| |
BrickJournal 9 is now available for downloading through its
publisher, TwoMorrows. It’s 148 pages of reports and instructions, with event
reports of 1000steine-Land, Brickworld, and LEGOFest. There’s also interviews
with a couple of Star Wars builders and a Star Wars LEGO designer!
In order to download the magazine, everyone will need to create an account at
Twomorrows - this is needed to create a mailing list for the magazine. There’s
also another reason that will be explained below.
With Issue 9, it’s the end of a phase of the magazine. Issue 9 is the last free
online issue of BrickJournal, as
BrickJournal goes to print!
The Journal will be going to Volume 2 - the printed edition, out February 2008!
You can order the
first issue, or
subscribe!
All back issues of BrickJournal are now at the
TwoMorrows site for
ordering. In the coming weeks, there will be other things happening with the
magazine. I am very happy and excited with these developments and thank y’all
for making this happen!
The BrickJournal page on the TwoMorrows site can be found
here.
PS. Apologies to James Trobaugh and Lewis Valentine, Jr. I got the print
edition out a bit later than expected.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
...
| |
BrickJournal 9 is now available for downloading through its
publisher, TwoMorrows. It’s 148 pages of reports and instructions, with
event reports of 1000steine-Land, Brickworld, and LEGOFest. There’s also
interviews with a couple of Star Wars builders and a Star Wars LEGO designer!
|
...
Joe,
On that
page there’s a link to a pdf with the issue contents, but that link seems to be broken at the
moment - you might want to sort that out with TwoMorrows.
Hope it helps,
Jean-Marc
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
The BrickJournal page on the TwoMorrows site can be found
here.
PS. Apologies to James Trobaugh and Lewis Valentine, Jr. I got the print
edition out a bit later than expected.
|
No need to apologize to me, I think it’s great that a print edition is going to
be available. Great news Joe!
jt
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Jean-Marc Nimal wrote:
(snip)
Thanks! I sent the broken link to them!
In the meantime, here’s a list of articles:
People
Nannan Zhang
Kyle Peterson/BrickForge
Eric Borrega, Microbuilder
Henning Birkeland, Vehicle Builder
Fanis Dovas, TECHNIC Vehicle Builder
Female AFOLS
Mariann Asanuma
Kecia Hansen
Tania Baixinho
Marvin Hall
Star Wars AFOLs
Matt DeLanoy
Instructions: Crab Droid
Gareth Bowler
Star Wars LEGO Set Designer: Jens Kronvold Frederiksen
Building
You Can Build It: Super Star Destroyer
You Can Build It: Grand Piano
You Can Build It: Starbots
You Can Build It: Drake Class Fighter
WWYB Contest
Discovering PicToBrick
Minifig Customization 101: Making a Complete Customized Figure
Blacktron Intelligence Agency
The Mercurials
NXT Infrared Sensor Review
Community
Star Wars Display in the National Space Centre, United Kingdom
Kostky.org (Czech/Slovak LEGO Club)
Ballabio Event Report (Italy)
Behind FIRST LEGO League
National Model Railroader’s Association Convention (Detroit, Michigan)
Modelma Event Report(Belgium)
Brickworld
Mel’s Brickworld Adventure
LEGO at 75: Billund, Denmark
Slough, United Kingdom
Building Asia Brick by Brick (Asia)
Ideal Ghangzhou
Building Asia Brick by Brick Display, Shanghai
1000steine-Land (Germany)
Cafe Corner
Moonbase
AFOLs Comic
well, that was a lot!
Joe
|
|
| |
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
|
**cut**
| |
In the meantime, here’s a list of articles:
People
Nannan Zhang
Kyle Peterson/BrickForge
Eric Borrega, Microbuilder
Henning Birkeland, Vehicle Builder
Fanis Dovas, TECHNIC Vehicle Builder
Female AFOLS
Mariann Asanuma
Kecia Hansen
Tania Baixinho
Marvin Hall
|
Marvin Hall is a female AFOL? ;)
**cut**
| |
well, that was a lot!
Joe
|
Yeah, tell me about it :)
Groovy, Joe!
Mel
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Anders Isaksson wrote:
> Joe Meno wrote:
> > {In order to download the magazine, everyone will need to create an
> > account at Twomorrows - this is needed to create a mailing list for
> > the magazine. There's also another reason that will be explained
> > below.}
>
> Why do I have to enter at least two characters for a state? I don't live in
> any state, I live in a city in a country. What use can you have of two faked
> state letters?
Since all of these are looked at after entry, the fake letters should scrub
themselves out.
> And definitely don't ask for my telephone number! No way I'd give that away
> to an unknown web site. It did accept the number "no-way", though, so I
> could pass registration. It should definitely not be mandatory, especially
> if there's no validation.
Well, you solved that one, so I won't comment on that.
> And if you don't want to sell and distribute world wide, please make that
> clear on the front page, not at the end of the checkout.
Actually we do want to sell and distribute worldwide, however shipping does pose
a serious challenge. I am looking at some options, but I can't really say
anything at this point.
> I'm sad that BrickJournal is lost to me, it was a very good magazine. Thanks
> for all the previous issues - I've enjoyed them!
Hope is not lost yet. By placing your address and country, you'll point out that
international distribution is needed. Up until now, I have been able to only see
the people who correspond and talk to me about subscribing. This list being
created gives me a lot more documentation as to who wants the magazine. And if a
large number are from out of the US, it opens possibilities.
Joe
|
|
| |
Out of curiousity, I found TwoMorrow's comic products at MileHighComics.com.
Will BrickJournal be distributed by Diamond Comics?
I saw TwoMorrows products listed in their Previews comic ordering catalog.
|
|
| |
This is a bad new.
You instantly loose most of your non-american readers, as
we aren’t going to pay an intercontinental shipping for our issues.
Thanks for your great previous work,
Gianluca
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Andrew Cross wrote:
| |
Out of curiousity, I found TwoMorrow’s comic products at MileHighComics.com.
Will BrickJournal be distributed by Diamond Comics?
I saw TwoMorrows products listed in their Previews comic ordering catalog.
|
In a word, yes. BrickJournal will be in the December Previews.
Joe
|
|
| |
In lugnet.announce, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
BrickJournal 9 is now available for downloading through its
publisher, TwoMorrows. It’s 148 pages of reports and instructions, with
event reports of 1000steine-Land, Brickworld, and LEGOFest. There’s also
interviews with a couple of Star Wars builders and a Star Wars LEGO designer!
|
Excellent work again Joe, I’ve only had a chance for a quick browse, but it
looks top notch as usual, well done to all of you.
| |
BrickJournal goes to print!
