There is a continuing thread drift to this sort of stuff so here's a place to do it. This might be a hornet's nest that I'm kicking over, but fire away; I'll do my best to answer anything (no guarantees). Be aware though that...
Most questions can be probably be answered with: 'I can only print what people send me and I only have 19 pages to do it.'
and you might get directed back here.
Love,
Ed.
About THE NEWS I would like to say...
about 'Branchlines':
a) I am sure it is a popular feature with a lot of people, and if the majority of readers want it preserved, I think they should have their way;
b) I don't read it anymore, and would prefer the space be devoted to articles.
about contributions in general: I've been an armchair modeler for a long time but ground has been broken on my layout and I promise to chip in with something in 2019.
and about the editor: my parents used to edit a very different newsletter with, I should judge, about the same burden. Well done Chris, and I hope you don't find it thankless.
t
OH! I intended to add the suggestion that each Local Group have a 'Branchline' thread in this forum! Sorry!
Just read the Merseyside & South West Lancs Group thread and it will tell you about its meetings and what is going on.
We started the meetings in March and have had four meetings to date (next meeting this coming Saturday).
Our last meeting in September brought along 24 modellers (visitors).
If you get the message out, people will respond and other groups could do it !!
Stan.
Branchlines: several people have said to me 'it's a waste of space. An equal amount have said they love it. If I expanded it (sometimes it's a real squish) I'd get lynched. If I reduced it, I'd get lynched. It's here to stay in its current form for the foreseeable future. I have largely trimmed all the 'thanks to Mable for the tea and cakes' lines and most contributors have stopped putting them in. In these days of bulk emails it is slightly outdated, but until such time as I get no reports come in, it stays firmly where it is.
I've got a 50:50 chance that I've posted this in the right place - and I probably haven't knowing my luck!
Re: Branchlines
Whilst giving the area groups a platform here (and maybe even on the main Society website?) would be an improvement - might even give the lift in membership/usage that this forum could do with - the problem for me is that in some quarters the aim seems to be to remove Branchlines from the news and make it an online only experience. That would mean those members who for whatever reason (lack of skill, lack of resources...) are not able to access the interweb thingy would be effectively excluded from the Society, and that can't be a good thing.
Something that some of the other model railway societies (3mm Scale Society, 2 mm Scale Association, NGRS all of which I am a member of) do is produce a (glossy full colour) magazine with the articles about layouts, the latest model build, trade review, etc. which is sent out alongside a (black & white photocopy, in the NGRS case electronic PDF) news letter that contains things like Branchlines, diary of events, committee reports, etc. Perhaps going over to this kind of format for our own magazine might be considered as it would allow more space to be generated cheaply (Matt black & white printing as opposed to full glossy colour) that could be used to improve communication between members (including with and from those on the committee?) and with shifting things like Branchlines free up space on the full colour glossy pages for things deserving of the quality (Mick's photo reports or a postcard from Mrs Trellis for example).
The drawbacks would be that printing costs would go up (though doing photocopy news sheet shouldn't break the bank) and stuffing the envelopes gets more awkward I can't imagine postage costs would go up with a few extra pages (though it might). It would also involve more work for the editor - though perhaps a sub-editor could be appointed to do the news sheet - and that the already limited stock of articles would be used up more rapidly filling the pages vacated by Branchlines etc. though one could not print those pages and reduce costs that way, or perhaps have a monthly newsletter alongside a less frequent magazine (though one of the 'selling points' of the 009 Society is the monthly glossy mag...).
I was going to make the same point as Julien. A separate lower cost news-sheet could carry the Branchlines pieces, plus a message from the Chairman, Committee reports, members' sales updates, exhibition news, etc.
The advantage is lower cost and possibly shorter deadlines, whilst keeping the News for articles that require the higher quality of presentation we know and love.
Frank
Most of the other society mags are bi-monthly or quarterly. If memory serves some of the 'newssheets' have a more frequent posting. This seem pointless for us with a month turnaround. The cost is/would be negligible, but by the same token, if I was THAT short of space I could wind another four pages into the news for not a lot extra. It's not a space thing, it's more about what people want. Some are online, some aren't. Some like it, some don't. I'm walking down the middle with it all.
I have no plans to change it. My successor may. Or... if the groups DO decide to come onto here, which I certainly have no problem with, then the question answers itself. Until that happens and I don't get 500 words a month from Angela - it stays.
I generally like the Newsletter format except for one niggle !
Sometimes the photos are small and of poor quality and for me a waste of time.
Would it be possible to only print the better ones and have them a tad larger ?
Just a thought.
Stan.
Quote from: Tom Haythornthwaite on October 31, 2018, 15:00
OH! I intended to add the suggestion that each Local Group have a 'Branchline' thread in this forum! Sorry!
Seconded.
Love the mag as it is - a monthly treat. Except (there's always an 'except'!) could we not use the space taken up by full-page ads for local events better, and letters deserve (okay, that's up to the Editor to judge, I guess) a bit more prominence than squashed in at the tail end of Branchlines.
Am I correct in thinking that because of the way the printing is done Latimer Trend can run off an extra sheet or two as required at no extra cost?
David.
P.S. Love the new thread, too!
Personally I like Branchlines and it does give those in the areas news of what their local group are doing and may encourage them to join in with their local group.
Its also interesting to see what people have been up to.
As one of those who writes for their area I would be happy to add my monthly write ups on the forum if there was a suitable area.
It would be straight forward to do.
David, I rarely get letters, which was my reasoning for coming here in the first place. I thought they were all coming here to talk and not to the News (see my last editorial). In fact I did get a few people (3) saying they liked the letters in Branchlines. Most of the decision comes down to space and o/a balance in any given issue. If I get say one letter, I can't block out a whole page width for it, and as most would be sub 200 words, the B/L pages seem a natural fit. I've just had one from Paul Towers which is no more than a 100 words - an inch of column.
The full page ads are again an as required situation. Most are 1/4 page. What I hate is loads of white space and I try to avoid it by dropping a single photo in from the 'fillers' file. This coming issue there are two such fillers - one of the SDG's GVT locos and one of Harry Dawe's. That give a bit of a spot light to single items that get sent in that don't have a full article, but are still worth a look and may inspire.
Richard, start one. (see Stan above.)
One FINAL thought on Branchlines is that 'we' don't forget those who are not online for whatever reason. Shifting the whole thing here excludes and does not include. Branch lines is a flag wave for your group that tells people where you are and what you do and needs to hit the biggest number of members.
Quote from: Stan Williams on October 31, 2018, 17:27
I generally like the Newsletter format except for one niggle !
Sometimes the photos are small and of poor quality and for me a waste of time.
Would it be possible to only print the better ones and have them a tad larger ?
Just a thought.
Stan.
You may have noticed that during my holding of the editorial Pritt stick that the News is much more large photo driven, so yes it's going that way. The show reports have to be small otherwise they'd fill the whole mag! Again it's an individual decision with each issue and sometimes down to photo quality as well.
No objection to letters - if any - being on the same page as Branchlines, it's just that they can easily be missed if people don't read Branchlines anyway and they're not given some extra prominence. That would be a shame if people are requesting information or have something significant to impart.
David.
Any chance of a area group section on the forum rather than most things going into the general section?
Quote from: George Surridge on October 31, 2018, 17:49
Quote from: Tom Haythornthwaite on October 31, 2018, 15:00
OH! I intended to add the suggestion that each Local Group have a 'Branchline' thread in this forum! Sorry!
