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Old 12th Jul 2018, 9:27 am   #10
GrahamN
Hexode
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Burnham on Crouch, Essex, UK.
Posts: 391
Default Re: Radiophile Auction - Gnosall 22nd July

I wasn't going to comment on this thread as it was really an informational post to let people know of the cancellation. However, I feel that I should perhaps make a few comments, particularly after the last post from stevehertz. While technically it is true that the Radiophile magazine and auction services are commercial, in practice I doubt anyone here would be prepared to do the work Chas does for so little reward. With the takeover of Radio Bygones, he will be losing money for at least the next 2 to 3 years and probably longer - this was not an attempt to build a publishing empire, but an altruistic attempt to keep supporting the hobby.

In the same vein, the auctions are only marginally profitable after the hire fees for the hall and what money is made supports the magazine publishing. I have discussed with him various options, but he is adamant that he doesn't want to charge the sort of fees that he really needs to in order to make a reasonable profit. For that reason he relies very much on volunteer helpers and his own hard work.

There was an attempt a while ago to get someone to run the auctions, thereby freeing up more time for Chas to concentrate on the magazine, but it wasn't successful for various reasons, and Chas therefore does the majority of work himself.

In essence, it is really up to people whether or not they want the auctions to continue. I'm sure Chas will try to keep them going for as long as he can, but without practical assistance in at least the physical aspects, I'm really not sure how long that will be.
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