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Post by easyrider on Apr 3, 2019 14:02:45 GMT -8
ScaleTrains announced on their Facebook page that they no longer employ Stephen Priest.
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Post by carrman on Apr 3, 2019 14:05:19 GMT -8
That didnt last long.
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Post by csx3305 on Apr 3, 2019 14:23:00 GMT -8
Interesting debut post for a new member....
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Post by ScaleTrains.com on Apr 3, 2019 14:37:31 GMT -8
The original post can easily be misconstrued. Stephen left on the best of terms. Here are the two Facebook posts we made about his departure.
"As you may know, Stephen Priest's roots are in Kansas City. Because of this, Stephen and his family believe it's best for him to return to KC. While we're truly sorry to lose someone of Stephen's skillset and caliber, we fully support his family's decision and wish them all the best."
"If you've followed our company, you know we believe God first, family second, work third. Through this transition, we're living our company values. In our hearts, we know this is best for Stephen and his family. We hope our FB fans respect the family's decision as well."
Shane
Shane Wilson
President
ScaleTrains.com, Inc.
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Post by riogrande on Apr 3, 2019 14:52:01 GMT -8
I can only imagine some family matters arose that caused a major course change so quickly.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2019 15:19:17 GMT -8
Wow. That was fast indeed. Hope all is well with him.
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Post by marknycfan on Apr 3, 2019 15:41:09 GMT -8
Whatever Stephen Priest's reason are for leaving a job, any job, are his reasons and no one else's darn business.
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Post by riogrande on Apr 3, 2019 16:52:23 GMT -8
Having grown up an Air Force brat I have no roots or location ties, but I understand others are very strongly tied to having always lived in one place and family same. Those ties can be very strong. I saw that same thing with my first wife who was born and raised and still lives in the same city. She seems firmly rooted there.
That may be the case with Mr. Priest. Sorry it didn't work out but I expect it was for the best. One can't thrive in an environment not healthy for them.
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Post by carrman on Apr 3, 2019 16:59:58 GMT -8
Whatever Stephen Priest's reason are for leaving a job, any job, are his reasons and no one else's darn business. Untwist your knickers, no ones asking for a reason here. We're simply commenting on the fact he wasn't there for very long. No ones prying into anything. Dave |
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Post by trainguy99 on Apr 4, 2019 3:32:47 GMT -8
Whatever Stephen Priest's reason are for leaving a job, any job, are his reasons and no one else's darn business. Agree 100%. I don't think any of us would want our career and personal life analyzed in an online forum. He deserves the same respect. |
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Post by carrman on Apr 4, 2019 5:50:36 GMT -8
Whatever Stephen Priest's reason are for leaving a job, any job, are his reasons and no one else's darn business. Agree 100%. I don't think any of us would want our career and personal life analyzed in an online forum. He deserves the same respect. Oh get over yourself. Don't like the topic, don't participate. Stop trying to be Jiminy Cricket. |
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Post by ambluco on Apr 4, 2019 12:17:14 GMT -8
The one thing people forget is this is not some random guy who quit their job and then moved to another. This was publicly disclosed in a story about leaving. Publicly disclosed where they were going and why. He was publicly greeted. And then publicly announced he left, although no reason this time unlike when he started the job.
I agree he doesn't need to be bashed but it is everyone's business because his transitions between companies was fully public.
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Post by riogrande on Apr 4, 2019 13:11:26 GMT -8
Well said ambluco.
I've held back until now, but when people hold certain positions publicly, they are in the public eye. Think movie actors and music artists only to a lessor degree. Of course people may wonder about what appears to be a false start by a well known figure in the model RRing community - it's only natural. That said, it's done and he's made his choice.
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Post by brakie on Apr 4, 2019 15:00:39 GMT -8
I do wish Mr.Priest and family the best of luck in their future endeavors.