Seconded.
Thrirded.
See my reply in the other thread too before I spotted this one.
Chris - you mentioned the notion of a survey - why not ask how many readers actually want Branchlines in an editorial?
[/quote]
Chris - you mentioned the notion of a survey - why not ask how many readers actually want Branchlines in an editorial?
[/quote]
Did I mention a survey? Anyway no. It would cause less trouble if I asked about Briexit. One thing underlines it staying- people still want to send the reports in. They don't have to, it's not compulsory, but they do. There's still an appitite for it. As I said earlier. If people vote with their feet and stop sending things in and it drops down to less than a page, I'll review. Until that time...
Quote from: Chris Ford on October 31, 2018, 23:16
Chris - you mentioned the notion of a survey - why not ask how many readers actually want Branchlines in an editorial?
[/quote].... One thing underlines it staying- people still want to send the reports in. They don't have to, it's not compulsory, but they do. There's still an appitite for it. As I said earlier. If people vote with their feet and stop sending things in and it drops down to less than a page, I'll review. Until that time...
[/quote]
*
No, no, no.
Chris, what you offer is an illogical and unreasonable argument.
The justification for the inclusion of Branchline reports cannot and should not be that there are a small number of persons willing to write them. Against that should be considered the alternative view that these reports are a self-indulgent waste of space that the majority find of no interest.
Here and in the other thread there have been three suggestions as to what should happen to Branchlines.
[1] Removal to this forum.
[2] Publication in print on a separate cheaply produced supplement.
[3] Reduction in the NEWS to a simple statement of contact person and date of next meeting (as proposed above by Rod).
The time is long overdue for the adoption of one or more of these options - option [3] could go hand in hand with either [1] or [2].
The very least you can do as Editor is to stop inviting these reports.
Better still would be to have the courage to oversee an honest and reasonable period of experimentation - say at least a year - of not including the reports but going for option [3] above.
During that time it might be hoped that those who currently spend their time writing unwelcome and unnecessary reports will instead send you something on actual modelling. In other words that the space currently wasted can be used for material that is potentially of interest and value to all members of the Society.
At the end of the experiment it would then be fair to assess the way forward.
*****
There is also the recurring matter of repetitious overkill. I cite one recent case - but that have in the past been other examples of the same thing.
In the October 2018 issue there is mention of the Norfolk and Suffolk Narrow Gauge Modellers exhibition held on 13 October.
(i) A full page ad on page 11.
(ii) An entry in the Diary section on page 21.
(iii) Reference in the Branchline report on page 23.
CP
Name the 'majority'.
I know there is a small vocal anti B/L group, but you cannot possibly know the wishes and desires of 1,940 people. I have noticed this in the mere three days I've been in here, that there is a tendency for people to make sweeping assumptions about numbers to support an argument. I know full well that you would be the first to call out the maths on the 'will of the people' statements that are bandied about these days and yet...
I will add that CP is a long-standing and dear friend and we shout at each other all the time.
Quote from: Chris Ford on November 01, 2018, 01:51
Name the 'majority'.
I know there is a small vocal anti B/L group, but you cannot possibly know the wishes and desires of 1,940 people. I have noticed this in the mere three days I've been in here, that there is a tendency for people to make sweeping assumptions about numbers to support an argument. I know full well that you would be the first to call out the maths on the 'will of the people' statements that are bandied about these days and yet...
I will add that CP is a long-standing and dear friend and we shout at each other all the time.
*
The alternative argument might be that there is small vocal pro B/L group. At the current time can anyone say with any certainty what a majority view is?
It has been said that Society members who are not on line would be disadvantaged if Branchlines moved to this Forum.
Therefore the obvious way forward is three fold.
[1] Permit this discussion here to be repeated in print in the NEWS ("Letters to the Editor"). Allow it to run for a couple of months.
[2] Experiment for a year by replacing the reports with a simple statement of contact persons and date of next meeting.
[3] Then conduct a serious survey of all members as to what they would like done about Branchlines. The exact wording will need to be carefully agreed in advance.
If after such a process there was found to be a majority in favour of the current system that would be fair enough.
I will add that CF is a long-standing and dear friend and that we DO NOT shout at each other all the time. Rather we are very different people, with very different experiences, and different outlooks on life. Vive la difference.
CP
Perhaps there should be a questionaire sent out in a future issue of News with various questions regarding the Society and News including the Branchlines inclusion.
But how many of the 1940 members would actually fill them in and return?
It could be reviewed in time for AGM perhaps.
If Branchlines was removed would enough extra articles be sent in to fill the space or would two pages just be removed from News?
Quote from: Chris Ford on October 31, 2018, 16:41
Most of the other society mags are bi-monthly or quarterly. If memory serves some of the 'newssheets' have a more frequent posting. This seem pointless for us with a month turnaround. The cost is/would be negligible, but by the same token, if I was THAT short of space I could wind another four pages into the news for not a lot extra. It's not a space thing, it's more about what people want. Some are online, some aren't. Some like it, some don't. I'm walking down the middle with it all.
The old 'can't please all of the people all,of the time'!
Another thought about a monthly 'newssheet' that went out with a monthly 009 News is that the time sensitive stuff (date of the next group meeting, exhibitions, marmalade recipes...) could be on the sheet which could be disposed off once it is 'out of date' with the more interesting stuff in the (full colour) 009 News could be kept on the shelf for future reference.
At the end of the day though the most important thing for me is getting and reading the News, so please accept my thanks for doing the thankless editorial tasks, and my thanks also go out to the team of stuffers in the first stage of the distribution network.
Quote from: Chris Ford on October 31, 2018, 16:41
I have no plans to change it. My successor may. Or... if the groups DO decide to come onto here, which I certainly have no problem with, then the question answers itself. Until that happens and I don't get 500 words a month from Angela - it stays.
:D (that really did make me laugh out loud)
Can I just strongly emphasize a point that is occasionally made: not only is the News a means of communication but for some members it is a lifeline. As MemSec I get phone calls, letters in with the cheques, emails from members abroad. Many of these are from members who, by tone or content, indicate that they are on their own and that I may be the only person they've spoken to all week. In one sense the content of the News is almost irrelevant; that it exists is enough. That it contains articles on a hobby that they can no longer fully partake in is a godsend. Over a quarter (28%) of current members do not have email addresses on my file. This, or any other forum, is of no use to them.
For those of you who still buy a newspaper: do you read every article in it? I bet you don't.
I'm repeating myself here.
1. the Society IS its members and area groups.
2. the area groups have been with us almost since day one and are an important part (lifeline?) of the promotion and progression of the society.
3, the area group reports are an important flag wave for the group, a link for someone who may either be new to the society or has moved into the geographical area - I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't have been pulled into the Sussex Downs Group at a show, and then into the Society proper.
4. the group reports are a fundemental part of the News and unless I get told by the Directors to take the section out, it will remain.
Seperate newssheets are not in anyway a cost saving in fact it would be more work and an extra layer. If I need the space in the News I can generate it.
The 009 News is the newsletter of the society (the clue is in the title) if there is a part of it that doesn't interest you (does anyone read the blue info strip under Branchlines?) then turn the page to the bits that do.
Branchlines will stay.
Quote from: Chris Ford on November 01, 2018, 11:08
I'm repeating myself here.
1. the Society IS its members and area groups.
2. the area groups have been with us almost since day one and are an important part (lifeline?) of the promotion and progression of the society.
