The Future of MODELx

Over the past few months it became clear to the MODELx team that the editorial vision held by the editor and that held by the other staff members was not meshing in the way we had hoped when we launched the project. Following discussions, it was decided that the editor and MODELx would go their separate ways. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Being a small creative team to begin with, this loss is significant from a production standpoint. Mike Rinaldi, our visual coordinator, is, as we're sure our readers will agree, a very talented modeler and designer, but even with him taking a larger role in the production of the magazine it will be impossible to maintain a bi-monthly production schedule.

Because of these realities, we've decided to temporarily suspend our bi-monthly publication schedule effective with issue #2. But let us stress that MODELx is NOT DEAD. We believe that the overall concept of MODELx, as we have established it, is a sound one and we remain devoted to the idea of seeing this expressed in the print medium. Mike Rinaldi and the rest of the MODELx team will continue to work on material for future publications.

At this point, one of our favorite ideas is that of an annual publication. We envision a large format, 200+ page book showcasing fantastic scale modeling from all regions of the hobby and the world. To truly apply the methods that we have developed, we think this format and frequency are the best. The actual publication interval would probably be more like eight months and the book may even be hard cover. A good comparison might be some of the niche modeling titles that have appeared over the last several years from Japan and Scandinavia.

Of course, while we're mulling our options, it would hardly be fair to ask our subscribers, who paid on the presumption that they'd be getting bi-monthly copies, to wait for an undetermined amount of time for their next issue. So we'll gladly honor requests for refunds of unused portions of subscriptions.

If you wish, you may also retain a credit against a future publication bearing the MODELx name. Alternatively, you may also transfer your credit to Ampersand Publishing towards purchase of any of their fine publications. We will need to ask for your patience while we process your requests.

Should you want a refund, we will pro-rate the subscriptions at $7.50 per issue, so those who have received two magazines will be refunded $30.00 and those who have received one will be refunded $37.50. Of course, those who have not received anything will be refunded the full $45.00. The Pilot Issue is NOT included in any of these transactions. It was and remains complimentary. It's still available as a free download from the menus at left.

We'll keep the website updated with details of our plans for future publications. Again, we remain committed to the project, and are very encouraged by all the positive feedback we've received both directly from our readers, and seen on the Internet.

With our thanks,

The MODELx Team