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Post by csx3305 on Apr 4, 2019 16:22:20 GMT -8
The one thing people forget is this is not some random guy who quit their job and then moved to another. This was publicly disclosed in a story about leaving. Publicly disclosed where they were going and why. He was publicly greeted. And then publicly announced he left, although no reason this time unlike when he started the job. I agree he doesn't need to be bashed but it is everyone's business because his transitions between companies was fully public. And here we have a prime example of why I don’t think this trend toward “model railroad internet celebrities” is a good thing. I made comment on this phenomenon on the the Athearn SD90MAC thread. You know, the one that got Stalinized because apparently somebody got their panties in a twist (pretty sure I know who it was) |
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Post by marknycfan on Apr 5, 2019 15:39:12 GMT -8
Whatever Stephen Priest's reason are for leaving a job, any job, are his reasons and no one else's darn business. Untwist your knickers, no ones asking for a reason here. We're simply commenting on the fact he wasn't there for very long. No ones prying into anything. Dave Good to see you're as charming as ever... |
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Post by carrman on Apr 5, 2019 15:55:47 GMT -8
Untwist your knickers, no ones asking for a reason here. We're simply commenting on the fact he wasn't there for very long. No ones prying into anything. Dave Good to see you're as charming as ever... I'm consistent. If you're gonna be anything in life, be consistent. |
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Post by bnsf971 on Apr 5, 2019 17:42:49 GMT -8
Good to see you're as charming as ever... I'm consistent. If you're gonna be anything in life, be consistent. I think I'd rather be around somebody that was grouchy all the time, than somebody that was giddy, happy and cheerful one minute, and tearing my arm off and beating me over the head with it the next minute. |
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Post by atsfgp7u on Apr 8, 2019 3:55:26 GMT -8
I think I'd rather be around somebody that was grouchy all the time, than somebody that was giddy, happy and cheerful one minute, and tearing my arm off and beating me over the head with it the next minute.
I'd rather be around somebody who was giddy, happy and cheerful all the time. (grin)
cheers
Dave
PS I wish Stephen and Cinthia all the best whatever they do and where ever they plant their feet.
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Post by valenciajim on Apr 8, 2019 9:42:33 GMT -8
I agree--best wishes to the Priest family, they are good people who have done a lot to advance the hobby.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Apr 8, 2019 12:40:22 GMT -8
I agree--best wishes to the Priest family, they are good people who have done a lot to advance the hobby.
+1. Their books on Santa Fe Waycars as well as the PRRP MKT book are outstanding.
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Post by fr8kar on Apr 8, 2019 13:55:56 GMT -8
It was interesting to read this news before reading Stephen's farewell from the latest RMC. I wish him and his family the best in their adventures together.
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Post by jlwii2000 on Apr 8, 2019 18:20:37 GMT -8
The one thing people forget is this is not some random guy who quit their job and then moved to another. This was publicly disclosed in a story about leaving. Publicly disclosed where they were going and why. He was publicly greeted. And then publicly announced he left, although no reason this time unlike when he started the job. I agree he doesn't need to be bashed but it is everyone's business because his transitions between companies was fully public. And here we have a prime example of why I don’t think this trend toward “model railroad internet celebrities” is a good thing. I made comment on this phenomenon on the the Athearn SD90MAC thread. You know, the one that got Stalinized because apparently somebody got their panties in a twist (pretty sure I know who it was) Well, this trend toward "model railroad internet celebrities" isn't my doing. With a name like JLWii2000, it's easy to tell I didn't plan to be one of those aforementioned people. It's also nothing new, Model Railroader magazine has been doing it for years with Model Railroader Video Plus and Model Railroad Hobbyist with What's Neat this Month. If the hobby doesn't follow that trend they will be even further behind the times because every other hobby including a niche group of people teaching their pets how to use a toilet have huge internet followings. As for the celebrities such as Stephen Priest and Ken Patterson, these are very talented folks. I can't say that about myself but I'm slowly learning. Without those so called internet celebrities, the hobby could easily dwindle down to a particular age group that isn't exactly youthful. Also, for the record, I didn't get my panties in a twist, I just publicly posted my response. There was no whining or even contacting moderators about your post from me anyway. -James |
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Post by csx3305 on Apr 8, 2019 20:00:56 GMT -8