3, the area group reports are an important flag wave for the group, a link for someone who may either be new to the society or has moved into the geographical area.
4. the group reports are a fundemental part of the News and unless I get told by the Directors to take the section out, it will remain.
Seperate newssheets are not in anyway a cost saving in fact it would be more work and an extra layer. If I need the space in the News I can generate it.
The 009 News is the newsletter of the society (the clue is in the title) if there is a part of it that doesn't interest you (does anyone read the blue info strip under Branchlines?) then turn the page to the bits that do.
Branchlines will stay.
*
Once again - no, no, no. There is irrational argument here and it needs to be refuted. I will take each of the points made by Chris in order.
[1] Yes the Society is its members
Quote from: briane on November 01, 2018, 10:15
Can I just strongly emphasize a point that is occasionally made: not only is the News a means of communication but for some members it is a lifeline. ...................................................................etc (full posting deleted to avoid pointless duplication)
Brian,
Once again you have hit the nail squarely on the head. The voice of reason, thank you
Mick
I totally agree with the Editor that the Branchlines should stay.
Yes you can apply the red pen and cut out Aunt Nellies cakes, but some people appreciate all thats in the Newsletter.
I personnally have been contacted by guys who have seen an area group in Branchlines and they now come along on a regular basis and they do not
live that close.
We have members coming from Yorkshire, we have one from the Midlands and we have had one from the Peak District.
We meet in Rainford on Merseyside.
Chris, overall you are doing a very good job, keep it up.
Stan.
I thought there was one rule in journalism "The Editor's decision is final".
All of the society's I have belonged to over some 50 years have a News section and I cannot recall this being complained about.
Maybe posters who are against news could provide articles to cover the resultant space?
Posting in bold type doesn't re-enforce ones argument it is shouting!
Keep up the good work Chris-
Steve
https://dorsetrailwaymodelling.blogspot.com/
CPTo reply in the same vein you adopt:
Quote from: cp.409067 on November 01, 2018, 11:51
Quote from: Chris Ford on November 01, 2018, 11:08
I'm repeating myself here.
1. the Society IS its members and area groups.
2. the area groups have been with us almost since day one and are an important part (lifeline?) of the promotion and progression of the society.
3, the area group reports are an important flag wave for the group, a link for someone who may either be new to the society or has moved into the geographical area.
4. the group reports are a fundemental part of the News and unless I get told by the Directors to take the section out, it will remain.
Seperate newssheets are not in anyway a cost saving in fact it would be more work and an extra layer. If I need the space in the News I can generate it.
The 009 News is the newsletter of the society (the clue is in the title) if there is a part of it that doesn't interest you (does anyone read the blue info strip under Branchlines?) then turn the page to the bits that do.
Branchlines will stay.
*
Once again - no, no, no.
YES YES YES
There is irrational argument here and it needs to be refuted. I will take each of the points made by Chris in order.
[1] Yes the Society is its members
I don't belong to an area group but do read "Branchlines" when the fancy takes me. I see it as an interesting insight into the nitty gritty of the society.
I agree with the Hon Editor (and others) that it should remain and those who indulge in the bold font approach to pushing their personal views should consider that they still only have one vote.
Best regards
Tony
On a slightly different track what are forum members views on historical modelling articles in 009 News.
Obviously, I am interested in these having written the whole series about the Egger-bahn range starting in 2013 and previously covered the Roco locos some years ago now. But I stopped the Egger articles when I thought that interest was dwindling.
Did 009 News readers really want to know why Egger-Bahn produced a van advertising a mineral water company, or another with an Austrian dairy
I think one a month would get a few moans, but the occasional look back is nice for the balance and gets the Editor's vote. On the same tack; considering the amount of non British RTR out there from Bemo etc, I get virtually no German/French/Austrian articles coming in.
Quote from: B.Meldon on November 02, 2018, 12:26
On a slightly different track what are forum members views on historical modelling articles in 009 News.
Obviously, I am interested in these having written the whole series about the Egger-bahn range starting in 2013 and previously covered the Roco locos some years ago now. But I stopped the Egger articles when I thought that interest was dwindling.
Did 009 News readers really want to know why Egger-Bahn produced a van advertising a mineral water company, or another with an Austrian dairy
FYI The Jouef article mentioned above is in two parts from the December issue and very good it is too. More please.
I'm ignoring the second point. Next!
*
It would appear some gentlemen are getting over concerned about the use of bold type. The real issue is the genuine difference of opinion about the desirability or not of the Branchlines reports taking up space in
Noted
Christopher,
I'm afraid that this is all getting a bit passionate and personal. I don't think it is necessary to lay down a massive tome that looks like the minutes of a tribunal with detailed evidence against the accused for suggesting something that you don't like.
I think this thread was started with the intention of seeking feedback to how people feel about 009 News in general and there has been some useful feedback noted as well as some healthy debate and indeed some strong opinions. It has also become quite clear that there are differing opinions about both the content of Branchlines and the fact that it exists at all. That is fine but it is Society policy to have this feature in the Society Newsletter, because that is what 009 News is primarily.
Chris is not an elected executive director with the power to make executive decisions on behalf of the membership, he is an appointed officer who does not have a vote on the Board (read the constitution and rules of the Society). His role is simply to print what is submitted to him by the members, with the obvious editorial licence to use the editorial blue pencil where required but he cannot decide on his own to remove a fixed feature of the publication. You may not be aware but even the front page masthead style is decided by an executive policy directive as is the typeface and housestyle of the publication overall.
If your feelings about having a membership survey are as strong as your posting suggests, then I can only suggest that instead of posting it here, you should approach the Chairman through the recognised way of submitting your proposal/request in writing either electronically by email or by letter through the Society Secretary and it will then be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors who will obviously be required to let you know their decision in due course.
This thread has been both informative, sometimes entertaining, generally friendly and very useful in my opinion. Before it gets too far out of hand and civil war, mass resignations and etc break out, can we please all remain as friends whose opinions may sometimes differ, but get back to the healthy discussion if there is more to be had.
One positive thing that has come out so far is that it appears that at long last you have discovered how to turn the very aggressive bold text off on your keyboard.
Peace, Goodwill and Harmony to All
Mick
Well that escalated...
I stand by my suggestion to consider other ways of publishing Branchlines. However, I know just how much a 'marmite' thing it is.
I always tried to publish or promote content that I thought was interesting to the membership. In no way are my comments a comment on Chris' work as I think he's doing a great job. Merely a way of promoting some discussion about the balance between printed and online content and the ability to flex some of the more frequently updated items to perhaps a more appropriate format - online versions of Branchlines would enable people to look back through them chronologically really easily for example.
Each to their own :)
!)The society newsletter existed for years without branchline reports despite the existence of local groups during that period.
2) Why not just publish a list of local groups with contact details,meets etc so that any member can see if there is a group in his/her area and can join if they want to .
Surely what is needed is a vote open to all members as to whether or not branchlines continues in its present format .
All this needs is a form to be sent out to all members (whether by post or in the case of overseas members on line ) The result then to be accepted by all members irrespective of the result or how few actually vote .
We've had the "approach the directors" before and despite some of us doing that we get no response, Mick (and Rod). Hence many of us post on here just to get out view heard.
Moving on...
I'm with Chris on the Branchlines discussion:
1. Unlike most of the rest of the News, Branchlines is of very little use (except for the contact details) as soon as it's published, who brought what to the meeting is very nice to those who were there but damn all use to the rest of us. Unlike articles and photos of exhibitions.