The Journal will be going to Volume 2 - the printed edition, out February
2008! You can order the
first issue, or
subscribe!
|
“Sorry, we do not accept payments from your region at this time.”
That’s gonna make a whole bunch of people around here pretty unhappy. I hope it
changes real soon, like before the next issue. Luckily no payment was required
for this issue.
ROSCO
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Ross Crawford wrote:
>
> "Sorry, we do not accept payments from your region at this time."
>
> That's gonna make a whole bunch of people around here pretty unhappy. I hope
> it changes real soon, like before the next issue. Luckily no payment was
> required for this issue.
>
> ROSCO
I think that message might be coming up for everybody when downloading #9. I got
it with a US address. (Either that or TwoMorrows has restrictions within the US,
also.)
Erik
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Erik L. Knopp wrote:
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Ross Crawford wrote:
> >
> > "Sorry, we do not accept payments from your region at this time."
> >
> > That's gonna make a whole bunch of people around here pretty unhappy. I hope
> > it changes real soon, like before the next issue. Luckily no payment was
> > required for this issue.
> >
> > ROSCO
>
> I think that message might be coming up for everybody when downloading #9. I got
> it with a US address. (Either that or TwoMorrows has restrictions within the US,
> also.)
I concur. I live in New York state, and I received the same message. My advice
is to abstain from alarm. Bley, Brickshelf, BrickJournal - the end is always
nigh for the unhappy AFOL!
Anyway - as always, phenomenal work, Joe! Congrats to you, your helpers, and all
the contributors. It's an enjoyable and often inspiring read.
Jim
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Gianluca Morelli wrote:
| |
This is a bad new.
You instantly loose most of your non-american readers,
as we aren’t going to pay an intercontinental shipping for our issues.
Thanks for your great previous work,
Gianluca
|
Wow. I’m sorry that you feel this way. I have done the best I can to make things
work out for as many people as possible. There are other options that I am
looking at to provide issues to everyone, and I am aware of the audiences
overseas. But I had to make some hard decisions. This is one of them but it at
least allows the option of international subscriptions. I’m sorry that I
couldn’t do better at this time.
Joe
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Ross Crawford wrote:
(snip)
| |
| |
BrickJournal goes to print!
The Journal will be going to Volume 2 - the printed edition, out February
2008! You can order the
first issue, or
subscribe!
|
“Sorry, we do not accept payments from your region at this time.”
That’s gonna make a whole bunch of people around here pretty unhappy. I hope
it changes real soon, like before the next issue. Luckily no payment was
required for this issue.
ROSCO
|
Hm. That is a definite bug. I have sent this to the publisher to get this fixed.
Thanks for the head-up and documentation of the bug.
Joe
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, James Trobaugh wrote:
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
The BrickJournal page on the TwoMorrows site can be found
here.
PS. Apologies to James Trobaugh and Lewis Valentine, Jr. I got the print
edition out a bit later than expected.
|
No need to apologize to me, I think it’s great that a print edition is going
to be available. Great news Joe!
jt
|
No need to apologize here either! I just can’t wait to recieve that first issue!
Great Work!
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
BrickJournal 9 is now available for downloading through its
It’s 148 pages of reports and instructions, with
event reports of 1000steine-Land, Brickworld, and LEGOFest. There’s also
interviews with a couple of Star Wars builders and a Star Wars LEGO designer!
|
Something else to fix :
Single Feb 2008 issue = 11$us + 2$us for canada delivery. I would say that’s
fair.
Subscription for four issues = 32$us (nice discount) + 18$us for canada
delivery...
It does not add up...
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Melody Krützfeldt wrote:
| |
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
|
**cut**
| |
In the meantime, here’s a list of articles:
People
Nannan Zhang
Kyle Peterson/BrickForge
Eric Borrega, Microbuilder
Henning Birkeland, Vehicle Builder
Fanis Dovas, TECHNIC Vehicle Builder
Female AFOLS
Mariann Asanuma
Kecia Hansen
Tania Baixinho
Marvin Hall
|
Marvin Hall is a female AFOL? ;)
**cut**
|
And female AFOLs don’t count as people?
Cheers
Richie
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
BrickJournal 9 is now available for downloading through its
publisher, TwoMorrows. It’s 148 pages of reports and instructions, with
event reports of 1000steine-Land, Brickworld, and LEGOFest. There’s also
interviews with a couple of Star Wars builders and a Star Wars LEGO designer!
In order to download the magazine, everyone will need to create an account
at Twomorrows - this is needed to create a mailing list for the magazine.
There’s also another reason that will be explained below.
With Issue 9, it’s the end of a phase of the magazine. Issue 9 is the last
free online issue of BrickJournal, as
BrickJournal goes to print!
The Journal will be going to Volume 2 - the printed edition, out February
2008! You can order the
first issue, or
subscribe!
All back issues of BrickJournal are now at the
TwoMorrows site
for ordering. In the coming weeks, there will be other things happening with
the magazine. I am very happy and excited with these developments and thank
y’all for making this happen!
The BrickJournal page on the TwoMorrows site can be found
here.
PS. Apologies to James Trobaugh and Lewis Valentine, Jr. I got the print
edition out a bit later than expected.
|
Joe, congrats on taking BrickJournal to a new level. I signed up for my
subsription today, and I know of at least two other credit-whores who are about
too do the same.
You rock.
-Keith
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Melody Krützfeldt wrote:
| |
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
|
**cut**
| |
In the meantime, here’s a list of articles:
People
Nannan Zhang
Kyle Peterson/BrickForge
Eric Borrega, Microbuilder
Henning Birkeland, Vehicle Builder
Fanis Dovas, TECHNIC Vehicle Builder
Female AFOLS
Mariann Asanuma
Kecia Hansen
Tania Baixinho
Marvin Hall
|
Marvin Hall is a female AFOL? ;)
**cut**
|
And female AFOLs don’t count as people?
Cheers
Richie
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
BrickJournal 9 is now available for downloading through its
publisher, TwoMorrows. It’s 148 pages of reports and instructions, with
event reports of 1000steine-Land, Brickworld, and LEGOFest. There’s also
interviews with a couple of Star Wars builders and a Star Wars LEGO designer!
In order to download the magazine, everyone will need to create an account
at Twomorrows - this is needed to create a mailing list for the magazine.
There’s also another reason that will be explained below.
|
Wait one cotton-pickin’ minute here. You mean the old issues are no longer
free?!!!????!!
I totally understand about charging for new content starting with issue 10. But
issues 1-8 were released without any indication that they would ever not be
freely available.
|
|
| |
Joe, congratulation on taking BrickJournal to print. I know from working with
other authors how hard that process can be.