Well, this trend toward "model railroad internet celebrities" isn't my doing. With a name like JLWii2000, it's easy to tell I didn't plan to be one of those aforementioned people. It's also nothing new, Model Railroader magazine has been doing it for years with Model Railroader Video Plus and Model Railroad Hobbyist with What's Neat this Month. If the hobby doesn't follow that trend they will be even further behind the times because every other hobby including a niche group of people teaching their pets how to use a toilet have huge internet followings. As for the celebrities such as Stephen Priest and Ken Patterson, these are very talented folks. I can't say that about myself but I'm slowly learning. Without those so called internet celebrities, the hobby could easily dwindle down to a particular age group that isn't exactly youthful. Also, for the record, I didn't get my panties in a twist, I just publicly posted my response. There was no whining or even contacting moderators about your post from me anyway. Several points for rebuttal and disclosure here, so I will itemize: (1) Rest assured 100 percent, that you were not who I had in mind when I posted that line in parentheses. I won't say who I had in mind since that will serve to accomplish nothing other than more problems. Full disclosure, I've watched a total of three of your videos and I've seen nothing in your forum presence nor videos that would lead me to believe you made a behind-the-scenes complaint. (2) Would I classify you as something of an 'internet celebrity'? Personally, yes. Because I remember you having a Youtube channel from the very start of your presence on this forum. And possibly towards the end of the old Atlas forum. (If I recall correctly, Al Mayo invited you there?) So at least in my mind, you will always have that description. I'm sure I can't be alone on this. Do I have an axe to grind about it? Nope. I just made an observation and wanted to raise the point that 'internet celebrity' can be a double-edged sword. (3) I would not consider Stephen Priest an 'internet celebrity' in the least. I've read dozens of his articles since the 90's. They all come across as written by a lifelong scholar of a subject he cares deeply about. He had a reputable name in this hobby long before Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, etc. were ever concepts drunkenly scribbled onto dorm-room napkins. What I do find unfortunate is that his personal and family life is being scrutinized and speculated on, not only here, but elsewhere, just because Scaletrains is attempting this new style of "kinder, gentler, friendler, first-name-basis train manufacturer" guerilla marketing. (4) Ken Patterson has much the same pedigree in terms of articles, lots of good ones in the 90's and early 2000's, but I get a decidedly more "Hey everybody, look at me and look at what I can do" vibe from him. A sort of "Hard Copy" kind of vibe that is part marketing and sensationalism and part smarmy game show host. I also don't believe he cares one iota about such categorizations, and is buying into the 'internet celebrity' lifestyle lock, stock, and barrel. I could totally see him chanting the mantra that "any publicity is good publicity, as long as people are talking about my show." Again, axe to grind on my part? Nope. I watched his "What's Neat" column almost religiously. I don't think I missed a single episode until it went to the 'video podcast' format with Patterson and three other guys around a table, wearing headphones and talking about modeling. Not really what I would call 'gripping television', IMO. The older demonstration-style format is better. (5) I think this hobby is on a certain trajectory, and in a bigger picture so is American society, that we are going to see RADICAL changes in the next two decades. All of this "Hi guys, I'll be over by the snow-cone booth at National this Saturday at 3 PM, come by, say hi, and lets talk trains. Like, comment, and share!" kind of hijinks is not going to save the hobby of model railroading, nor even reverse the trajectory. Do I think the hobby is going extinct? No. Do I think it is going to get more obscure and harder to participate in the manner that we've seen in the last 20 years? YES. To delude oneself otherwise is akin to bailing out the Titanic with a teacup. (This is a topic all unto itself and is outside the scope of this thread so I'll just taper off there.) I also might point out that, as someone without children and no plans to have any, it is not my concern what happens to this hobby after I am deceased or otherwise unable to participate, nor is it my duty to try to "save" it. Others are certainly free to try, but I personally see nothing but futility in that path. (6) Before anybody tries to put words in my mouth, I would like to declare that item number 3 on this post is NOT a dig at Scaletrains. I have purchased plenty of items from them and will continue to do so. I just see little need in some of the marketing they try on occasion. Model railroading is not the counter at the local lumber dealer. I don't need to be on a first-name basis with most of everyone employed there. It's really an odd marketing concept when you get to thinking about it. (7) I do not expect anybody to give one measly rip about any of my opinions on this matter. I just wanted to explore the liabilities of marketing oneself on the Internet as a cottage industry, of sorts. Apparently, not many others are considering the negative implications. |
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Post by riogrande on Apr 9, 2019 3:18:20 GMT -8