2. Publishing the reports online would allow (Angela!) more room for those who are interested in the trivia.
3. Not all the Groups are there so the argument that it allows new members to see where their local group is is false, the M5/M50 Group for instance hasn't published for a while yet i can assure you they are still going. A simple list of ALL groups with contact details/next meetings will cover that together with details of their next meeting.
4. If the person writing the Branchline for their group finds there is something of real interest to those outside their group then I'd suggest writing it as a separate article so it can be included in the News (with suitable plugging of where it came from). That way Chris gets even more useful stuff to publish and the Group can show local non-members that it's worth going to the meets!
Moving on (again)...
Why is there such a negative response from those in charge to the idea of a survey? I'd have thought that if the Directors really want to know hwo the Membership feel and thus the way the Membership wishes the Society to proceed in the future that's probably the only way to get the views of most of the membership.
Yes I know it'll involve some work and careful wording but I'm sure the Society could afford to consult someone about that side of things if they genuinely want to take things forward.
At the moment it seems that "the only way" to get ideas to those in charge is via a "letter" to the Directors - to those who think that way I'd say:
1. This is a Society, not a limited company and it's the Membership who rule, not the Management.
2. Things have moved on since the 70s when we were set up, there are now many ways we can converse, the Society needs to move with the times!
Third and last(!) subject to be discussed from me (I've done three posts so those who insist on quoting a post and not pruning only have to quote a small amount!)...
Can we Please, Please, Please, have the option of an electronic version of the News. You'd have thought that in these days of trying to save everything from trees to whales and the modern ways of communications we'd have had at least the option to choose to receive it that way!
Blair, The electronic News question raises it's head monthly. Not my department. Technically it IS a digital document as that is how it is generated before it goes to paper. There are negative costings to consider as I'm sure you will recognise, as the more copies are printed, the cost stays down: and the reverse. Might be worth raising this at the AGM, though I suspect that will be the answer.
BTW the 009 Society is a limited company. See p23 of the News. This was done to prevent the membership losing if there was a litigation case against us. One or two other societies have also done this, I assume for similar reasons; the Gauge O Guild comes to mind. Hence the committee are now Directors and have to jump through the legal hoops to qualify for this in legal terms.
Quote from: Chris Ford on November 03, 2018, 10:16
Blair, The electronic News question raises it's head monthly. Not my department. Technically it IS a digital document as that is how it is generated before it goes to paper. There are negative costings to consider as I'm sure you will recognise, as the more copies are printed, the cost stays down: and the reverse. Might be worth raising this at the AGM, though I suspect that will be the answer.
BTW the 009 Society is a limited company. See p24 of the News.
Thanks, Chris, but as it was a discussion
about the News I felt it was appropriate to raise it. Especially in today's environment when we are supposed to be saving the World! ;)
I have replied to the latter on the other thread as looking at it again it's thread drift on here as it's not about the News but the Society.
http://www.009society.com/forum/index.php?topic=3508.msg26347#msg26347
Here are a few stats provided by Mem Sec in the last couple of days which may or may not have a bearing in this particular matter, but are worth considering.
Members as of this week 1,940
Members with no online ability (assumed from given membership details) 28% of total.
Members registered on the forum about 20% but not necessarily reading it or posting.
So in a nutshell 4/5+ don't read the forum and over a 1/4 can't receive the News electronically for whatever reason. And that's not taking into account people like me for example who could get a pdf, but want to get away from the bloody screen for 10 minutes and read something off the paper.
Chris please note the word in my first post: "option". What I asked for is an electronic version for those of us who want it! I was not suggesting everyone should get it regardless, I appreciate that would not work. Those who want paper can stay that way if they want to but give us the option of reducing the paper trail if we want to.
I wasn't even suggesting a reduction in membership fees to reflect the reduction in cost to the Society as i know this has been used as an excuse in the past not to offer it, just the option of getting it by email (or via the Website).
Lots of I want, I want but surprisingly no offers to produce what they want!
Back up what you want with offers of help then you might get somewhere.
The Hon. Editor's new thread certainly seems to be generating plenty of traffic!
The problems with any survey (referendum?) are firstly deciding on the question (should B/L be retained as they are / just be contact and future meeting details / abolished altogether?) and then deciding what to do with the result (a simple majority of voters / a majority of members / a two-thirds majority?)
Just settling those issues should fill another few pages of the forum at least...
David.
David
I suggested a simple vote i.e. if a majority of one then that is the result .If only 25% of membership votes then so be it -if 75% are not interested enough to vote then they have to accept the result.
I do not see why the omission of branchlines would affect the society at all ,as any given report can only be of interest to those members of that particular group who were not present -those who were there know what happened .
I feel that the space taken up could be better used showing things that are of interest to ALL members .
Alan
Quote from: clayliner on November 03, 2018, 21:47
The Hon. Editor's new thread certainly seems to be generating plenty of traffic!
The problems with any survey (referendum?) are firstly deciding on the question (should B/L be retained as they are / just be contact and future meeting details / abolished altogether?) and then deciding what to do with the result (a simple majority of voters / a majority of members / a two-thirds majority?)
Just settling those issues should fill another few pages of the forum at least...
David.
Surely if the aim for those proposing the removal of Branchlines is to create more space for something more interesting then it would be counterproductive to publish letters in the News debating whether to keep it?
Danny the suggestion have been made on this forum in the context of the news contents , not (i dont think ) letters to the news .
As has been said ,in the past , branchlines is like Marmite .
To be quite honest we are getting onto dangerous ground. IF B/L were to be removed, what next, the masthead and blue info strip - surely no one reads those - the editorial, anything non British - thank God we don't have too many black members as surely they would be the first to be excluded from pictures at this rate as they are the 'minority'? If the News content is to be put together by pressure groups and mob rule, rather than a balanced content designed to appeal to the greatest number without out any bias toward any particular sub-interest, then quite frankly I'll be giving a month's notice and will gladly return to some writing and modelling.
Replace 'Branchlines' with 'Europe' and just consider what you are all saying. I asked for some sensible questions in order to gain some sensible feedback and all I've got is selfish, bigoted comment and what amounts to the raising of a lynch mob. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
This thread is now closed as far as I'm concerned. If you have any further remarks about the NEWS please make them through the usual Society channels.
Chris.
Chris, I feel you've over-reacted somewhat. I see several views being expressed and reasoning behind those views. I don't see mob rule, we can't have that anyhow because you are the one who makes the decision on contents.
If B/L is to stay I would suggest one improvement over the current set-up, and that is to include contact details of those groups who don't submit a report, if that means a reduction from 250 to 200 words for those who do then so be it. The News gets to everyone and therefore details of every group should take preference over details of meetings I'd have thought?
Just something for you to think about if you take time to read it, I hope you do!
Quote from: Chris Ford on October 31, 2018, 14:05
There is a continuing thread drift to this sort of stuff so here's a place to do it. This might be a hornet's nest that I'm kicking over, but fire away; I'll do my best to answer anything (no guarantees). Be aware though that...
Most questions can be probably be answered with: 'I can only print what people send me and I only have 19 pages to do it.'
Love,
Ed.
Hey, let's all try to calm down everyone and resume friendly debate - if there is any more debate to be done. I would respectively remind everyone that just 5 days ago (and 4 pages, which must be a record for this usually very quiet forum!) Chris posted the above, and unfortunately did indeed kick over a hornets nest particularly regarding Branchlines!
