FSM July issue observations- RANT

The future of Finescale Modeler Magazing is not in WW2... but it sure is the present. It has been stated that the vast majority of the reader population are baby boomers who most identify with WW2. I have no doubt on this point. However, (A BIG HOWEVER), the next generation of modelers will have their own genre of choice. The next generation of modelers is being highly affected by the media that propogates alot of sci-fi/fantasy/anime, which, not surprisingly, is one of the fastest growing areas of modeling.

We know the hobby is in vast decline, and we are quick to blame computer games, TV, and other things that shorten kids attention span. However, I believe the biggest reason for the decline in the industry is the reluctance of the industry to innovate and adapt to the population's changing preferences. Like the automotive industry, the Japanese (e.g. Hasegawa) have been much quicker than the U.S. or European companies to identify these trends.

My word of advice to the editors, it may be in the magazines best interest to place a few more articles in this magazine concerning these genres or at least bring someone on your staff with a good knowledge of these issues. This would be a smart thing to do if you want to attract a new generation of modelers.

Side note: I'd encourage any of you who doubt the viability of the sci-fi genre to attend Wonderfest one year. I believe you will find that there is a wealth of opportunity to expand the world of modeling into subjects you never thought possible.

I just received the FSM newsletter and noticed the Science fiction/fantasy/TV/movie OnlineEXTRA gallery. Thank you thank you thank you! I really think that this is a great step. Thanks to the editorial staff, especially Matt Usher who I suspect was a big factor in getting that published.

Hello MUD~

Glad you liked the sci-fi/fantasy/TV/movie gallery. It was a collaborative effort: Matt shot the excellent Wonderfest photos and selected the ones we used in the gallery; Elisa, our intern, culled the rest of the photos from other shows; I scanned, cropped, and loaded the images and captions into the website database; and Mark Thompson gave us permission to do the gallery in the first place.

Hi Lawrence, I have been following this thread and agree with those that think sci-fi (and some of the other catagories) subject are undercovered. I'm posting now to thank you for the website sci-fi gallery as I really enjoyed it. To me the website feature was nearly as good as a feature in the mag but I'll continue to prize the issues with sci-fi covers. Besides I like WWII too so I'm never really disappointed. Once again thank you, you efforts are greatly appreciated.

It's been a while since I posted in this thread, I wanted to see what path it would take without me prodding it along. First of all, thanks for all the interest and opinions, I do appreciate the input and beliefs of some of the other members. That said, let me say this:

It's wonderful to see familiar names I recognize from some of the other sites, they are great modellers all, and deserve the recognition.

I am also grateful that the FSM high-ups are at least listening, and it goes to show that they value comments both for and against FSM practices and publishing habits. Thank you, Lawrence, Matt, and all others involved.

But frankly, the online gallery is great, but it's not enough. What I'm really griping about is what actually goes to PRINT. When we see at least ONE pic, or review, then I will be a man of my word, and but at least two copies. I'm not asking for a feature, or a cover pic, but please, just one pic in the gallery, or something. The last article I remember seeing is back in January, when the Polar Lights Enterprise was featured. Great kit, popular subject, a winner for all. Great choice. Keep it up, guys! And now that Polar lights has been sold, maybe something from Finemolds in the next issue? Perhaps a Slave I?

So, yes, I'm happy. For now. Baby steps. Phase 1 complete. Onto phase II.

i guess you're right.

looks like we get a star trek review next month. good to see.