Has FSM changed??

some share your opnion, some don't...FSM (and other magazines) has had a hard time keeping pace with the internet age.

Im not really complaining, at least I dont think so.  :)  I'm not a hard core modeler anymore, having gotten into other things. But I keep a project going most of the time and try to keep an eye on things in the hobby.  

I was always about scale modeling and never really got into other types. Lately, though, I've tinkered with some of the classic horror kits and a Naboo fighter. These little forays have broadened my horizons, a little, to the point where I noticed the lack of the other subjects.

It's all good.

 

When I first started reading FSM in the early 90s, the magazine was more of a "graduate level" modeling magazine. It had articles on advanced modeling built by masters. Today it has become more of an entry level modelers magazine with articles written for mulitple skill levels.

There are so many magazines that concentrate on aircraft, ships, cars, armor that this is one of the last ones that covers a touch of everything.

Thanks, Rob, for responding.

So you're saying that FSM DOES still cater to the other modeling venues, I just missed it in the Nov issue?

I've read FSM for decades now, having watched it change. I used to gripe about the non-scale topics, but now I'VE come full circle. I like to see them, especially the sci-fi and horror topics, although I still dont get Anime or the Gundam-type stuff.

If there is a specific topic you would like to see covered, submit it to the staff. Become a contributor! FSM is a magazine gear to the whole spectrum of modelers. To get deeper into a subject, they produce their specialty issues such as their Modeling Guides.

Naw, I'm content. Keep in mind, I wasn't griping and I was hoping I wouldn't be misinterpreted as doing so. FSM is still the best, in my book.

It's just that for as long as I have been modeling and reading FSM, there has been an ongoing debate as to whether FSM should be about scale, ie "real" subjects ONLY. You've probably heard the argument: "If it doesn't now exist, or has never existed, then it doesn't belong in the magazine."

I know there have been editorial staff changes and evolution is inevitable. I was wondering if it finally happened, that's all. 

the only way to change the content is to submit the content.  FSM is largely written by modelers, for modelers. Unless the modelers share thier own articles, it will continue to move along in the predetermined path with staff written articles.  I quit buying FSM a long time ago after a ten year subscription....it was at that point (to me) the same thing over and over. My issues go back to issue 1, Spring 2003 when it was a mostly small pic black and white mag with a color cover and half-page color titles.  The use of color then was reserved for big articles that needed a lot of colors including the fabulous Art of the Diorama series.  The word count was MUCH higher because we didnt have the internet to simply google up an answer on. 

 So, in fairness yes it has changed, and will continue to change over time as contributors change what they submit for publication.

 

David

Dahut,

Yes, there has always been a debate about the place of fictional or fantasy subjects. Some modelers believe they have no place in FineScale Modeler. FSM considers all types of modeling, including the areas you mentioned, as fair game. In the last year, we have covered spaceships from "Aliens" and "Star Wars." Editor Matt Usher attended Wonderfest in May and a gallery form the show is slated for the January 2008 issue, Matt, my fellow associate editor Mark Hembree, and me have all built science fiction kits. Matt and I are both "Star Wars" geeks.

As a couple of the reader have pointed out, the best way to see your favorite subject matter in the magazine is to submit an article about it. Most modelers still build aircraft and armor, so the majority of the article we see deal with these. FSM is always looking for new authors and fresh subject matter. And we aren't looking just for professional writers. What we want are well-built models that exhibit the qualities of the hobby: skill, creativity, ingenuity, and above all fun. Consider this an open invitation: If you have ever wondered if you could write for FineScale Modeler, do it. We are always willing to work with first time authors to refine their efforts. If you have any questions call 262-796-8776 x299 or email me: askinner@finescale.com.

In the meantime, build what you like, and think about writing about it as you go. Who knows, maybe your story might get someone to build something they haven't thought about before. I know, for me, FSM has always inspired me to look at other subject areas.

I look forward to hearing from y'all.

You bring up a good point. Just what does a decent magazine do in the Internet Age, when nearly everything is available through that medium?

I'm guilty - I haven't had a paper modeling magazine in my hand in a long time, the latest FSM  being a one-off thing. I haven't needed one, to be honest. I subscribed to FSM for a long time, too - at least back to 1989, if memory serves. I have lots of back issues left, books and still more books from several years of colllecting such things.

But now when I want to know something, I 'Google', like so many others. I still believe there is a place for "real" magazines, since there is little substitute for holding a thing in your hands. But I see the challenge facing the publishers who need to sell mag's to stay in business. Again, evolution is inevitable.

 

Great points, Dave