The original idea if I have it right is that Chris had noticed on his first visit to the forum how moribund it has been and decided to comment as such in his editorial in The News, followed by launching basically a request on here for feedback and suggestions about the forum, which rapidly morphed into comments about The News, followed by debate, followed by lines being drawn up, followed by hackles being raised etc etc etc about first of all 009 News and then focusing mainly on feelings about Branchlines reports, followed by placards being prepared for mass demonstrations outside 009 Towers where the Directors have probably locked themselves in the Panic Room that was constructed behind the executive bog for precisely this sort of contingency.
We now have what amounts to demands for a membership survey. OK fine - then ask for one or even better, do one (take that phrase how you like) , but here is the place to express opinion not to formally launch the proposal. Some have expressed opinion that it is futile contacting the "Board" through the "accepted and proper way" ie letter or email to Secretary - again fine expressing that opinion if you have evidence to support this, but here is not the place to actually get that issue resolved and it is grossly unfair to put blame for all the perceived ills of how the Society goes about its business on somebody who is simply trying to do his co-opted job.
I've stuck my head over the parapet before and stated that the Editor of 009 News is a job holder and does not have executive powers or a vote on the boardroom table. If those who feel strongly enough about Branchlines to demand a membership survey about it, then that is your right, but do it properly - even better, create the survey and then put it forward to the Board/Committee call it what you like, and even more better, put your own name forward as a volunteer for administering and managing this survey.
In other words, please direct hatemail to the proper place and also: "put up or shut up" as they say, if you feel that a survey is essential, then go ahead, volunteer to do it and organise it, being mindful of the rules of the Society. I am merely a member myself just like nearly everyone else and am simply using my right to express my own opinion here on the way this has developed.
I apologise if I have myself fallen into the trap of passionate outburst etc but I do feel that this has got way out of hand and is indeed in danger of having breakdowns of diplomatic and normally friendly relations.
Mick
The Merseyside Group had a meeting yesterday and we had 27 coming along from various parts of the Uk.
Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire, West Midlands, Cheshire, Greater manchester, Wirral, Merseyside.
Some of these generated from reading Branchlines and the Forums.
Some of us also decided that the report that will be going to Chris (Editor) to go into the News will include photos and I certainly hope he includes them.
If it comes to having a vote, we will do everything in our powers to make sure some of you guys are well and truely outvoted on the subject.
Stan.
Quote from: MickT on November 04, 2018, 11:23
We now have what amounts to demands for a membership survey.
No we haven't, Mick, I will not have our debate changed into that. In several of Chris's recent editorials he has asked for views, the latest one has certainly got that! What we have
suggested is that a survey may be the best way to find out the views of the Membership, at no point has it been a "demand".
Whether it is taken forward is up to the Board, they have asked and some of us have taken the time and effort to respond. Some people have rightly pointed out that our views are our own and may not represent the wishes of the Membership. I (and I assume the others) completely agree with that and is why we suggested the survey so as to find out what the membership actually felt.
I also said that I, and i believe most of the people in the Society are not qualified to construct a meaningful Questionnaire/Survey that will show the Society the way it's Members want it to go. To make that work you need a professional to ensure the wording produces a meaningful result. Unless we have one in the Society (?) it would be a good idea to get one in if we can afford it.
Whilst, as I've said before, I haven't the time to put myself forward for the Board i would be quite happy to join a working party to develop a Survey, as i am sure many others will be.
Chris asked for a response, he, and the Board have got it, we shall wait and see if it's taken forward.
Please don't tell me to "put it through the right channels", I've done that before and it didn't work, I heard nothing back, these two threads have made the Board fully aware of some of the member's feelings, that should be enough if they think it's worthwhile.
Quote from: Hobby on November 04, 2018, 14:01
Quote from: MickT on November 04, 2018, 11:23
We now have what amounts to demands for a membership survey.
No we haven't, Mick, I will not have our debate changed into that. In several of Chris's recent editorials he has asked for views, the latest one has certainly got that! What we have suggested is that a survey may be the best way to find out the views of the Membership, at no point has it been a "demand".
Oh dear, Blair you may not have made a "demand" but read through the postings that have been made, some certainly have done.
Regarding your 2nd paragraph - "Whether it is taken forward is up to the Board, they have asked and some of us have taken the time and effort to respond" - I don't know where you are coming from on this one. If you are referring to Chris's original posting, I will repeat - he is NOT a member of the Board! Nobody on the Board who posts here has asked for feedback or views, in fact quite the reverse.
Thanks for that, Mick, I hadn't read them that way, though no doubt someone will show me (please doon't bother!)..
OK, the Board didn't ask for feedback but Chris has with some of his editorials, at least that's the way I and others have read them! Written to provoke debate would be the way I'd describe them! Whether or not the Board were involved is a mute point, the box has been opened and they now have something to discuss at their next meeting, if they wish to...
As I hope people realise, my recent comments on the problems any survey might pose were in no way a call for one - quite the opposite, really (as my reference to a 'referendum' should have made clear!)
I confess it's surprised me how passionate some people clearly feel about Branchlines - though entirely their right, I hasten to add. While I personally might think this forum (the Society forum) might be a good place to share news of what Groups have been up to, I'm certainly not going to promise to lie down in front of the bulldozers should the current situation change.
David.
One of the problems with any society is that you can please some of the people etc. My experience of 'surveys' in club/societies is they rarely resolve problems and often they highlight more.
Mac
That's probably more how they are put together. Hence my comment about getting outside help if they decide to do one. Otherwise the survey will be weighted towards the leanings of the person writing it, something to be avoided at all costs!
Coming late to this topic, just wanted to throw in another perspective on Branchlines:
It's of practically zero interest to me, as my nearest branch meets a four+hour round-trip away, and I don't have the resources to get involved. That said, as Chris has repeatedly said, this is the _*News*_ and that's exactly what Branchlines is: it's news about what the area groups and their members are up to. Fundamentally, I see the rest of the magazine as existing to support Branchlines (and the Sales reports and other regulars). I *know* reports like this are of interest not just to members of the local group concerned, but also, perhaps moreso, to members of nearby local groups who may be occasional visitors, know their neighbouring members, and want to know what they're up to. So you could take it away, and I, and obviously many others, wouldn't miss it. But why do that to the people who would?
I haven't visited the forum for a few days (as Mick says it is usually a fairly quiet place), and just look what you've been up to! For what it's worth my thoughts are that Branchlines should stay but trimming away the excess cake and coffee. Items brought along to meetings...if it,s worth mentioning then it might be worth photographing and sending in to the news, I'm sure Chris won't mind and perhaps these photo's could go into or expand the "one photo updates". Finally future meeting dates, contacts and venues, that's all good stuff too, and maybe list groups who are not as attached to the keyboard so new members can see if there's a group near to them however moribund (a new member might just re-invigorate them).
Just my thoughts....now get back to the modelling.
John Bruce No7, former TLO.
Sorry S.Arrowsmith cant let you get away with that , the news most definitely does NOT exist to support Branchlines .This is cart before the horse .The News is there for ALL members to keep them aware of what is going on (although see John Bruces post -less relevant now for new items ) .
In the past it included many construction topics whether rolling stock or layouts ,exhibition details etc etc.
