So long from the Journal editor

[Chris Bucholtz]

All good things must come to an end. After 18 years, I’m stepping down as managing editor of the IPMS/USA Journal. Changes behind the scenes have made it impossible for me to do the job the way it needs to be done in order to deliver a first-class product to the membership. As editor, I felt that was what I owed you —the Journal is the only tangible thing members get, and it should represent the society, the membership and the contributors in the best possible light. If I am not allowed to do the job, I don’t need the title, and it makes no sense for me to bear whatever responsibility the title entails.

I want to thank the past publications directors I’ve worked with — and, especially, remember fondly Jim Woody and Jim Pearsall — who gave John Heck and I the freedom and support to develop the Journal into what it became. I am indebted to the many authors who contributed their work to our pages — without them there would be no magazine. The “repeat offenders” who made contributing to the Journal a habit — people like David Kimbrell, Davis Gandees, Bob Steinbrunn, Dan Thompson, and Doug Cole, to name a few — deserve endless thanks (not just from me, but from you too!).

And of course, thanks to John Heck. He elevated the magazine’s look to a professional level that allowed those contributions to look as wonderful as the models they described - sometimes, even better! I think it was John’s graphic skills and the care the editorial team put in (including Richard Slusher, Mark Schynert, Ron Reynolds and John Eaton) that made people want to have their articles appear in the Journal, where their work would be respected, polished and presented in a manner they could be proud of.

The Journal was a real passion project for me, so you can imagine what it took to drive me to this decision, but when you’re not allowed to do a job, there’s no real point in doing it anymore.

[Ron Bell]

So sorry to see you go. You brought the Journal into the 21st century. It's hard to believe that it's been 18 years. I was on the Eboard when your team was selected and we never regretted it one bit. I have no idea what travails you are alluding to, but if you feel it's time to move on I guess that's something you have to do. In any case, thanks for all your efforts.  

[PaulBradley]

Many thanks for all your hard work, Chris. You, and John, brought the Journal out of the Dark Ages and into the 21st Century with your professionalism and excellent production values, turning it from a rather amateurish, lack-lustre product into a truly excellent magazine that wouldn't look out of place on a news stand.

It is a shame you feel the need to step aside but, knowing you, I'm sure your reasons are valid. It is the Society's loss, one that I hope the E Board will not live to regret. 

[CaptainAhab]

Sorry to hear this Chris, thank you for everything you have done for us and the hobby, I imagine it was not an easy decision, your leadership as Editor will be a tough act to follow. 

[dhamilton]

Thank you Chris for keeping the Journal relevant and bringing it into the 21 century!! You and your staff's expertise and experience are greatly appreciated.  Bravo Zulu!!

[ghodges]

"Thanks" is hardly enough to cover the work and dedication you devoted to IPMS and its members for so long. As a member since the 70's (and the days of the Quarterly and Update!) I've seen how the IPMS magazines have become MUCH more professional and polished over the decades. You and your team really put out a first rate model magazine... something I always emphasized to anyone I was trying to sell on joining IPMSUSA. The Journal is worth every penny JUST as a model mag subscription when compared to all the others. The only down side (for most people) is its need to be inclusive of all genres of model building instead of focusing in on whatever interest any particular reader might have.

I must say I'm disturbed as to the reasons you've alluded to for feeling you have to move on. Perhaps I've missed some new directive from the new Eboard, though I can't recall any discussion of a "new" direction for the Journal at the IPMSUSA business meeting in Madison. I consider the Journal as something that, except for its running late, seems to be very good and not "broke" or in need of fixing. The idea that they must exert some sort of demand or control over you that past Eboards have not seen the need for is troubling on the surface.

That said, I'll await to see what the Eboard has to say about why they want more direct control of the Journal and exactly WHAT they want to seen done with it by the new Editor and Art staff people. Based on past experiences in IPMS, finding someone as qualified and experienced as yourself AND who's willing to work under the thumb of the Eboard may be a tall order. I am extremely suspect of their being all too willing to set you and your experience aside in place of people who may have great intentions but less experience, and I look forward to seeing who the new staff people are and what they bring to the Journal,. Perhaps it IS as simple as their new vison doesn't jibe with your vision and desires and the Journal will soldier on in a new and (hopefully) better way.

I wish you GREAT success in whatever endeavors may lie ahead for you, personally and professionally! I also expect this may free up a LOT of modeling time for you, so ENJOY!

 

Gil 

[patd]

Chris, so sorry to hear of this. I really enjoyed the way you steered the Journal and always read your editorials first when the Journal arrived. I admire you for sticking to your principles and stepping down when you feel that you can no longer deliver the best possible product due to interference. Best of luck in all things, old friend!

Pat Donahue

[Kaliste]

Chris,

I am so sorry to hear this news.  You've provided to us a professional publication which I've looked forward to each issue.  Thanks for your insight and professionalism.  Hopefully, now you will be able to spend more time building - and publishing books!  I hope to see you next year in Hampton.

Kaliste

[Bert]

The absolute best part of the Journal was your column. It was the first place I went to, opening the magazine. It will be a tall task finding a more qualified replacement. Good luck IPMS/USA with that. You will need it !

