What secret code?

So this basically means that although I have bought the latest copy of FSM I can't actually access the restricted content? This is after having been led on a wild goose chase through the mag for an access code referred to in the editorial but not actually printed.

Note: I only subscribed to the forums recently so didn't receive the email containing the code.

Blighty

Hello Bruce,

I can shed a little light on those numbers for you.  The last survey of our online users revealed that less than 1/2 (47%) were subscribers to the magazine.  Of the remainder, roughly 1/4 picked up all 10 issues over the course of the year and the rest cherry-picked which issues to purchase.  So, as Dave mentioned, one of our primary goals is to use the premium content to encourage the occasional buyers to buy more regularly, and to perhaps convert some of the 10 time newsstand buyers to subscribers.

 

David Voss wrote:

snipped... As for the access code, it wasn't implemented with the sole purpose of increasing revenue.  If you have the December issue of FSM, I suggest reading the editorial again.  One of the goals was to provide some special things on the website to the loyal readers of FSM.  Without them, the magazine wouldn't be what it is.  While we can identify who our subscribers are, we had to have a way to include our newsstand readers.  This is about the only way to do it, without requiring a subscription.  If someone browses through it at their LHS or newsstand, borrows a copy from a friend or reads it at the library, at least they are looking at the magazine.  If through that someone ends up buying a copy of the issue or someday subscribing, then that's a bonus.

Therein lies the problem.  I have not yet seen the December issue as my news stand/LHS probalby won't get it until next week.  The only information available was the weekly email from FSM which did not really explain what was happening.  Perhaps the editorial could be posted on the web site so everyone can read it.

Just out of curiosity do you know what percentage of those who participate in these forums are either subscribers or regular readers?

Bruce Wilson
Barrie, Ontario

wilsonbrucea wrote:

There will be no net effect from these people so why change the system that was already in place by having to enter a secret password for the forums and other content?

A quick comment about the forums, the access code ("secret password" as you call it) isn't required to use the forums.  Nor is it a requirement to be a subscriber or a newsstand reader.  The forums have and will continue to be open to everyone.  The only requirement is registration.

As for the access code, it wasn't implemented with the sole purpose of increasing revenue.  If you have the December issue of FSM, I suggest reading the editorial again.  One of the goals was to provide some special things on the website to the loyal readers of FSM.  Without them, the magazine wouldn't be what it is.  While we can identify who our subscribers are, we had to have a way to include our newsstand readers.  This is about the only way to do it, without requiring a subscription.  If someone browses through it at their LHS or newsstand, borrows a copy from a friend or reads it at the library, at least they are looking at the magazine.  If through that someone ends up buying a copy of the issue or someday subscribing, then that's a bonus.

wilsonbrucea wrote:

Bgrigg wrote: Finescale Modeling and Kalmbach do not charge for their forums, they are available free of charge. They have graciously been offering us prime content on the web for free, and now the free ride is over. As I buy the magazine already, having to enter a code each month is a small inconvenience to access such excellent coverage. If you subscribe you save yourself the effort of typing in some numbers. If all you want to do is access the forum, then it is no matter to you at all. I agree that Kalmbach has provided excellent content on their pages but there is nothing at all in this new scheme that will guarantee any increase in revenues.  I would be extremely surprised if the vast majority of the users of these pages are not already subscribers to FSM or pick it up regularly at their LHS or news stand.  There will be no net effect from these people so why change the system that was already in place by having to enter a secret password for the forums and other content? The ones who may make a difference are the casual readers who pick up a copy occasionaly so I would expect there not to be a great influx of revenue from them. There is nothing in the new scheme that would prevent someone from perusuing FSM at the LHS or newstand, borrowing a copy from a friend or reading it a library and writing down the secret password so again no revenue.  I would also supect the secret password will soon be available on the various newsgroups so again no revenue. There is no way to guarantee that any one participating in these forums have actually purchased FSM.  One way that might work is to have access limited to subscribers only but that would alienate all of those people who prefer to support their LHS or news stand and purchase FSM there.  And there is still opportunity for the "secret" password to get spread around.  The other way is to make it a "pay-for-use" site but again there are potentials for abuse and very likely a decrease in the numbers participating not to mention the number of people who would be upset with such a scheme. I have almost every issue of FSM back to the beginning and will continue to buy FSM at my local news stand.  I just do not see how this scheme is an improvement on what was in place. Bruce Wilson Barrie, Ontario

A much better response than your previous remark. I can't disagree with much of what you have said, the potential for abuse is very great.

However I, nor you, are the masters of this domain. I am sure that Kalmbach struggled mightily to come up with a scenario that would allow them to increase revenues without penalizing the subscribers, the casual purchaser, or their many forum members. Only time will tell if this particular idea merits the effort involved. For what it is worth, I like the new layout.

Far too many publications have gone the way of the dodo, or have ceased publication only to remain as a web presence. I would hate to see this happen to FSM. I would rather a magazine in my hand, rather than having to scroll through page after page of web pages with flashing ads, charged out as a monthly or yearly charge.