(1) Rest assured 100 percent, that you were not who I had in mind when I posted that line in parentheses. I didn't get the impression James was in mind either. I never considered Stephen and internet celebrity either but the internet seems to amplify and spread news about people who may have been well known for publications and reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate modeler. It is unfortunate the effect the internet is having. The more you become a public figure, for whatever reason, the more there is exposure to scrutiny and comment. As for first-name-basis train manufacturers, that has been a trend over the past ten years with Blaine of ExactRail, David of Tangent, Nick of Moloco, Jason of Rapido, and to a lessor degree others. In general, if the person/personality handles that duty well, it can have a positive effect on the brand. I spent some years as a computer gamer and when new games were in development, some of the developers would interact with the gamers on that process where there could be feedback and input as to what features, game mechanics, etc. were being worked on. It was a positive constructive process. Some things could be added, others not, usually due to budgetary factors. From what comment I am hearing about Kens' show, some consider it a way to intruduce and inspire the hobby to the younger generation. I've read a lot of worry and hand wringing by the older hobbyists about who is going to come in to replace the older people as they age out and die off, so Ken, whether you like his format or not, is seen as promoting the hobby to the teens and young professional age group. Odd to you maybe, but some may find having a personal connection positive, helpful and useful thing, especially if you need to get a response on a need or question vs. trying to get the same thing from a nameless office staff person who may or may not get back to you. |
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Post by csx3305 on Apr 9, 2019 6:11:32 GMT -8
As for first-name-basis train manufacturers, that has been a trend over the past ten years with Blaine of ExactRail, David of Tangent, Nick of Moloco, Jason of Rapido... Blaine, I believe, was in charge of marketing, and research to a lesser extent, and is literally the only name I could give you from Exactrail, even if you waterboarded me. He also strikes me as a bit of a techie, so it comes as no surprise that he would be the marketing guy. David and Nick are sole proprietors, so I imagine they have little choice not to be the PR of their respective companies. Jason of Rapido has a wacky sense of humor and enough charisma that he makes a natural PR guy. Apples and oranges. Hold on just a minute now, you're twisting me out of context here. Never said I find the guy off-putting or objectionable. (I note you edited out the part where I stated I've seen every episode of the show in the old format...) I've just observed quite a few people comment that he comes across as cocky or arrogant from time to time. If memory serves, Patterson made a name for himself in real estate sales in the St. Louis area back before he got so intertwined with doing contract work for Bachmann, Walthers, Athearn, etc. Which probably says more about his demeanor than I or anyone else could in three long paragraphs. If it works for him, then more power to him. I can understand having one or two people as a personable representative for a company. Scaletrains is a bit of a wild card because I think I can name just about everyone on the payroll, or at least the lion's share of them. Certainly at least six. Seven, prior to Priest's departure. But anyways, at the end of the day, all this doesn't really matter. It's basically just water-cooler talk. |
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Post by riogrande on Apr 9, 2019 7:34:42 GMT -8
Blaine, I believe, was in charge of marketing, and research to a lesser extent, and is literally the only name I could give you from Exactrail, even if you waterboarded me. He also strikes me as a bit of a techie, so it comes as no surprise that he would be the marketing guy. David and Nick are sole proprietors, so I imagine they have little choice not to be the PR of their respective companies. Jason of Rapido has a wacky sense of humor and enough charisma that he makes a natural PR guy. Apples and oranges. Still, the personal touch seems to be overall a good thing, no matter what fruit you like. Anyway, I've watched a few of his video's but not enough to form a gut feeling good or bad to comment or get into the weeds on it. Form what little I see I would guess overall Ken is having a positive effect on the hobby which is a good thing. As they say, YMMV. But as for water cooler talk, the hobby is full of old men so that seems to come naturally to many. |
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Post by jlwii2000 on Apr 9, 2019 14:11:11 GMT -8
