I love trains. I love magazines that have articles that I enjoy and that is why I like CTT regardless of price or number of issues. I drink a bottle or can of 7Up that I pay $2.00 for out of a machine and it last 2 minutes. Potato chips are super high priced for what you get when you look at the by the pound rate. CTT for me last a long while and has articles that I personally enjoy. I don't disrespect or object to anyone who doesn't feel the same way. Yes it is expensive but so is that soda and bag of chips. For me it is enjoyable. Do I value YOUR opinions? Of course I do. It is how we all see differently that helps make everything including this forum so much fun and so interesting. 
How do you feel about Tastykakes?
|
|
|
|
Post by rockymountaineer on Dec 19, 2023 6:13:26 GMT
Like I said I am lone guy out. … I just find it boring hearing people complain about something and then after a while it comes out that they kinda have a grudge because something didn't happen or work out for them. Hey Life goes on. I don't have the time to complain about spilled milk. I can't put it back in the glass and I would rather move on. ... Curtis, to be clear… you’ve perhaps misunderstood my comments. I mentioned the frustration dealing with CTT as a point of transparency — not a grudge. I could care less about my layout not being featured in CTT, because the magazine is no longer relevant to the hobby as a whole. I can share my enjoyment of toy trains on social media platforms that have a much farther reach than print media these days. Print media “needs” us and sponsors MUCH MORE than we need print media. Welcome to 2023. As I said… I wish CTT all the best. They just don’t seem relevant in 2023 — nor have they been for quite a few years now IMHO. And it’s OK that we see things differently. Bottom line: this thread wasn’t started to “complain”. I actually hate that word. It started because CTT has decided to go to 4 issues per year. And in my recent experience, an auto-renewal rate was higher than prior subscription rates. So the decision to cancel was a “no-brainer” as they say. |
|
