451 replies to this topic

[Jairus]

I have been informed by the publisher that if you go directly to the website http://www.slotcarsmag.com/

That there is a link to order back issues.

 

[Dennis David]

Thanks, I'll send them an email.

[ModelCarsMag]

Well, it's about time!

Yes, the third issue (months late) is finally out there. (ISSUE #3)

I had a huge setback, that involved something I never expected to happen, well, at least not for another year, at least.

Golden Bell Press pulled out of printing/publishing Slot Cars Magazine, and I was left with a decision: shut it down, or buckle down, and prepare for a huge hurdle to get over.

Well, I don't quit.

I found a new printer, also in Denver, and we started the process of getting the mag set up there.

Then came the issue (pardon the pun) of getting the financing for the printing of the next issues.

It's not cheap.

And even though the print count is low, the print cost is still super high as it relates to a per-piece price, and until the mag gets about 4,000 copies, it will be a huge struggle to get it printed at those low numbers.

I had to stop foreign subscriptions until I get the USPS periodical permit all sorted out, I'll find out more on that this week.

So, the third issue is printed, mailed, and guys, guess what?

They are now in plastic clear bags!!!!

A first, I know!

The new printer has the ability to do this, which is something we never had at Golden Bell Press.

All copies were mailed out, with a temporary mailing application/permit (read: OUCH$$$$), and I hope that readers/subscribers will start to get their copies this week.

Let me know when they start to show up.

Also, all the dealers were mailed their copies too.

 

What I need to do now is to get a new master list of slot car shops around the country to start carrying/selling the magazine.

If you have a master list, please send it to me.

I will try and grab what I can from this site, and other sites, but if you have an updated list, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

As for the reasons for the other lateness: I still haven't been scheduled for the seventh back surgery, something has held it up for one reason or another.

Will this be a problem?

Hopefully not.

I did lose all three Macs over the course of three days, something that has never happened before, but I built a new Mac Mini, or rather, an old one, and it's like nothing happened. Thank goodness for backups and SSD drives!

 

So, enough excuses? (or so I've been yelled at before).

I hope so!

 

Any questions, comments, or yells, send them to me (don't yell at Jairus, he's innocent...)

 

Gregg

 

gregg@slotcarsmag.com

[Michael Jr.]

Glad it's out. Since its new, I doubt folks are locked in to the projected release date. You'll be fine and I look forward to reading it.

[Jairus]

I received mine in the mail yesterday Gregg.  Harry did a wonderful job with the layout again and the print quality is same as GBP if not.... a little better. (The fold is sharper and cleaner.)

I like the bag too.

Anyone else reading this who doesn't have a sub yet.  Please support your local hobby magazine so we can continue to produce.  Because as Gregg says, we can't keep doing this for long if the numbers don't grow.
Thanks and keep it in the slot!
Jairus

 

www.slotcarsmag.com

[tonyp]

Do I get one?

[Jairus]

Gregg usually sends them out to the writers with payment.
 

[tonyp]

Did not get a copy of number 2.

[Jairus]

Okay.
Sorry, I guess I forgot.  Soon as I get a few extra copies of #3 Tony, I'll send you #2 and #3. 

[tonyp]

Thanks!

[swodem]

Is issue 3 out yet?

[slotbaker]

Yes, the third issue (months late) is finally out there. (ISSUE #3)

 

Is issue 3 out yet?

[swodem]

Doh! I really gotta start reading the whole thread not just the last post....but I was really meaning it's not listed for sale yet at PCH

[PCH Parts Express]

Issue #3 is in.

[ModelCarsMag]

We made a huge decision today.

Since I am so far behind with the printing and mailing of the magazine, we are going to do two things.

The first is to go down to printing the magazine four times a year: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Now, don't yell, well, not yet.

The magazine has been full color, 64 pages, and it comes poly-bagged.

So far, from what we have heard from you gentle souls, is that the quality of the magazine; paper, layout, design, look, feel, etc., is second to none. 

So, we will be going even bigger, up to 80 pages, for the four issues each year.

Now, the yelling begins.

But, wait! I paid for six issues, now I only get four?

For each subscriber that has generously supported us with a paid subscription, their subscription will be extended for one year, (four issues), and, with the increased page count, you are only coming up a dozen or so pages short short in the long run.

Yes, there will be increased costs in printing the mag at 80 pages, and the additional mailing will be more, but you will get a more better magazine (yes, I spelt it worser than I should have.). 

So, with Issue #3 out, we are wrapping up Issue #4, the November/December issue, and depending on what the feds say, we will call it either the Fall or just leave it at Issue #4, and start our naming of the seasons in 2016.

No, we don't have seasons here in Hawai'i, so I don't know what that's like, sorry...

Yes, I have cents of humor.

No, I don't mean to come across so flippant.

Yes, I'm doing the best I can.

No, I'm still in bed 90% of the day.

Yes, all my laptops byte the dust at the same time.
No, I'm not giving up.

Yes, I guess....

 

So, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

 

Thoughts?

 

Also, Jairus sent me the list of shops/stores for slot cars, and I hope to start making calls next week. 

I don't have much of a voice due to all my meds, so this may be fun, or frustrating.

 

I know I have bunch of calls to make to a lot of people, I'm going to try and get caught up this weekend also.

 

aloha, mahalo, and tanks, eh brah!!!!

 

Gregg

[Arne Saknussem]

Gregg,

 

First and foremost, I applaud your dedication to this start-up.

 

IMPO, you should do what's necessary to keep the project viable.  If  6 issues a year can't be delivered to your satisfaction then go to 4.  I don't imagine anyone here will be doing much complaining.  I finally tracked down a copy of #2 (at Northeast Slot Car Raceway) and the production quality was a very pleasant surprise as magazines covering "our" kind of slot racing have been hit-and-miss propositions for decades.  Anyone who thinks what you're trying to do is easy needs a reality check.

 

Best of luck to you both personally and professionally.  

[tonyp]

Just received #3 very nice.

[mjsh]

Issue # 3 in my mailbox today.

My first slot car magazine was bought at Bloodworth's Pharmacy, Macon, Georgia in 1965.  My favorite early on was "Model Car Racing" with all the Arco Series coverage.

Slot Car Bulletin covered race reports better than anyone later on, before the internet.

The quality of paper and photos in this new magazine is the best ever.

Special thanks to Jairus Watson for all his efforts in this!

[ModelCarsMag]

Pete, thanks so much. I really appreciate the support and kind words.

Tony P, thank you, for the work you do, and letting us share what you know and do.

Michael, that means a lot.

 

Jairus? 

Who's he? 

:-)

[Jairus]

He's the one begging for writers and contributors, that's who!

I'm sure by now everyone is getting tired of seeing my work... sheesh.

[tonyp]

I'm not...

[slotbaker]

Me either.

[Jairus]

Did you guys like the Dynamic kit/Allard J2 build up from last issue?
 
BTW, we changed the name of the thread as the subject is now past tense. So please make a note of it for the future.

[slotbaker]

I'm still waiting for my issue #2.

Hopefully it will turn up with #3.

[tonyp]

Cool article. The owner of my home tracks as a kid had one built up pretty much the came way.