As a regular contributor to MRJ from the earliest days and as someone who has written widely in both a professional capacity and as a hobbyist (with 16 books and more than 80 published articles to my name), I have always understood that my work will only ever exert a selective appeal. I think that is an inevitable consequence of the diverse nature of any readership and, as a writer, it is not a problem for me. I am equally happy to hear constructive criticism, provided it is grounded in a careful consideration of what I have written and is reasoned. But to have a piece categorised as "dull" before it has been read is something of a new departure for me. We live in strange times indeed. What's that old maxim? Never judge a book by its' cover. Come on chaps; at least afford contributors the courtesy of looking at their work before forming a damning view!
I think the notion that the Christmas MRJ always used to be a special issue is something of a myth and I wonder whether the "rose tinted" spectacles of our memory is playing tricks here. Yes, I remember some issues that did dress the content with Christmas themes or showcased classic layouts of the past with more than a hint of a nostalgic gaze, and the Christmas competition was always something I enjoyed and which I do miss. But if you actually look back through the many Christmas MRJs that have been published (and I happen to have several on my desk as I write), then I think you will find that the content is, for the most part, the normal MRJ "fare". So I really don't think MRJ 275 is atypical in this regard.
I have always enjoyed reading MRJ because I feel it takes its' subject matter seriously and provides in depth explanation of modelling techniques combined with truly inspirational images that none of the other magazines come close to equalling. To that extent it doesn't matter to me whether a particular article reflects my specific interests or not; there are always lessons we can learn from the work of other good exponents of railway modelling, irrespective of company allegiance or modelling period. The "Station Road" series is a case in point, as whilst I suspect some of the contributors to this forum have mentally categorised the articles as "GWR" (because the scene I am describing is attached to a Great Western branch layout), the articles are actually dealing with scenic modelling techniques and are almost entirely generic in nature. Any publisher will tell you that they can only publish material that they receive, so for those forum contributors who are unhappy about perceived imbalances in recent content, the answer surely lies in your own hands. Write some articles around the themes and ideas that interest you and submit them to the editors. Just don't make them too dull, that's all...
Stephen Williams