I signed up for my subscription today because BrickJournal is truly great! It is
my opinion that it is truly stands with other well done and professional trade
publications in any field.
Congratulations again! And as Kieth put it earlier, “You Rock”
-Jason
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
> Actually we do want to sell and distribute worldwide, however shipping does pose
> a serious challenge. I am looking at some options, but I can't really say
> anything at this point.
Can't you just continue to offer a PDF version?
BTW, trying to charge, even a nominal fee, for products that have been free for
some time probably isn't the best PR move.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allister McLaren wrote:
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
>
> > Actually we do want to sell and distribute worldwide, however shipping does pose
> > a serious challenge. I am looking at some options, but I can't really say
> > anything at this point.
>
> Can't you just continue to offer a PDF version?
>
> BTW, trying to charge, even a nominal fee, for products that have been free for
> some time probably isn't the best PR move.
The way I understand it is that the pdf version will continue to be offered and
will still be made available, just at a cost. As far as back issues, if you read
them, wouldn't you have downloaded them and saved them to your hard drive? And
it seems to me, it is not a lot of money at $3.95/issue or whatever it is--you
could get all 8 back issues for something like $32.00--less than the cost of
most LEGO sets.
And if you subscribe to the print edition, you get the pdf version for free.
Tommy Armstrong
|
|
| |
--snip--
> BTW, trying to charge, even a nominal fee, for products that have been free for
> some time probably isn't the best PR move.
People had the option to get them for free. If they chose not to it's their own
silly fault.
Tim (who has also drunk free beer but still buys the stuff)
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allister McLaren wrote:
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
>
> > Actually we do want to sell and distribute worldwide, however shipping does pose
> > a serious challenge. I am looking at some options, but I can't really say
> > anything at this point.
>
> Can't you just continue to offer a PDF version?
>
> BTW, trying to charge, even a nominal fee, for products that have been free for
> some time probably isn't the best PR move.
Probably not, but this is one of decisions I had to make, especially since there
is demand toward having printed back issues. Revenue from the back issues will
be used to subsidize printing back issue compendiums that are being targeted to
bookstores. Having free back issues will not make it any easier to sell these
compendiums.
I will also point out that part of this revenue will also go to contributors.
Joe
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, William R. Ward wrote:
(snip)
| |
Wait one cotton-pickin’ minute here. You mean the old issues are no longer
free?!!!????!!
I totally understand about charging for new content starting with issue 10.
But issues 1-8 were released without any indication that they would ever not
be freely available.
|
I did bring this up here:
http://news.lugnet.com/publish/brickjournal/?n=175
You posted a reply here:
http://news.lugnet.com/publish/brickjournal/?n=178
and I stated my position here:
http://news.lugnet.com/publish/brickjournal/?n=179
If BrickJournal is to be a sustainable enterprise, I will need to make as many
revenue streams as possible.
Joe
|
|
| |
Joe Meno wrote:
> {In order to download the magazine, everyone will need to create an
> account at Twomorrows - this is needed to create a mailing list for
> the magazine. There's also another reason that will be explained
> below.}
Why do I have to enter at least two characters for a state? I don't live in
any state, I live in a city in a country. What use can you have of two faked
state letters?
And definitely don't ask for my telephone number! No way I'd give that away
to an unknown web site. It did accept the number "no-way", though, so I
could pass registration. It should definitely not be mandatory, especially
if there's no validation.
And if you don't want to sell and distribute world wide, please make that
clear on the front page, not at the end of the checkout.
I'm sad that BrickJournal is lost to me, it was a very good magazine. Thanks
for all the previous issues - I've enjoyed them!
--
Anders Isaksson, Sweden
BlockCAD: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/proglego.htm
Gallery: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/gallery/index.htm
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Gianluca Morelli wrote:
> > This is a bad new. ¬¬You instantly loose most of your non-american readers,
> > as we aren't going to pay an intercontinental shipping for our issues.
> >
> > Thanks for your great previous work,¬
> > Gianluca
>
> Wow. I'm sorry that you feel this way. I have done the best I can to make
> things work out for as many people as possible. There are other options that
> I am looking at to provide issues to everyone, and I am aware of the
> audiences overseas. But I had to make some hard decisions. This is one of
> them but it at least allows the option of international subscriptions. I'm
> sorry that I couldn't do better at this time.
>
> Joe
Hi Joe, I know that when you switch from fan-made stuff to "serious" stuff you
got to make hard choices (especially for money troubles), but not having a
distribution in Europe is a major issue.
It's not pleasant to pay 2/3 times what americans pay 1 and having even it with
a (say) 10 days delay.
What about keeping up the pdf version, even not for free? For example, paying $5
to 10 for the pdf version would be fair...
...or at least tell us where to get it for free on emule... :-PPPPPPPPPPPP
Gianluca
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Gianluca Morelli wrote:
| |
This is a bad new.
You instantly loose most of your non-american readers,
as we aren’t going to pay an intercontinental shipping for our issues.
Thanks for your great previous work,
Gianluca
|
Wow. I’m sorry that you feel this way. I have done the best I can to make
things work out for as many people as possible. There are other options that
I am looking at to provide issues to everyone, and I am aware of the
audiences overseas. But I had to make some hard decisions. This is one of
them but it at least allows the option of international subscriptions. I’m
sorry that I couldn’t do better at this time.
Joe
|
What about printing in Europe and Australia?
Saso
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Patrick Bégin wrote:
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
BrickJournal 9 is now available for downloading through its
It’s 148 pages of reports and instructions, with
event reports of 1000steine-Land, Brickworld, and LEGOFest. There’s also
interviews with a couple of Star Wars builders and a Star Wars LEGO
designer!
|
Something else to fix :
Single Feb 2008 issue = 11$us + 2$us for canada delivery. I would say that’s
fair.
Subscription for four issues = 32$us (nice discount) + 18$us for canada
delivery...
It does not add up...
|
Let me clarify myself...
First issues special = 11$us for USA, 11$us + 2$us for Canada. This is
“relatively” fair : 18.2% surcharge for USPS because it is sent international.
Subscription = 32$us for USA, 50$us for Canada. 56.25% more for USPS ???
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Gianluca Morelli wrote:
> What about keeping up the pdf version, even not for free? For example, paying $5
> to 10 for the pdf version would be fair...
I reread the specifics for the first print issue:
http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78&products_id=609
And it certainly seems to indicate that the .pdf version will still be available
for $3.95. Which is even cheaper that what you thought would be fair. :)
At least, that's the way I'm reading it - that the new issues, going forward,
will all still be available as digital downloads. Perhaps Joe can clarify when
he gets a minute.