-Bert

[pkoepp]

Any idea when the next journal comes out?

[VonL]

"What Gus is sayin' is..." what Gil said, et al.

           

 Am truly sorry to see you go Chris, after having raised the bar to the point where the JOURNAL is the only modeling mag to which I actually wanna subscribe. Yes, it is one of the primary perks of IPMS membership and I'd like to differ on the point that "the only down side is its need to be inclusive of all genres." Even as a hopeless airplane nut, I'm always eager to see any new techniques, ideas, or perspectives that emerge from the folks who build...everything else, with extra credit for something funny. IMHO, that variety is the strong suit of the JOURNAL, as it tracks the growth and evolution of scale modeling - and us modelers with it. While some of the recent editorials may have hit an odd note (welcome to the human race), I'd have thought we could at least acknowledge whatever .05% differences we might have on a topic and continue to share the joy in the 99.95% fun and cool bits - and maybe even laugh about it. Am disappointed that something apparently went sour there and hopefully it's not the cause of your departure. 

Finally, just a huge THANK YOU for all of your great work, professionalism and the care that you've personally contributed to this key component of IPMS for so many years.

Now, go build something...like a 1/72 airplane, for instance...

[Mark Deliduka]

Wow, I just found this, thank you for the link to see this Thread. I'm sorry to hear of issues that have caused you to come to this decision, you have done and exceptional job in modernizing and improving on our organization's magazine. I always look forward to it when it is released. Maybe someday I'll have something worthy of publication in some future Journal.

[TomDougherty]

Always looked forward o your column in every issue. And looking at old issues, it is abundantly clear to see the major upgrade in quality to the magazine over the years.  Whoever takes over has some mighty big shoes to fill.  The magazine is the vehicle that binds together IPMS at the National Level. 

Somewhat disturbing to hear that "Changes behind the scenes have made it impossible for me to do the job the way it needs to be done in order to deliver a first-class product to the membership."  Whatever the changes were, any future slip in the magazine quality will be viewed negatively by many members.  Whoever takes over as editor needs to be aware of that. As someone else remarked, "What Gil said..."

[SkyKing]

Stunned!☹️

[BWScholten]

Best wishes on your future endeavors.

 

 

[Highlander]

Others above have pretty well said what I would say.  You did a great job.  We'll miss your Journal.

[R4360]

IPMS needs to step back & seriously question their purpose, because I think key elements have been forgotten, or ignored.  Look at the number of E board resignations - something is wrong. And when an 18 year veteran editor resigns because he no longer can do his job - something is really wrong. Chris Bucholtz is immensely qualified to be Managing Editor of the Journal, IPMS will very hard pressed to find as qualified a  "replacement" - who will work for free. Running this organization is enormously complex & time consuming - and there is no pay. Think about that - they lose time for modeling, or being with friends & family- to run this gig for free. 

IPMS is an association of Scale Plastic Model builders - not a political platform, or  group looking to "change the world". We want to build models, go to local meetings - and regional and national events. I do believe social media is hurting the group, non-members are constantly  attempting manipulate, or politicize IPMS to fit their agenda via Facebook. That needs to end. But I also see attempts to politicize things at local meetings - and at times I've interrupted to say "I came here to talk about models".  I don't care if your "left" or "right" - what model are you working on? Let's all build models, talk about models, and have fun - check your politics at the door!!

 

 

Scott Copeland

IPMS # 34057

[Bert]

I seem to remember a few months ago IPMS/USA was offering members, for a brief period of time, a discount if renewing their membership for 3 tears.

[RONBO]

Has anyone asked Chris directly what  happened?

Ron Thorne Jr. RC 5

 

 

 

 

[Bert]

He has a FB account.

[RONBO]

35 minutes ago, Bert said:

He has a FB account.

I would feel tha Facebook is a little to public for such a internal discussion.  In my opinion the forums here is secure and where I think it should take place. Once again just my opinion 

Ron Thorne Jr.  RC 5

[ghodges]

Bert (and all): The 3 year renewal deal for $60 is good from no until next August when the next Nats starts. I already took advantage of it, and hope many of you will too!

Part of the problem is that we DO NOT KNOW what's going on. We only know that Chris quit. We don't know why and we don't know if it's something that could have been avoided or mitigated. THAT is why I've asked the Eboard to come here to the DF to TELL US what's going on. To let us know IF there's already a new editor, or that they need to find one. And to tell us IF and WHEN the next Journal will be out, and how they plan to get it back on schedule, or even IF they have a plan for that.

It'll be very "telling" whether they respond or not.....

 

Gil 

 

[Bert]

When discounts are being offered, it makes me believe there must be a reason. I'll let others speculate on why? 

[Bert]

2 hours ago, RONBO said:

I would feel tha Facebook is a little to public for such a internal discussion.  In my opinion the forums here is secure and where I think it should take place. Once again just my opinion 

Ron Thorne Jr.  RC 5

I believe you can PM him through FB......I think.

[RONBO]

Yes I could. But I still think as to me if someone would ask him to post thru the forum in the appropriate forum. Seeing the he is a RC and myself a RC recently within the the last 5 months it would carry more weight if it came from others that have posted here and not this thread.

Ron Thorne Jr. RC5