Whatever your feelings for or against branchlines it came long after the News was in existence ,
Alan you have an opportunity, form a group in Greece or write your piece to let people know what you are doing.
Branchlines is ideal.
Just get on with it.
Stan.
That is your opinion Stan but not of a lot of other people .
My last post was not advocating either way about branchlines ,merely pointing out that the News is NOT there as a back up for Branchlines .
Not intending to open Pandora's Box and kick the hornets nest over again now that this topic has gone quiet, but it seems to be the most suitable place to post anything about 009 News on this forum as after all it is titled "Questions about THE NEWS" !
I am wondering if there is a problem with distribution this month? Normally I get my copy in the Saturday delivery either the 3rd or 4th week in November but when the December issue hadn't arrived by Monday last week, which is usually the latest in the month when it arrives, ie 1st post delivery on the last week of the month, mild concern set in. At Colehill last Saturday I asked around and discovered that nobody that I spoke to, from several different parts of the country had received their copies yet either.
So, worry about being "lost in the post" or "removed from the mailing list" was placated, but by the time we got to today, 3rd of December I had got a bit concerned as I can't remember in recent times when receipt of the new issue has been this late and gone over into the following month, so am wondering if there is or has been a problem? Any news about the News please?
Before anyone leaps on to soapboxes and starts another fatwah, I am not complaining, ranting, criticising or whingeing, just an innocent query trying to find out if there has been a problem, such as the suspension on Bill Luty's car broke taking 2000 copies of the News to the Post Office etc!
Mick
Ahhh, it's not just me who hasn't had their monthly fix!
I received the pdf version of the Dec issue via email yesterday, which roughly a week later than in past months.
Jeff S.
I don't think Bill is a member of this forum. We stuffed the envelopes on 22nd Nov. I would have thought the would have been delivered by now.
Quote from: MickT on December 03, 2018, 12:59
Not intending to open Pandora's Box and kick the hornets nest over again now that this topic has gone quiet, but it seems to be the most suitable place to post anything about 009 News on this forum as after all it is titled "Questions about THE NEWS" !
I am wondering if there is a problem with distribution this month? Normally I get my copy in the Saturday delivery either the 3rd or 4th week in November but when the December issue hadn't arrived by Monday last week, which is usually the latest in the month when it arrives, ie 1st post delivery on the last week of the month, mild concern set in. At Colehill last Saturday I asked around and discovered that nobody that I spoke to, from several different parts of the country had received their copies yet either.
So, worry about being "lost in the post" or "removed from the mailing list" was placated, but by the time we got to today, 3rd of December I had got a bit concerned as I can't remember in recent times when receipt of the new issue has been this late and gone over into the following month, so am wondering if there is or has been a problem? Any news about the News please?
Before anyone leaps on to soapboxes and starts another fatwah, I am not complaining, ranting, criticising or whingeing, just an innocent query trying to find out if there has been a problem, such as the suspension on Bill Luty's car broke taking 2000 copies of the News to the Post Office etc!
Mick
Haven't received mine in Northamptonshire yet either !?
Thanks for the update Stephen. That explains things as normally if there is a delay that is known about, "One of Our Agents in Leeds" usually manages to get a message passed to the movement in order to stand down the suicide watch at the Samaritans.
From another thread, it seems as if at least one member has received their copy so someone in Royal Mail has opened at least one of Bill's grey bags!
Yellow ribbons out on the tree by the front gate and mounting overnight guard to intercept the postman tomorrow then!
Mick
I saw Bill on the 24th November and he mentioned the News was going out on Monday 26th Nov.
Can only think there has been a hitch or Royal Mail have had a lot of mail to deliver.
Stan.
Not seen my copy of the news either (west sussex). I'm starting to get withdrawl symptoms, hands shaking, hot and cold sweats, anxiety. Or is that just a lack of alcohol?!? :-[
The reason Jeff S got his copy was that I sent out emails with a link to the PDF version to those offshore members who have opted for PDF only. Normally I send that email on the same day my paper copy drops through the letterbox but as it was being rather tardy in arriving I decided to wait no longer. Just for completeness of information, on Friday I also sent the December paper version to all new members who had signed up after the December labels were printed and sent to Bill.
Postie's been and gone and still no sign!
Echo the previous poster.
Looking at previous postings the problem seems to be with Royal Mail and a delay in processing rather than a lack of effort from Bill and the team.
Assuming that Royal Mail did collect them from Bill on the 26th Nov. then a week & a half seems a long time even for 2nd class post, but if I recall correctly the time limit for a posted item to be declared officially lost is six week (!) from whenever they were posted.
In the meantime I might have to re-read my November issue to keep the withdrawal at bay! :D
Thanks for the update Steve.
I am quite willing to sell copies of the online one !
Thanks, Mick for the nudge from the other thread and Bill and others for the info. It's probably to do with all these people sending pictures of robins, penguins and reindeer to each other! :)
Just to report an outbreak of happiness in North Birmingham as my December News has just been delivered by the postie!
My copy too has arrived. Many thanks to whomever sorted out whatever problem occurred.
Merry Xmas to all.
Me too ( west sussex) my copy arrived this morning just in time to enable me an excuse to not have to watch strictly dancing on ice whilst screeching out songs, or something like that. Cheers to who ever sorted it out. Paul.
Mine has arived as well, worth the wait.
Another happy bunny here as mine also arrived this morning. Thanks to Chris and the contributors for another good read.
I do love those muted colours on Tansy Bank - something to learn from.
Anyone interested in the Ali Shan diesels might like to take a look at the discussion on them here (in the Sales thread) a couple of months back.
That 'Cadfan' loco on p23 is a chunky looking beast, and I very much like Harry Dawe's 'Marchioness' at the bottom of the same page, looking resplendent in LBSCR livery (if I'm not mistaken!)
David.
P.S. Must do something about that Codocil to my will....
The News has even penetrated darkest Norfolk.
May I comment that the photos in this issue seem to me to be much better quality than is often the case,excellent.
Finally 're the Will advice...add a line saying " do not let my collection be sold for the amount I told SWMBO I spent on it".
Geo.
I'm still waiting for my copy of the news....
Received mine on the third, and thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Branchlines' ;D
Hat, coat,etc.
And less than two weeks later we get January's! Does this mean we are going twice monthly? ;D
Quote from: Hobby on December 21, 2018, 15:15
And less than two weeks later we get January's! Does this mean we are going twice monthly? ;D
Only if you are volunteering to be the new Editor and takeover the Packing Team Blair!
I also received my January issue today and congratulations to both Hon Ed Chris for getting it wrapped up (including the copious Branchlines submissions) promptly and away to the printers in good time, to Memsec BrianE for getting this month's mailing list labels from Hampshire to Yorkshire and to the VERY hard working Packing Team in Leeds for putting in a big effort to get the January issue sorted, enveloped, labelled and envelopes licked (by Garry?) whilst Bill Luty then put further strain on his car suspension in getting 2000 labelled and packed envelopes to the post office for distribution.
Also congratulations to Harry Dawe for achieving "Cover Photo" status - is Harry the youngest member to have gained this honour? (But use a colour film next time please Harry, this was the Christmas issue after all...............)
HOWEVER - who is going to claim the prize for spotting the unforgivable typo on page 23?
Clue: Malcolm is summoning the Clans and getting his claymore sharpened; and as soon as his kilt is back from the laundry after he read page 23 and dropped his morning deep fried Mars bar on the plaid, he will be leading the Hielan Charge on 009 Towers
I will say no more!