All the best,
Allan B.
|
|
| |
> > Wow. I'm sorry that you feel this way. I have done the best I can to make
> > things work out for as many people as possible. There are other options that
> > I am looking at to provide issues to everyone, and I am aware of the
> > audiences overseas. But I had to make some hard decisions. This is one of
> > them but it at least allows the option of international subscriptions. I'm
> > sorry that I couldn't do better at this time.
> >
> > Joe
>
> Hi Joe, I know that when you switch from fan-made stuff to "serious" stuff you
> got to make hard choices (especially for money troubles), but not having a
> distribution in Europe is a major issue.
This is not the only problem. Think a second about this: how many Europeans
would still write articles for a US Magazine which is hard/expensive to get in
Europe? Brickjournal will loose not just readers but also writers...
Cheers,
Luca
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allister McLaren wrote:
> > In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
> >
> > > Actually we do want to sell and distribute worldwide, however shipping does pose
> > > a serious challenge. I am looking at some options, but I can't really say
> > > anything at this point.
> >
> > Can't you just continue to offer a PDF version?
> >
> > BTW, trying to charge, even a nominal fee, for products that have been free for
> > some time probably isn't the best PR move.
>
> Probably not, but this is one of decisions I had to make, especially since there
> is demand toward having printed back issues. Revenue from the back issues will
> be used to subsidize printing back issue compendiums that are being targeted to
> bookstores. Having free back issues will not make it any easier to sell these
> compendiums.
Ok, right. But in this case, don't offer a duty-version of the old PDF issues of
Brickjournal, sell just printed copies and delete from Internet all (*) the PDF
files.
Luca
(* on Internet the meaning of the word "all" is not the same of the one read in
every dictionary)
|
|
| |
I can’t say that I’m terribly upset and that I didn’t see this coming.
Now that BrickJournal can have real subscribers, the magazine can continue to
grow with more advertising. I do hope that the advertising will be cheaper for
LEGO based advertisers somehow.
If BrickJournal could be distributed in places like Barnes & Noble,
Books-a-Million, etc, then more people could see our great hobby and we can
reach out to more people.
I wouldn’t mind seeing a two year or three year subscription discount.
Scott
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Luca Giannitti wrote:
> This is not the only problem. Think a second about this: how many Europeans
> would still write articles for a US Magazine which is hard/expensive to get in
> Europe? Brickjournal will loose not just readers but also writers...
I don't understand what you are saying.
It is neither hard nor expensive to pay $3.95 (that is what, 2.78 Euros at
today's rate?) to get the pdf version. That is what you have been getting all
along. He had to start charging something for the magazine and it is a fair
price for an online publication.
As for a print version, well sure it is expensive but specialty magazines are
always expensive. I work in a library and we have lots of specialty magazines
that cost far more than Brick Journal.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Gianluca Morelli wrote:
(chop)
>
> Hi Joe, I know that when you switch from fan-made stuff to "serious" stuff you
> got to make hard choices (especially for money troubles), but not having a
> distribution in Europe is a major issue.
>
> It's not pleasant to pay 2/3 times what americans pay 1 and having even it with
> a (say) 10 days delay.
>
> What about keeping up the pdf version, even not for free? For example, paying $5
> to 10 for the pdf version would be fair...
>
> ...or at least tell us where to get it for free on emule... :-PPPPPPPPPPPP
>
> Gianluca
Gianluca,
The issues will be sold online as a PDF.
I understand your frustration, and believe me, I am trying to find a solution. I
can't offer free PDFs from now on, though.
Joe
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Ted Godwin wrote:
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Luca Giannitti wrote:
> > This is not the only problem. Think a second about this: how many Europeans
> > would still write articles for a US Magazine which is hard/expensive to get in
> > Europe? Brickjournal will loose not just readers but also writers...
>
> I don't understand what you are saying.
>
> It is neither hard nor expensive to pay $3.95 (that is what, 2.78 Euros at
> today's rate?) to get the pdf version. That is what you have been getting all
> along. He had to start charging something for the magazine and it is a fair
> price for an online publication.
The PDF is not expensive, it is expensive to get the printed issue (ok specialty
magazines are expensive, I know) but the worst thing is that Europeans AFOL
cannot buy at all the printed BJ because it is sold only within US.
Luca
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Scott Wardlaw wrote:
| |
I can’t say that I’m terribly upset and that I didn’t see this coming.
|
It was a matter of time - the biggest challenge has been getting things lined
up.
| |
Now that BrickJournal can have real subscribers, the magazine can continue to
grow with more advertising. I do hope that the advertising will be cheaper
for LEGO based advertisers somehow.
|
I am working on that - there will be a display ad level and a classified ad
level. Classified will have a specific section, like any classified section in a
newspaper or magazine. Events will be promoted one way or another also.
| |
If BrickJournal could be distributed in places like Barnes & Noble,
Books-a-Million, etc, then more people could see our great hobby and we can
reach out to more people.
|
I am working on that too, however the decision hasn’t been made to distribute
from them yet. When I find out I will provide that information - and at that
point I would encourage everyone to request the mag at their bookstore.
| |
I wouldn’t mind seeing a two year or three year subscription discount.
|
I’m not comfortable with that option at this point - there is no advertising yet
and subscriptions have just begun to be offered. Once I have a better picture
(in a few months) I can take a look at multi year subscriptions.
Thanks!
Joe
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, William R. Ward wrote:
(snip)
| |
Wait one cotton-pickin’ minute here. You mean the old issues are no longer
free?!!!????!!
I totally understand about charging for new content starting with issue 10.
But issues 1-8 were released without any indication that they would ever not
be freely available.
|
I did bring this up here:
http://news.lugnet.com/publish/brickjournal/?n=175
You posted a reply here:
http://news.lugnet.com/publish/brickjournal/?n=178
and I stated my position here:
http://news.lugnet.com/publish/brickjournal/?n=179
If BrickJournal is to be a sustainable enterprise, I will need to make as
many revenue streams as possible.
Joe
|
That thread was talking about the new issues (from issue 10 onward). I’m
talking about the existing issues that were previously made available for free.
Once something’s been released for free, it seems wrong to me to start charging
for it later.
|
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Luca Giannitti wrote:
>
> The PDF is not expensive, it is expensive to get the printed issue (ok specialty
> magazines are expensive, I know) but the worst thing is that Europeans AFOL
> cannot buy at all the printed BJ because it is sold only within US.
>
> Luca
That may not true. I am working on that, however, I have no definites. I won't
announce until then.
Joe
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, William R. Ward wrote:
| |
Once something’s been released for free, it seems wrong to me to start
charging for it later.
|
Really? I have received free coffee, chocolates, cable channels, newspapers,
magazines, laundry detergent, phone services and dozens more goods and services.
