On 3/22/2013 9:33 AM, Rance Velapoldi wrote:
Interesting:
I find myself being just the opposite of Bill - that is, like
getting a paper copy of the Dispatch and go online to get the
membership directory. Well, Bill will probably win out on age
considerations alone:-) !
(snip)
Bottom line is that those who have embedded themselves in new tech will
say E-zine is the only way. Others will go either way or want printed
only. In time, assuming the world and technology survives, e-zine
might be the only option. But as of today, it is not.
All the comments below are based on B.T.S. which services HO, S, and O
scale markets. Often, the uniqueness of S scale creates different issues.
When new customers call us for a catalog, we tell them they can download
a free one from our web site or pay for a mailed copy. Approx. 70% pay
for a mailed catalog. Of those, a few tell us they have a computer, but
do not like to use it, and most of the rest do not have a computer or
Internet access. So my belief is that probably a bit over 50% of the
average model railroaders have or use a computer.
I have seen that backed up by sales. When we post a new kit on our web
site and send out notices to specific Yahoogroups, we get a few sales.
When the ad appears in any of the printed magazines, we get at least
tenfold more. And as much as folks complain about Model Railroader,
when we advertise there, sales are much greater than ads in any other
printed magazines.... so it seems there is still a silent majority who
read MR.
So from an advertising point of view for B.T.S., using only online for
promotion is a sure way to limit sales. From a personal point of
view, I use a computer for work.... when doing my hobby, I want to sit
in an easy chair and read a printed magazine.
Take care
Bill
--
== Scale Model Railroad Products ==
== Manufacturer - Retailer - Importer ==
Bill and Diane Wade
B.T.S.
RR 1 Box 141A
Belington, WV 26250
Phone: 304-823-3729
FAX: 304-823-2901
http://www.btsrr.com
We wish you Fair Winds and Following Seas.