Mick
No chance, MrT!! ;)
Page 23? Eeeek! Branchlines!! Don't read that section!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
My news arrived today and I note David is standing down as Chairman next year.
So time for all you keyboard warriors to abandon the mouse mat and prepare to stand for the Chairmans position and put your ideas to the membership.
I look forward to reading your submissions in The News in due course. ;D ;D ;D ;D
John Bruce No7.
You don't have to be chairman to put forward ideas, John, we can do it other ways... I've done plenty of "jobs" in other societies in the past but don't have the time these days so i won't be taking up your suggestion...
Why don't you do it, eh?! ;) :)
Got my copy today; many thanks for featuring the Wigan FRM 2018 report!
Quote from: Hobby on December 21, 2018, 16:25
No chance, MrT!! ;)
Page 23? Eeeek! Branchlines!! Don't read that section!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
ERROR! Sorry, the typo is on Page 21 - top of the page.
Especially enjoyed Bob Telford's article - some nice imagineering.
David.
Quote from: MickT on December 21, 2018, 15:45
HOWEVER - who is going to claim the prize for spotting the unforgivable typo on page 23?
Clue: Malcolm is summoning the Clans and getting his claymore sharpened; and as soon as his kilt is back from the laundry after he read page 23 and dropped his morning deep fried Mars bar on the plaid, he will be leading the Hielan Charge on 009 Towers
I will say no more!
Mick
Quote from: MickT on December 22, 2018, 02:05
ERROR! Sorry, the typo is on Page 21 - top of the page.
Well my kilt is back from the laundry and my copy of the News has arrived and I duly turned to pages 21 and 23 where I note on p21 P D Hancock's name has been mis-spelt with an extra 'd'. Hopefully this is a minor one off typo as I have checked the Bachmann press release and Hancock appears to be correctly spelt therein however I could not enlarge the photo sufficiently to confirm that Hancock is correctly spelt on the award. For peace of mind perhaps Rod or someone who has seen the award at close quarters can confirm HANCOCK is spelt correctly.
In the 1950's and for many years thereafter many of us obtained our model railway magazines by placing an order at our local model shop or newsagent. And so it was with PD and as the covers of some of his collection of magazines confirms his local newsagent could never quite settle on whether he was Hancock or Handcock. I wonder how many times he complained?
Malcolm
I can happily confirm that Philip's surname is spelt correctly on the trophy; 'Hancock'.
Quote from: rod335 on December 22, 2018, 20:50
I can happily confirm that Philip's surname is spelt correctly on the trophy; 'Hancock'.
That's a relief! Thanks for the info Rod, I hesitate to think the effect this may have had on the CAMAGIANS if it was more than simply a young Mr Ford proof reading glitch!
As the caption to the photo states that there will be full details in the next 009 News, is there a possibility that this could include a photo of the trophy please? I know that those in our own little "club" would like to see it and also a good slice of the membership.
Best wishes for a pleasant Christmas. I'll get in touch with you ref ongoing matters after the turkey sandwiches have digested but before Ilton.
Mick
Quote from: MickT on December 22, 2018, 22:05
Quote from: rod335 on December 22, 2018, 20:50
I can happily confirm that Philip's surname is spelt correctly on the trophy; 'Hancock'.
Thanks Rod, Lord Craig and I can enjoy our turkey now.
Malcolm
A photograph of the (simple) trophy was submitted by me along with a brief note detailing the reasons for and rationale behind the award. The intention is to reflect and honour Philip's pioneering modelling. The award is therefore given in 'recognition of outstanding achievement in small scale narrow gauge modelling', not simply for who can best recreate the spirit of the CMR. More to reflect those who are raising the bar in the genre. I suppose some will disagree with this rationale.
Why? Seems a good idea. How is the winner chosen?
I quote from Rod's posting:
"A photograph of the (simple) trophy was submitted by me along with a brief note detailing the reasons for and rationale behind the award."
So, both of the questions you have asked should be answered in the next News as was also stated in the caption to the photo in the current issue: "Full details in the next issue". I suggest it might be a sensible idea to wait until this comes out rather than open up discussion at this time, as this will probably morph into heated discussion followed by war being declared etc as we experienced a few weeks ago and I think it would be a good idea to remain in peace and harmony with Christmas imminently upon us. Just a suggestion!
The only reason it was raised at all was simply because there is a typo in the spelling of Philip Hancock's name which I know might have offended some people and also because it raised a possible concern that the trophy itself may also have this typo on it, both concerns of which have now been answered and reassured.
Mick
Fine by me but Rod seemed to have already taken it further in his post so I was just interested to know the background... I can wait, no worries...
As an aside, I can't help being reminded how the (old) GWR (which liked to change place names - see also Winchester St Giles Hill / Chesil) happily renamed Hanborough, north of Oxford, 'Handborough', although I think the current incarnation of the GWR have corrected this.
David.
Finally got the December News. Got to love NZ Post and their Christmas mail service :D Another week or so and things should be back to normal. ;D
Is that the December issue just received (Vol 46/3) or the issue "received in December" - January (Vol 46/4) distributed to UK members during the week before Christmas?
If it was Vol 46/3 that you've just received, then there is another one in the system, probably fighting its way across the Southern Ocean in a P&O steamer that you still have to look forward to!
Quote from: MickT on December 28, 2018, 12:42
Is that the December issue just received (Vol 46/3) or the issue "received in December" - January (Vol 46/4) distributed to UK members during the week before Christmas?
If it was Vol 46/3 that you've just received, then there is another one in the system, probably fighting its way across the Southern Ocean in a P&O steamer that you still have to look forward to!
Yes, it's the December issue. I'll most likely get the January issue in January sometime :D
Another welcome copy of the News just in time for Easter. The highlight for me was the cover photo, I think: from the wonky rake of wagons, to the sand washed/blown up against the shore to the gentle overall colouring which blended the whole together, it's a deeply satisfying picture, which would look good on any member's wall!
My only slight concern is that all the signals I can see (with the possible exception of the ?upper quadrant one) appear to be in the 'off' position. I realise that narrow gauge signalling - where the management actually felt any need to provide some - was something of a law unto itself, so I wouldn't presume to make any further comment.
David.
That was a stunning photo of a slate train on the Cob.
I was fortunate in visiting Nicks home on Angelsey a few years ago and the layout is a joy to behold.
It fills a complete room in his bungalow.
A really stunning layout.
Stan.
I agree with the above comments. The cover photo/layout is very good indeed.
Brian Meldon
As above good cover photo.
John Bruce No7.
It has been said that time is what stops everything happening at once, but whether because of this or for other reasons our Hon. Editor is to be commended on the latest issue of the News, which is not only very readable* (as always) but entirely free of coronavirus, as far as I can see at first reading (though I have not yet had my copy formally tested). This makes it an especially welcome refuge from all the other news we are surrounded by at present. True, Angela Baker does manage one mention of a virus but she tells us confidently it was a 'thoroughly British virus' so presumably not Covid 19 (unless Andi Nethercoat has since tested positive, which would probably make him one of the first UK cases).
Someone – I think it was L P Hartley (not to be confused with J R Hartley!) - once said that 'the past is a foreign country'. Certainly the world portrayed in the News this month – with talk of gatherings and group meetings, and anticipation of forthcoming exciting shows and other events – is a very different world from the one we currently inhabit.