Eventually the free trial period ends and if you want access to the goods and
services you have to start to pay.
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
BrickJournal 9 is now available for downloading through its
publisher, TwoMorrows. It’s 148 pages of reports and instructions, with
event reports of 1000steine-Land, Brickworld, and LEGOFest. There’s also
interviews with a couple of Star Wars builders and a Star Wars LEGO designer!
|
A few thoughts:
First of all, I’m disappointed that greed has gotten the better of you. Issue
one to eight was released free of charge, and should stay free.
Secondly, I don’t really mind paying for the following issues. That is to say, a
few dollars for the pdf-version is ok, 32 dollars + 36 dollars shipping for the
printed version is way too much.
Thirdly, and most importantly, there’s nothing trustworthy about the site. I get
certificate errors causing IE to block parts of the site and I simply can’t
understand why you need my address and phone number before letting me download a
free preview of issue nine. And worse of all, I can’t even download it after
entering those details. I’m certainly not entering my credit card details into
that system…
|
|
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, William R. Ward wrote:
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, William R. Ward wrote:
(snip)
| |
Wait one cotton-pickin’ minute here. You mean the old issues are no longer
free?!!!????!!
I totally understand about charging for new content starting with issue 10.
But issues 1-8 were released without any indication that they would ever
not be freely available.
|
I did bring this up here:
http://news.lugnet.com/publish/brickjournal/?n=175
You posted a reply here:
http://news.lugnet.com/publish/brickjournal/?n=178
and I stated my position here:
http://news.lugnet.com/publish/brickjournal/?n=179
If BrickJournal is to be a sustainable enterprise, I will need to make as
many revenue streams as possible.
Joe
|
That thread was talking about the new issues (from issue 10 onward). I’m
talking about the existing issues that were previously made available for
free. Once something’s been released for free, it seems wrong to me to start
charging for it later.
|
This was a decision that was made after it was pointed out to me by the
publisher that a free issue in any form will undercut any selling issue. As for
the revenue itself, it will be going to subsidizing print compendiums of back
issues.
I am sorry that you thought otherwise.
Joe
|
|
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allan Johansen wrote:
| |
A few thoughts:
First of all, I’m disappointed that greed has gotten the better of you. Issue
one to eight was released free of charge, and should stay free.
|
I’m sorry I disappointed you, although I can pretty much say the comment on
greed is a pretty cheap shot.
| |
Secondly, I don’t really mind paying for the following issues. That is to
say, a few dollars for the pdf-version is ok, 32 dollars + 36 dollars
shipping for the printed version is way too much.
|
That’s actually 34 dollars, and I agree it IS high. And I am working on some
solutions.
| |
Thirdly, and most importantly, there’s nothing trustworthy about the site. I
get certificate errors causing IE to block parts of the site and I simply
can’t understand why you need my address and phone number before letting me
download a free preview of issue nine. And worse of all, I can’t even
download it after entering those details. I’m certainly not entering my
credit card details into that system…
|
I don’t have certificate problems, but I am using Safari and or Firefox. And you
should have gotten a link to download after you filled out the info. I will
contact the publisher about this.
The info is useful for one reason - it helps us figure out where people are who
are interested in the Journal. The phone number can be substituted, but I and
the publisher need this info to figure out how to reach people.
Joe
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Holy crow was that the most convoluted crap website signup ever. I was
constantly reloading pages and getting error messages. That is either a really
good sign, (lots of people are signing up for subscriptions as I just did,) or a
really bad sign. (That website is wholly insecure.) Suffice to say I will be
watching my credit card statement like a hawk after that. All I can say is I
know your doing everthing you can to make this work, Joe. I for one thank you
for all your efforts.
-Mike Petrucelli
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
| |
BrickJournal 9 is now available for downloading through its
publisher, TwoMorrows. It’s 148 pages of reports and instructions, with
event reports of 1000steine-Land, Brickworld, and LEGOFest. There’s also
interviews with a couple of Star Wars builders and a Star Wars LEGO designer!
In order to download the magazine, everyone will need to create an account
at Twomorrows - this is needed to create a mailing list for the magazine.
There’s also another reason that will be explained below.
With Issue 9, it’s the end of a phase of the magazine. Issue 9 is the last
free online issue of BrickJournal, as
BrickJournal goes to print!
The Journal will be going to Volume 2 - the printed edition, out February
2008! You can order the
first issue, or
subscribe!
All back issues of BrickJournal are now at the
TwoMorrows site
for ordering. In the coming weeks, there will be other things happening with
the magazine. I am very happy and excited with these developments and thank
y’all for making this happen!
The BrickJournal page on the TwoMorrows site can be found
here.
PS. Apologies to James Trobaugh and Lewis Valentine, Jr. I got the print
edition out a bit later than expected.
|
Joe, as always, good stuff!
For those complaining about no more free downloads... As I recall, when issue 1
came out, I heard/read a lot of “any way this can be done in print? It would be
great to have a copy of this on my coffee table/something I can read on a
plane/etc.”
Well, Joe has been hard at work for two years now, trying to figure out how to
get an issue to print. I would like to know if anybody has experience in
printing a magazine, then distributing it nationally first, and then
internationally. Oh, and do it with limited income.
I often times like to live the “if you can’t be part of the problem, be part of
the solution”. So far, I’ve seen lots of people complaining, being part of the
problem (I’ve also seen a lot of praise and support). I suggest if you have any
complaints, try to help Joe find a solution.
I can understand that many people outside of the USA have problems with
obtaining a printed copy. Here’s an idea...how about contacting some
folks/friends in the USA, see if you can work a deal with them to get
BrickJournal, and then have the individual ship it to you..and use paypal or
other means to cover the shipping charge?
Setting up international distribution is going to take some up-front money to
handle. Probably more money in the BrickJournal coffers at this point. So much
that all countries cannot be handled--but a few countries at first. Best to
work the countries with highest distribution to get a) more customer
satisfaction and b) higher revenue that will go on to feed further distribution
points. How does one determine these countries? By subscribers indicating
their countries to act as a tally.
Joe’s working hard--he needs time (and money--most of it not in his own pockets)
to get BrickJournal out to the USA and the rest of the world.
Scott Lyttle
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Joe Meno wrote:
> The issues will be sold online as a PDF.
>
> I understand your frustration, and believe me, I am trying to find a
> solution. I can't offer free PDFs from now on, though.
Have you checked with lulu.com? They do printing in Europe when delivering
to Europe, so the shipping charges might be lower. OTOH, I don't know what
that would mean for the prize of the magazine, and your margins...
