Thanks to your incredible input, this month we've been able to include a bumper Readers' Models/Readers' Letters/ Readers' Hints S Tips section. Frustratingly, however, I received one particularly interesting email just after these pages had been laid out (this column is usually the last thing I work on before we hit the 'Thunderbirds are Go' button and the issue gets sent to press). I have, therefore, decided to share the views expressed here, for a number of reasons... Firstly, I'm a great believer in the fact that negative feedback is incredibly valuable (I would always much rather learn why someone is disappointed or dissatisfied than have them quietly vote with their feet, so to speak. Secondly, the Letters pages are your platform and I have no desire to censor the content (provided it's not libellous or offensive in any way). And last, but not least, because I feel the points raised are indeed valid and in order to act on them I am going to need your help!
I am the Chairman of one of the 'up North' Model Boat clubs (the North West Scale Model Boat Club). I know you must cater to all tastes but over a few months I've calculated that 38% of the pages have been devoted to naval ships and boats. Many of them not even Royal Navy! Yet within our club and the clubs I visit in the North, and also at the shows I attend up here, nowhere near 38% of the members/attendees operate navy vessels. So, much of the content of
the magazine doesn't interest me. To add insult to injury, the boats we do sail, and show - tugs, trawlers and other working boats, often get no coverage at all. I'm sure you see where I am coming from. Don't think I am some sort of anti- navy type, as I'm not. I was a member of the RAF for 38 years and worked with the Navy on many occasions".
In a hobby like this, there are so many different strands of interest and one of the most important tasks an editor has is to try and keep the content both varied and engaging. As MB's incoming skipper/chief cook and bottle washer, I've inherited a pool of wonderful contributors but, naturally, I'm very keen to welcome more into the fold. I'm not looking for professional journalists but real enthusiasts with stories to tell. So, if you're interested in getting involved. I'd love to hear from you. For those of you who are unsure. I'll be providing some guidelines in a future issue.
In the meantime, though, I really hope you enjoy your read!
Lindsay