I would like to thank you for responding to my reply in a thoughtful manner. It is more akin to what I expect from a fellow Canadian!

Bgrigg wrote:

Finescale Modeling and Kalmbach do not charge for their forums, they are available free of charge. They have graciously been offering us prime content on the web for free, and now the free ride is over. As I buy the magazine already, having to enter a code each month is a small inconvenience to access such excellent coverage. If you subscribe you save yourself the effort of typing in some numbers. If all you want to do is access the forum, then it is no matter to you at all.

I agree that Kalmbach has provided excellent content on their pages but there is nothing at all in this new scheme that will guarantee any increase in revenues.  I would be extremely surprised if the vast majority of the users of these pages are not already subscribers to FSM or pick it up regularly at their LHS or news stand.  There will be no net effect from these people so why change the system that was already in place by having to enter a secret password for the forums and other content?

The ones who may make a difference are the casual readers who pick up a copy occasionaly so I would expect there not to be a great influx of revenue from them.

There is nothing in the new scheme that would prevent someone from perusuing FSM at the LHS or newstand, borrowing a copy from a friend or reading it a library and writing down the secret password so again no revenue.  I would also supect the secret password will soon be available on the various newsgroups so again no revenue.

There is no way to guarantee that any one participating in these forums have actually purchased FSM.  One way that might work is to have access limited to subscribers only but that would alienate all of those people who prefer to support their LHS or news stand and purchase FSM there.  And there is still opportunity for the "secret" password to get spread around.  The other way is to make it a "pay-for-use" site but again there are potentials for abuse and very likely a decrease in the numbers participating not to mention the number of people who would be upset with such a scheme.

I have almost every issue of FSM back to the beginning and will continue to buy FSM at my local news stand.  I just do not see how this scheme is an improvement on what was in place.

Bruce Wilson
Barrie, Ontario

Ahh, I see.  Thank you.

overkillphil wrote:

Okay, but where do I go to enter the code from month to month or quarter to quarter or whatever?

When you click on any of the features that require it, it will prompt you to either subscribe or enter the access code.

Okay, but where do I go to enter the code from month to month or quarter to quarter or whatever?

I recieved an e-mail with a temporary news stand code, but the message says it will expire on  11-22.  The January issue with the next code won't be out until December.  What's the deal ??

 

Regards,  Rick

wilsonbrucea wrote:

David Voss wrote: The secret code is primarily for newsstand readers.  Subscribers will automatically have access once they're gone through the registration system. Truly a stupid and cumbersome idea. Bruce Wilson Barrie, Ontario

An equally stupid and rude comment. I was under the impression that Canadians pride themselves on being polite? I can't help but notice that you have offered no alternative idea.

Finescale Modeling and Kalmbach do not charge for their forums, they are available free of charge. They have graciously been offering us prime content on the web for free, and now the free ride is over. As I buy the magazine already, having to enter a code each month is a small inconvenience to access such excellent coverage. If you subscribe you save yourself the effort of typing in some numbers.

If all you want to do is access the forum, then it is no matter to you at all.

You'll still be able to gain access to the forum, but there will be some protected content such as the online "Workbench Reviews" and "New Products Database" that will only be available to subscribers and those with the newsstand access code.

Anthony14 wrote:

So what do I miss out on not having a code?? I can still access the fourm and post right??

There might be more, but I think it's for Workbench Reviews and Modeling Products.  I've been buried in the forum code so I honestly don't know.

You can still access the forum and post without it.
 

David Voss wrote:

The secret code is primarily for newsstand readers.  Subscribers will automatically have access once they're gone through the registration system. The code didn't make it into the December issue due to timing.  It will be in the January issue, which should be on newsstands around Dec 6th (?).  An email was just sent out at 2pm CST to active forum members announcing the new site.  Towards the bottom of the message was information about the temporary access code.  That will provide access to at least December. The access code is necessary to access other sections of the website.  According to the information I have, each newsstand code should be good for 90 days.  So while you can enter newsstand codes from each issue, you really only need to enter a newsstand code 4 times a year.

So what do I miss out on not having a code?? I can still access the fourm and post right??

Thanks, Anthony.

David Voss wrote:

The secret code is primarily for newsstand readers.  Subscribers will automatically have access once they're gone through the registration system.

Truly a stupid and cumbersome idea.

Bruce Wilson
Barrie, Ontario

The secret code is primarily for newsstand readers.  Subscribers will automatically have access once they're gone through the registration system.

The code didn't make it into the December issue due to timing.  It will be in the January issue, which should be on newsstands around Dec 6th (?).  An email was just sent out at 2pm CST to active forum members announcing the new site.  Towards the bottom of the message was information about the temporary access code.  That will provide access to at least December.

The access code is necessary to access other sections of the website.  According to the information I have, each newsstand code should be good for 90 days.  So while you can enter newsstand codes from each issue, you really only need to enter a newsstand code 4 times a year.

Ya! What is it?? What is it for?? Where do I go to enter it??

Man this site is confusing, but I'll get use to it