--
Anders Isaksson, Sweden
BlockCAD: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/proglego.htm
Gallery: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/gallery/index.htm
|
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allan Johansen wrote:
> "Joe Meno" <jmenomeno@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:Jq22zo.Mo1@lugnet.com...
> > In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allan Johansen wrote:
> >
> > > A few thoughts:
> > >
> > > First of all, I'm disappointed that greed has gotten the better of you.
> > > Issue
> > > one to eight was released free of charge, and should stay free.
> >
> > I'm sorry I disappointed you, although I can pretty much say the comment
> > on
> > greed is a pretty cheap shot.
>
> Greed is a strong word (perhaps too strong in this case), but I'm not sure
> what other word I can use.
>
> I've been doing volunteer work for several clubs / publications over the
> years and I have never asked for anything in return. That's the whole point
> of volunteer work - working for free because you have a passion for the
> hobby.
> The BrickJournal used to be a magazine written by fans for fans; and a
> fairly good one at that. Now, it's a magazine written by fans for money. And
> in my experience, that's where things usually go wrong. How much do you pay
> the writers? How much do you ask for the magazine? What happens when some of
> the writers suddenly decide that they want more money? Do you raise the
> price? Then the writers want more, the price must be raised again. It's a
> spiral that you're never getting out of again. Been there, done that.
I have done volunteer work for quite a few things myself and my motivation is
because I like to do things.
Money does tend to corrupt. However, money is also a resource that makes many
things happen. Like printing. And yes I am looking at staffing and contributors.
However, it became a point where I had to either stay free and not publish or
try to publish.
> I'm not saying that it's going to happen to you. In fact, I hope it won't.
> But sadly, once you start mixing money into volunteer fan-based work,
> things, in my experience, tends to go wrong.
I understand that point quite clearly and will be working to keep from things
going awry.
> But that's, of course, just my personal opinion. It's your magazine, and you're
> free to do with it whatever you want.
>
> > > Secondly, I don't really mind paying for the following issues. That is to
> > > say, a few dollars for the pdf-version is ok, 32 dollars + 36 dollars
> > > shipping for the printed version is way too much.
> >
> > That's actually 34 dollars, and I agree it IS high. And I am working on
> > some
> > solutions.
>
> Ups, my mistake.
>
> > > Thirdly, and most importantly, there's nothing trustworthy about the
> > > site. I
> > > get certificate errors causing IE to block parts of the site and I simply
> > > can't understand why you need my address and phone number before letting
> > > me
> > > download a free preview of issue nine. And worse of all, I can't even
> > > download it after entering those details. I'm certainly not entering my
> > > credit card details into that system.
> >
> > I don't have certificate problems, but I am using Safari and or Firefox.
> > And you
> > should have gotten a link to download after you filled out the info. I
> > will
> > contact the publisher about this.
>
> Strangely enough, I can't get those errors today. But then again, I'm not
> sitting at the same computer. Yesterday I used my laptop (Windows XP), right
> now I'm using my normal computer (Windows Vista).
Could be OS or IE problem.
>
> > The info is useful for one reason - it helps us figure out where people
> > are who
> > are interested in the Journal. The phone number can be substituted, but I
> > and
> > the publisher need this info to figure out how to reach people.
> >
> > Joe
>
> Fair enough. But the problem is that the site doesn't really look
> trustworthy.
Don't know an answer to that. The site is the portal for the publisher, so it's
been used by many others.
Joe
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allan Johansen wrote:
> The BrickJournal used to be a magazine written by fans for fans; and a
> fairly good one at that. Now, it's a magazine written by fans for money. And
> in my experience, that's where things usually go wrong. How much do you pay
> the writers? How much do you ask for the magazine? What happens when some of
> the writers suddenly decide that they want more money? Do you raise the
> price? Then the writers want more, the price must be raised again. It's a
> spiral that you're never getting out of again. Been there, done that.
When I look at the transition of BrickJournal from free to pay I always try to
keep in mind the disaster of Bricks magazine. In order to get to the point of a
printed magazine (1) Joe had no choice but to start off free. He had to get
people used to the idea that a LEGO hobby-related fan magazine could work, and
could work on a regular basis.
And I think he's done that. We're at issue 9 now, and it's so long it almost
could have been two issues. :)
But from the beginning people have been asking for a printed version of the
magazine... I know I'm certainly one of them. And printing a magazine is
expensive; no way around that.
My feeling is that if a person had been interested in BrickJournal from the very
beginning then they've probably already downloaded all of the free files. So
they already have many/most of the free versions. And if someone just discovers
the magazine as it's become a pay-to-read enterprise then they'll have to buy
back issues. That's not at all uncommon in the magazine industry. But to go
forward, to get to the level of a printed magazine, Joe had no choice but to
look at ways to raise funds.
I know that he's very much responding to a desire (for a printed magazine) that
has been raised over and over. He's trying to keep it reasonably priced and
trying to make sure it reaches as many people as possible. There will be
mistakes, there will be the need to change gears from time to time, there will
be decisions that aren't popular with 100% of the readership. But this is the
only magazine like this (2) available to LEGO fans (and potential fans) and I
personally feel it's worth supporting. I know that I have put a lot of hours
into copy editing articles for the last five issues of BrickJournal. But those
hours don't even come close to the HUGE number of hours that Joe has put into it
from the beginning. I think he deserves a lot of credit for the effort he's put
into making BrickJournal a sustainable entity.
> I'm not saying that it's going to happen to you. In fact, I hope it won't.
> But sadly, once you start mixing money into volunteer fan-based work,
> things, in my experience, tends to go wrong.
If you have experience you feel would help avoid pitfalls, maybe you and Joe
could talk privately. He might benefit from the knowledge you have and perhaps
that could be used to make BrickJournal as successful as possible. :)
All the best,
Allan B.
(1) The importance here, in my mind, is that the LEGO building hobby NEEDS a
printed magazine to be the document of record. There is so much going on and so
little being written about this hobby. I'm hopeful that many fans will see the
positive growth that BrickJournal is going through and will come along for the
ride! :)
(2) Meaning a magazine about the entire hobby. This statement is not in any way
meant to disregard RailBricks magazine.
|
|
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> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allan Bedford wrote:
**cut**
>
> All the best,
> Allan B.
**cut**
Thank you Allan, I don't think too many could put it better than that!
I totally agree with your statement, it is the side of the story as I see it
too. All good intentions!
For others, I am only the European side, and we too over here are trying to do
our best in making sure people are happy and trying to find ways to make it more
cost effective. We understand there are some glitches, it is being looked into.
An awful lot goes on behind the scenes to make this all happen, but many will
not understand this if they are not a part of it. And that is ok.
