[modeleng] Re: "Smoke Rings" - Comment

I would assume that "small outlets" means the single shop rather than 
organisations the size of WH Smiths.
If so, and if any such legislation was passed, then it poses a threat far 
larger than just Model Engineer.
I imagine it would include all magazines and would effectively limit sales 
to the large shops, thus reducing the income of small ones and aiding their 
decline.

We now have so many stupid EU rules in, or coming in, that I dont doubt that 
this might be possible.
In my experience, writing to MP's is a waste of time. Mind, I dont think 
that many are bright enough to read, whch probably explains why.

Alan

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roger Mason" <roger.g3tdm@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Model Engineering List - Latest" <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2005 9:11 AM
Subject: [modeleng] "Smoke Rings" - Comment


Hi All,

   I discovered the other day that I was one of the people who could not
send to the list.   I discovered it when I tried to post the
following.   As I think that I can once again post to the list ... here
it is - I wonder what you all think?



  I have been waiting to read some comments,  in this forum,  on the
opening paragraphs of the editorial ("Smoke Rings") in the latest Model
Engineer (Issue No.: 4252).   In the absence of any views expressed I
thought I would start the ball rolling and see what others think.

  For those who haven't read,  or received their M.E. yet,  the editor
is asking readers to contact their Member of Parliament,  objecting to
the possibility that the U.K. will adopt an EU ruling that means that
magazines like the M.E. will no longer be distributed through "small
retail outlets".

  I have a couple of comments about this request:

     1.   The editor suggests that the M.E. relies for its circulation
figures on the sales off the shelves in bookshops.   If other large
bookshops are the same as the branch of W.H. Smiths in Truro,  the Model
Engineer and its companion magazine Model Engineers' Workshop (and
similar magazines covering other minority interests) have not graced the
shelves of this establishment for several months.   I used to pick up
the occasional issue of M.E.W. (and other magazines covering electronic
hobbies) - but no longer.   Thus the EU directive will have no effect on
this large outlet for the magazines - it has already been lost.

     2.   The editor asks us to write to our M.Ps. asking them to oppose
the move to adopt the EU directive.   Nowhere in the description of this
possible bureaucratic move are any references given to the title,  or
any reference number,  for this EU ruling.   How can we expect our M.P.s
to know just what we are talking about when we cannot point them to the
correct piece of legislation?

  What do others think about this editorial plea.   Have others a
clearer view of the background to this possible situation.


     Cheers,


        Roger Mason,  in St. Agnes.

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