Subscriber-only content

[Chris Ireland]

Hello all, I'm sure this post is not adequately answerable, but here goes....

I can see the business reasons behind the 'subscriber-only content' on this site as obviously the magazine needs to have a handle on income and subscriptions are a way of ensuring a predictable income stream. Also, it is a 'reward' for those people who do subscribe. However there are two points I would like to throw into the pot....

1. In many instances, and in many different hobby forums, the fact that the availability of internet purchases are driving hobby shops out of business is constantly mentioned as people use the expert advice available in hobby shops (contest this if you like, but people do ask questions in hobby shops and must therefore regard them as centres of expertise) in deciding what they want to buy and then go and purchase from the internet.

2. We bemoan the fact that the local newsagents/shops are disappearing when it is ourselves who do not support them with purchases... such as for RCM&E.

I personally have, so far, made all of my RCM&E purchases in hobby shops and like also to spread my hardware purchases around the 4 or 5 shops which are within easy travelling distance. Yes, I know that I am lucky to have so many close at hand. I undoubtedly spend more in petrol getting to and from these shops than I would do if I made internet purchases and I certainly don't benefit from the discounts on subscriptions and obviously don't have a clue what is in the 'subscriber-only content' section of this forum. 

Magazine subscriptions are a great way of ensuring continuity of delivery, discount (usually, on purchase price) and availability of 'extra' information, but given the above, can also be another small reason why specialist shops are having a hard time in today's marketplace.

There you go, I've said my bit, probably more of a 'devil's advocate' than a complainer as I know I'll be able to see the 'subscriber-only content' if I take out a subscription which, for the reasons above, I do not currently chose to do..... Over to you.....

[David Ashby - Moderator]

Hi Chris, thanks for your thoughts, it's an area covered off in some previous posts/complaints/suggestions, there's one here so perhaps I can quote this?

 

Subscriptions have been around for years and if anything I feel the internet and other media are the culprits if small newsagents are feeling the pinch through falling magzine sales.

[Chris Ireland]

Hi David,

I did scour the forum with several searches for subscriber and subscription related posts before I let off on this one but didn't manage to turn up the thread you kindly provided the link to. I obviously need to go back to 'diligent search school' for some more lessons.....

There is merit on both sides of the argument and I stand by my comments whilst realising the validity of the others, except the more emotional ones... but what is life and discussion without a bit of emotion ?

If the truth is known, I probably will subscribe sometime in the future but just lately the freebie incentives have not taken my fancy enough to push me in that direction. Ok, you're going to ask me "What incentive would you like to see?", sorry, don't bother, I don't know... but I will when I see it... not much help really.

Heaven only know how long it will take me to trawl the breadth and depth of the site so I'm sure I won't be missing out on the locked and eventually unlocked content anyway.

Thanks for the reply and I, for one, now consider this topic closed.... until the next newbie chirps up....