The community wants a printed BJ and we are trying our very best to make that
happen and now we have come to that, now we must take the good advice people
have suggested and go on and support the community by showing the world what
AFOLs and such are all about!
Many thanks to the folks over here who have shown BrickJournal and I their
support! (Also to many I know over in the US too :)) - It is you guys who keep
us going!
Btw, for anyone who wants to know, I first started with BJ (around a year ago)
for a few reasons, one was to promote what is happening in Europe (and in some
cases other parts of the world too) and another to promote what female fans all
over the world are doing. I have many ideas for the future and I plan to go
ahead with them. I am doing this for the love of it and to take advantage of my
position; in being able to show my support to those on this side of the world
and put them on the AFOL worldmap.
My intentions are good and I will try to be of help where I can.
Many thanks,
Mel
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| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
|
**cut**
Joe,
Keep up the good work, there will be many things to over come and that is
normal. There will be many people who will show support and many who will not be
so happy with things, that too is also normal. (Hopefully when people see how
good a printed BJ looks, that will change their minds).
You know this, I know this and many know this.
Right now there is a pretty darn good mag out there that needs our attention to
keep it going! And that, we will.
Mate, I am right behind you, I know what is going on behind the scenes, I know
your intentions and I have seen the hard work and amount of time and energy you
put into BJ, it is a lot more motivation and work that many would admire if they
too, could actually see just what you do exactly.
It is shame that what started out to be all good intentions in thinking of other
people too and trying to include them has now seemed to branch off in some other
minds into something totally different... Kind of like a chinese whisper, I
guess.
Joe, you will always have support and there will always be BrickJournal in one
form or another, how I see it at the moment is you are answering to those who
wanted BJ to be printed and that is exactly what you are trying to do.
I also know Joe wants to keep in a good line and he has support to keep him in
that good line and to poke him with a stick when needed ;)
I cannot wait for BJ to be printed. When I saw BJ as a printed copy from one
that was printed out (shown at Brockworld) I couldn’t believe that this was the
same magazine I was contributing to. It looks fabulous! So much better than
online! It really made me proud to be a part of it! All the contributors and
everyone involved did a great job!
Thank you for that experience Joe & staff!
I look forward to seeing BJ as a printed mag :)
Many thanks,
Mel
European Bureau for BrickJournal
I hope this made sense cause I am actually in a rush to get ready to leave for
LEGO World in Holland ;) - excuse me if it doesn’t! :O
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Anders Isaksson wrote:
> Joe Meno wrote:
>
> > The issues will be sold online as a PDF.
> >
> > I understand your frustration, and believe me, I am trying to find a
> > solution. I can't offer free PDFs from now on, though.
>
> Have you checked with lulu.com? They do printing in Europe when delivering
> to Europe, so the shipping charges might be lower. OTOH, I don't know what
> that would mean for the prize of the magazine, and your margins...
I have - lulu copies have been available for some time (although those will have
to be pulled off too). You can too. Prices on demand are very high.
Like I said, I have looked at as many options as I can.
Joe
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Anders Isaksson wrote:
> Allan Bedford wrote:
>
> > I reread the specifics for the first print issue:
> >
> > http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78&products_id=609
> >
> > And it certainly seems to indicate that the .pdf version will still
> > be available for $3.95. Which is even cheaper that what you thought
> > would be fair. :)
>
> That looks good, but for the moment, twomorrows don't even process orders
> from my part of the world. It's still plenty of time left until February
> 2008, so things might change.
That is a bug that the webmaster is looking into - this has happened with the
free download, although the error message was false.
> What's wrong with using lulu.com? They have printing works on this side of
> the pond, so shipping would probably be cheaper (but what would the magazine
> cost?).
Try and print a magazine one at a time, and you'll see pretty clearly.
Joe
|
|
| |
"Joe Meno" <jmenomeno@aol.com> wrote in message
news:Jq22zo.Mo1@lugnet.com...
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allan Johansen wrote:
>
> > A few thoughts:
> >
> > First of all, I'm disappointed that greed has gotten the better of you.
> > Issue
> > one to eight was released free of charge, and should stay free.
>
> I'm sorry I disappointed you, although I can pretty much say the comment
> on
> greed is a pretty cheap shot.
Greed is a strong word (perhaps too strong in this case), but I'm not sure
what other word I can use.
I've been doing volunteer work for several clubs / publications over the
years and I have never asked for anything in return. That's the whole point
of volunteer work - working for free because you have a passion for the
hobby.
The BrickJournal used to be a magazine written by fans for fans; and a
fairly good one at that. Now, it's a magazine written by fans for money. And
in my experience, that's where things usually go wrong. How much do you pay
the writers? How much do you ask for the magazine? What happens when some of
the writers suddenly decide that they want more money? Do you raise the
price? Then the writers want more, the price must be raised again. It's a
spiral that you're never getting out of again. Been there, done that.
I'm not saying that it's going to happen to you. In fact, I hope it won't.
But sadly, once you start mixing money into volunteer fan-based work,
things, in my experience, tends to go wrong.
But that's, of course, just my personal opinion. It's your magazine, and you're
free to do with it whatever you want.
> > Secondly, I don't really mind paying for the following issues. That is to
> > say, a few dollars for the pdf-version is ok, 32 dollars + 36 dollars
> > shipping for the printed version is way too much.
>
> That's actually 34 dollars, and I agree it IS high. And I am working on
> some
> solutions.
Ups, my mistake.
> > Thirdly, and most importantly, there's nothing trustworthy about the
> > site. I
> > get certificate errors causing IE to block parts of the site and I simply
> > can't understand why you need my address and phone number before letting
> > me
> > download a free preview of issue nine. And worse of all, I can't even
> > download it after entering those details. I'm certainly not entering my
> > credit card details into that system.
>
> I don't have certificate problems, but I am using Safari and or Firefox.
> And you
> should have gotten a link to download after you filled out the info. I
> will
> contact the publisher about this.
Strangely enough, I can't get those errors today. But then again, I'm not
sitting at the same computer. Yesterday I used my laptop (Windows XP), right
now I'm using my normal computer (Windows Vista).
> The info is useful for one reason - it helps us figure out where people
> are who
> are interested in the Journal. The phone number can be substituted, but I
> and
> the publisher need this info to figure out how to reach people.
>
> Joe
Fair enough. But the problem is that the site doesn't really look
trustworthy.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Anders Isaksson wrote:
> Joe Meno wrote:
> > In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Anders Isaksson wrote:
> > >
> > > That looks good, but for the moment, twomorrows don't even process
> > > orders from my part of the world.
> >
> > That is a bug that the webmaster is looking into - this has happened
> > with the free download, although the error message was false.