Martin 'Cereal Killer' Sutcliffe offers us further reassurance in his article about plastic pollution, which I am sure he is right about. So one less thing for us to worry about.
Our thanks also to Bill and the others who put themselves in harm's way to get our copies into their envelopes and then into the postal system. Much appreciated.
David.
*not least because it comes in paper format – I hope I will not see the day when I am obliged to read the News off a screen...
Quote from: clayliner on March 27, 2020, 17:49
David.
*not least because it comes in paper format – I hope I will not see the day when I am obliged to read the News off a screen...
In these panic-buying times maybe we should ask for the News to be printed on a more absorbent paper, using a screen is not to be recommended. ;D
Quote from: clayliner on March 27, 2020, 17:49
Our thanks also to Bill and the others who put themselves in harm's way to get our copies into their envelopes and then into the postal system. Much appreciated.
Well said David - from what I have read recently I believe that this month Bill did the whole 2000+ stuffing, labelling and posting challenge on his own, so a huge double thanks to Bill Luty.
He's already an Hon Life Member so maybe the Society should consider releasing funds for a complimentary double portion of cake at the AGM whenever that is able to take place after things calm down eventually.
Mick
I would just like to add, that Bill has done the above on a few occasions when there has been a hitch in delivery to him from the printers.
He really works hard to make sure that members receive their newsletter in good time.
Certainly deserves the plaudits.
Stan.
My copy of the latest NEWS arrived today. Some intersting material in it - and a great front photo.
Thanks to Bill for doing the stuffing and posting again. The rest of us on the "team" will all be way out of practice when/if we get out House Arrest!
I would also like to add my appreciation to Bill for all the work he is doing unassisted getting the news in the envelopes and posted out to us all once again.
Thank you Bill!
Same here, Thank you Bill for all you have done and continue to do to support the membership.
Mick
I often had to do mail-outs as part of my job, so I know from experience how much work is involved in envelope stuffing and Bill deserves a BIG vote of thanks for what he does in getting our copies of The News to us each month.
Mine arrived this morning, another interesting read. So thanks also to Chris for putting together another good issue.
Got my copy of the NEWS today; a good issue - thanks to the contributors and the Editor for assembling it. And of course thank you to Bill for the envelope stuffing and posting.
My copy of the Sept. issue arrived today. One of the best for many a year. Well done Chris and the contributors.
Malcolm
As Society social media pseudo-boffin, I had a difficult time deciding what part of the September NEWS to feature on the Society Facebook page. Ended up doing Ted's railcar AND Keith's 'Hardaford'.
https://www.facebook.com/009Society
It's still November (just) but it is over a week later in the month than when my copy of the News usually arrives in the post. Is there a delay this month or has everyone received their December issue yet? I don't want to pester the memsec with "non arrival" notifications if there is a reason why mine hasn't yet arrived!
Mick
It's not just you. I haven't received my copy yet either.
I suspect that the current lock down rules that ban different households from mixing (due to end in a couple of days time) has probably meant the the usual 'stuffing team' has been reduced to one man, who will have had to stuff 2000 issues of 009 News into 2000 envelopes then arrange for them to get into the postal system... again!
Added to that are the issues that Royal Mail themselves are having (a lot of staff off sick or having to self-isolate until a negative Covid test), and similar issues may have also resulted in delays at the printers, then The News is most likely to be a little late this month.
If it's of any conciliation Mick I haven't had mine either, so you are not the only one suffering withdrawal symptoms :D
All that being said the postman has just delivered my December News!
Bearing in mind it's the December issue, should we really be complaining when it's not yet December?! ;)
My NEWS arrived today!
(bearing in mind that Radio Times for 28 Nov - 4 Dec (which we subscribe to here) hasn't arrived yet!)
And also that Bill has been operating on his own during the current unpleasantness....
Same here. Many thanks to all involved in the production and distribution. It looks like a good issue too. I've just flicked through it quickly but the Lockturn Quay and Cassettes articles caught my eye.
Quote from: MickT on November 29, 2020, 23:10
It's still November (just) but it is over a week later in the month than when my copy of the News arrives in the post. Is there a delay this month or has everyone received their December issue yet? I don't want to pester the memsec with "non arrival" notifications if there is a reason why mine hasn't yet arrived!
Mick
Well you did move to Wales, the border police are probably checking it out due to the suspicious plain white packaging. :police: Maybe you should have moved to Craigshire, his lordship is reading my copy at the moment.
Of course one means of getting your copy early would be to volunteer for the post of editor. ;)
Malcolm
Quote from: Malcolm on November 30, 2020, 13:42
Of course one means of getting your copy early would be to volunteer for the post of editor. ;)
Malcolm
Aha, already done my time on that score thank you Malcolm - well assistant editor for 2 years at least - which was back in the days when one of us had to get on the pedal generator to warm the ink up and the other one had to sort out the hot metal in the John Bull printing set - well almost anyway. I did all the "front desk " and proof reading while Simon Coward relaxed and put things together on his state of the art IT set up while I struggled along with a DX66 and also on a dial up 56K internet connection!
Here we go again - nobody is complaining Blair, I was simply asking if other members have received their copy yet so I can work out if mine is likely to be in the postal system or lost in which case there is a well organised procedure for reporting loss of issue to BrianE the Memsec.
I am very well aware of the packing and distribution system for the News and I highly appreciate the Leeds packing team and in particular Bill Luty who has been doing it entirely on his own during lockdown restrictions including not only packing and labelling some 2000 envelopes but also delivering the whole lot to the Royal Mail, I was simply enquiring whether anyone knows of a delay this month before assuming that my copy was mislaid as has happened with a couple of items of my mail recently which were delivered to incorrect addresses. I thank those who replied to this simple query which confirmed that there hasn't been any general distribution delays such as were experienced a few months ago due to a distribution glitch that happened between printers and arrival at the packing HQ, without getting on platforms and expressing unasked for and unwarranted sermons.
As it happens - Yippee! My copy safely arrived with this mornings post, so it hasn't been confiscated by the border patrol Heddlu's on the Severn Bridge trying gallantly to keep the germ ridden English away from the post-lockdown sanitised and healthy Cymru.
Best wishes to all
Mick
It just that we seem to be getting these sorts of post regular as clockwork when we all know that with lockdown there are bound to be delays.
Perhaps we all need to be patient and wait until we get to the actual start of the month before asking. I feel we need to cut some slack to the packers in these difficult times.
The post is just very busy I'm afraid, what with Covid and the Black Friday sales.
I received a small parcel a couple of days ago that had been sent by the Royal Mail 48hour delivery option. It took ten days to get here. Thanks to the tracking system I could see it had not moved at all for the first week.
No it wasn't a railway related item, it was a Christmas present for my wife so much much more important!
Frank
I had the same issue with one of my ebay items, Frank. No movement for 7 days then it suddenly arrived at the buyers house. The other two items posted at the same time got there in about 3 days, all were second signed for!
Just FYI, Bill put them in the post in Leeds on Friday (27th), so they should be arriving....
All the best, Julian (smugly reading his).
Mine arrived on my doormat this morning, thus putting paid to any pretense of doing any tidying up. :)
See the news in Announcements https://www.009society.com/forum/index.php?topic=4522.0 (https://www.009society.com/forum/index.php?topic=4522.0)
Chris is standing down as the editor of 009 News after doing a sterling job. We wish him well in his new role as assistant editor of Railway Modeller.
So folks, someone is needed to step into some pretty big shoes! Are you that person?