Well, this trend toward "model railroad internet celebrities" isn't my doing. With a name like JLWii2000, it's easy to tell I didn't plan to be one of those aforementioned people. It's also nothing new, Model Railroader magazine has been doing it for years with Model Railroader Video Plus and Model Railroad Hobbyist with What's Neat this Month. If the hobby doesn't follow that trend they will be even further behind the times because every other hobby including a niche group of people teaching their pets how to use a toilet have huge internet followings. As for the celebrities such as Stephen Priest and Ken Patterson, these are very talented folks. I can't say that about myself but I'm slowly learning. Without those so called internet celebrities, the hobby could easily dwindle down to a particular age group that isn't exactly youthful. Also, for the record, I didn't get my panties in a twist, I just publicly posted my response. There was no whining or even contacting moderators about your post from me anyway. Several points for rebuttal and disclosure here, so I will itemize: (1) Rest assured 100 percent, that you were not who I had in mind when I posted that line in parentheses. I won't say who I had in mind since that will serve to accomplish nothing other than more problems. Full disclosure, I've watched a total of three of your videos and I've seen nothing in your forum presence nor videos that would lead me to believe you made a behind-the-scenes complaint. (2) Would I classify you as something of an 'internet celebrity'? Personally, yes. Because I remember you having a Youtube channel from the very start of your presence on this forum. And possibly towards the end of the old Atlas forum. (If I recall correctly, Al Mayo invited you there?) So at least in my mind, you will always have that description. I'm sure I can't be alone on this. Do I have an axe to grind about it? Nope. I just made an observation and wanted to raise the point that 'internet celebrity' can be a double-edged sword. (3) I would not consider Stephen Priest an 'internet celebrity' in the least. I've read dozens of his articles since the 90's. They all come across as written by a lifelong scholar of a subject he cares deeply about. He had a reputable name in this hobby long before Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, etc. were ever concepts drunkenly scribbled onto dorm-room napkins. What I do find unfortunate is that his personal and family life is being scrutinized and speculated on, not only here, but elsewhere, just because Scaletrains is attempting this new style of "kinder, gentler, friendler, first-name-basis train manufacturer" guerilla marketing. (4) Ken Patterson has much the same pedigree in terms of articles, lots of good ones in the 90's and early 2000's, but I get a decidedly more "Hey everybody, look at me and look at what I can do" vibe from him. A sort of "Hard Copy" kind of vibe that is part marketing and sensationalism and part smarmy game show host. I also don't believe he cares one iota about such categorizations, and is buying into the 'internet celebrity' lifestyle lock, stock, and barrel. I could totally see him chanting the mantra that "any publicity is good publicity, as long as people are talking about my show." Again, axe to grind on my part? Nope. I watched his "What's Neat" column almost religiously. I don't think I missed a single episode until it went to the 'video podcast' format with Patterson and three other guys around a table, wearing headphones and talking about modeling. Not really what I would call 'gripping television', IMO. The older demonstration-style format is better. (5) I think this hobby is on a certain trajectory, and in a bigger picture so is American society, that we are going to see RADICAL changes in the next two decades. All of this "Hi guys, I'll be over by the snow-cone booth at National this Saturday at 3 PM, come by, say hi, and lets talk trains. Like, comment, and share!" kind of hijinks is not going to save the hobby of model railroading, nor even reverse the trajectory. Do I think the hobby is going extinct? No. Do I think it is going to get more obscure and harder to participate in the manner that we've seen in the last 20 years? YES. To delude oneself otherwise is akin to bailing out the Titanic with a teacup. (This is a topic all unto itself and is outside the scope of this thread so I'll just taper off there.) I also might point out that, as someone without children and no plans to have any, it is not my concern what happens to this hobby after I am deceased or otherwise unable to participate, nor is it my duty to try to "save" it. Others are certainly free to try, but I personally see nothing but futility in that path. (6) Before anybody tries to put words in my mouth, I would like to declare that item number 3 on this post is NOT a dig at Scaletrains. I have purchased plenty of items from them and will continue to do so. I just see little need in some of the marketing they try on occasion. Model railroading is not the counter at the local lumber dealer. I don't need to be on a first-name basis with most of everyone employed there. It's really an odd marketing concept when you get to thinking about it. (7) I do not expect anybody to give one measly rip about any of my opinions on this matter. I just wanted to explore the liabilities of marketing oneself on the Internet as a cottage industry, of sorts. Apparently, not many others are considering the negative implications. My apologies for getting defensive, I just didn't want you to think I had reported the original post because that thread did get nuked quite a bit. I can't remember how I was referred to these forums. |
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Jul 1, 2022 6:23:27 GMT -8
Interesting to re-read these comments 3 plus years later.
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Post by valenciajim on Jul 1, 2022 12:42:14 GMT -8
Let's remember that this thread was posted before COVID, so COVID probably delayed things for Mr. Priest and his new business partners. I met hin at an NMRA Convention when he was still with RMC. I was very impressed. He seemed to be a high-class individual. I wish him well.
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