>
> Sounds even better! So the plan is to be able to sell 'world wide' already
> at the start in February?
> (My interest will only be in the electronic PDF version)
That is the plan. To make this happen takes months to implement - not in
printing, but in coordination. BrickJournal already has one distributor with
Diamond Comics, and is waiting for decisions on others. These will be announced
as I recieve confirmations.
Electronic versions will be available worldwide to coincide. As mentioned in the
website, those subscribing will get the digital version free.
Joe
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Anders Isaksson wrote:
> Mike Petrucelli wrote:
> > Suffice to say I will be watching my credit card statement like a
> > hawk after that.
>
> This is not a problem if your bank/credit card issuer has the "one time
> card" facility (I don't know what it's really called in English).
>
> Each time I use my VISA card on the intenet, I generate a new, unique, card
> number/expiration time combo, with a limited amount of money available. All
> I can ever lose is that transaction - no-one can get at any more money even
> if they have all the details for that one-time-card.
I just use a card that only has a $400 limit for all internet purchases anyway.
I'll watch it like a hawk more on the principle of it than the possible monetary
loss. (which would still not be good but its not like that card has a several
thousand dollar limit either)
-Mike Petrucelli
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Mike Petrucelli wrote:
> Suffice to say I will be watching my credit card statement like a
> hawk after that.
This is not a problem if your bank/credit card issuer has the "one time
card" facility (I don't know what it's really called in English).
Each time I use my VISA card on the intenet, I generate a new, unique, card
number/expiration time combo, with a limited amount of money available. All
I can ever lose is that transaction - no-one can get at any more money even
if they have all the details for that one-time-card.
--
Anders Isaksson, Sweden
BlockCAD: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/proglego.htm
Gallery: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/gallery/index.htm
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Joe Meno wrote:
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Anders Isaksson wrote:
> >
> > That looks good, but for the moment, twomorrows don't even process
> > orders from my part of the world.
>
> That is a bug that the webmaster is looking into - this has happened
> with the free download, although the error message was false.
Sounds even better! So the plan is to be able to sell 'world wide' already
at the start in February?
(My interest will only be in the electronic PDF version)
--
Anders Isaksson, Sweden
BlockCAD: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/proglego.htm
Gallery: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/gallery/index.htm
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allan Bedford wrote:
>
> When I look at the transition of BrickJournal from free to pay I always try to
> keep in mind the disaster of Bricks magazine. In order to get to the point of a
> printed magazine (1) Joe had no choice but to start off free. He had to get
> people used to the idea that a LEGO hobby-related fan magazine could work, and
> could work on a regular basis.
But will it work now that people have to pay for it? Are people willing to pay
for it? Time will tell...
> My feeling is that if a person had been interested in BrickJournal from the very
> beginning then they've probably already downloaded all of the free files. So
> they already have many/most of the free versions. And if someone just discovers
> the magazine as it's become a pay-to-read enterprise then they'll have to buy
> back issues. That's not at all uncommon in the magazine industry. But to go
> forward, to get to the level of a printed magazine, Joe had no choice but to
> look at ways to raise funds.
I hadn’t, assuming that they would stay free. Thankfully, a friend had
downloaded them.
Having to pay for the old issues are something that I’m not too happy about.
They were released for free and should stay free. They should not be used as
fundraiser for the printed version.
Again, that’s just my opinion. Obviously, there are those who disagree with
me...
> But those hours don't even come close to the HUGE number of hours that Joe has put into it
> from the beginning. I think he deserves a lot of credit for the effort he's put
> into making BrickJournal a sustainable entity.
He certainly does (as do all who do volunteer work). I never said he didn’t...
> If you have experience you feel would help avoid pitfalls, maybe you and Joe
> could talk privately. He might benefit from the knowledge you have and perhaps
> that could be used to make BrickJournal as successful as possible. :)
I wish I could help, but I probably can’t. If I ever find a solution, I’ll write
a book about it and make millions. So far, the only thing I can say is: "don’t
do it".
Perhaps it’s just a symptom of our time. There aren’t many people who’re willing
to work for free.
> (1) The importance here, in my mind, is that the LEGO building hobby NEEDS a
> printed magazine to be the document of record. There is so much going on and so
> little being written about this hobby. I'm hopeful that many fans will see the
> positive growth that BrickJournal is going through and will come along for the
> ride! :)
I couldn’t agree more.
In the end, having to pay for a magazine is better than having no magazine at
all...
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allan Johansen wrote:
> I wish I could help, but I probably can’t. If I ever find a solution, I’ll write
> a book about it and make millions.
Why wouldn't you just give the book away for free?
> Perhaps it’s just a symptom of our time. There aren’t many people who’re willing
> to work for free.
I'm pretty sure that "people not working for free" has been a constant through
out time, not just now days. I know that my boss would love it if I worked for
free but my mortgage company wouldn't be so hip to the idea.
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, James Trobaugh wrote:
> In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Allan Johansen wrote:
> > I wish I could help, but I probably can’t. If I ever find a solution, I’ll write
> > a book about it and make millions.
>
> Why wouldn't you just give the book away for free?
I just knew that someone would ask that. Well, it’s because...
> > Perhaps it’s just a symptom of our time. There aren’t many people who’re willing
> > to work for free.
>
> I'm pretty sure that "people not working for free" has been a constant through
> out time, not just now days. I know that my boss would love it if I worked for
> free but my mortgage company wouldn't be so hip to the idea.
...there’s working for free and there’s working for free.
The big difference is that going to work isn’t volunteer work. I go to work
because I need the money. Otherwise I wouldn’t bother - it’s not that good a job
anyway.
However, if I ever were to write an article for the BrickJournal, I would do so
for free. Because it’s something I don’t have to do to make a living. Because
it’s something I do, voluntarily, for other AFOLs. Because it’s something that I
would be doing for fun...
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In lugnet.publish.brickjournal, Joe Meno wrote:
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BrickJournal 9 is now available for downloading
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BrickJournal goes to print!
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Congratulations on another great issue, and the launch of the printed version!
Two terrific accomplishments!
One question regarding mailing to US subscribers: Will issues sent by media mail
and/or first class mail be packaged in envelopes or wrappers, or will the
address be applied to the magazine cover?
I’m looking forward to many years of a successful magazine!
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Congrats, Joe, on making it to the stage where you can say you’ll have a paper
Lego fan magazine! Having pre-paid as a charter member (or somesuch) of the
last such enterprise, I’ll wait until I can actually hold an issue in my hands
before ponying up any cash. (Nothing personal - my skepticism isn’t just
limited to Lego mags - I bought the first 3 issues of Make: on the newsstand
before I decided they were stable enough to subscribe) Best of luck!
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