Greetings from me
 

Hello all!

I'm a Film & Television student from Kent who enjoys making short films and documentaries about steam locomotives and railways.

I'm currently experimenting with the reviewing of various heritage railways around the UK; covering various aspects from the casual visitors' point of view, whilst trying to remain neutral, un-biased and fair minded. Results have been mixed thus far, for right and wrong reasons. But, I'm gradually learning new things about the Heritage Railway Sector while providing visitors and enthusiasts an idea of what to expect on their visit:
http://e-gmedia.blogspot.com/
Alongside reviews are some personal views I have of events and issues within railway preservation. Some of these may appear controversial, but there is no intention of offending or insulting any 3rd Party.

I am also an active volunteer and supporter of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society; assisting with some (unofficial) promotion work of the East Grinstead Extension, as seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e9Y5jplaHA


Anyways, this is me. And I look forward to contributing to this forum wherever intended.

Welcome! I've had a good look through your blog, and must say, you appear to have largely achieved what you set out to do. Fair reviews of locations, trains, facilities etc, along with a whole bunch of useful information not always to be found in those railways' websites and/or flyers. I noted your comments on all three railways concerning stock being left willy-nilly around the place; as you visit more and more railways, I think you'll find that the problem's pretty much universal. Well done! All you need now is to check your spelling - 'whether' not 'weather', and Isembard Kingdom Brunel, not 'Kingdon'. Otherwise, a fine effort!
:)

I echo the sentiments of our senior member, save for the boorish comments respecting spelling, which does tend to "peck the head" of certain members.
Keep up the good work.

P.S.

N & M on the Querty Board are next to each other, could easily have been Kingdo<!!!

Hi E-G Media and a warm welcome to the forum. I found your blog very interesting and will be a useful tool for information relating to many aspects of heritage railway sites. How about including a section relating to specific areas for photography along the line, or would that take up too much time? Just a suggestion. Anyway I look forward to following your work and many thanks for your valued input
Regards
Phil

HelloE-G Media and welcome to the Railway Forum.

Boorish? Hmff. I've never pulled anyone on the Forum up about their spelling, after all, it's just that - a forum; but this is regarding a website which is 'out there' for all to see and enjoy, and a certain degree of accuracy in grammar helps no end. No other complaints, it's a good piece of work, and a pleasure to look through.
Incidentally, while I'm still in 'boorish' mode, it's QWERTY. :D

All this talk of Isembard Kingdon Brunel and Isembard Kingdom Brunel.
His name was Isambard :D

This is very true indeed and I certainly don't intend to hold it as a personal vendetta against any preservation society. But, lets just say, some railways intentionally seem to take better care of their stock than others.

To be fair, BOTH of you hold a very valid point.
I admit, spelling was never really one of my strongest points while studying literature (how I received an A*, I'll never know!). And, while there's more important things to worry about, one has to maintain appearances if they are to be taken seriously in this world. All I can really say is thank you for letting me know.
At the same time, you're right; it could have easily been Kingdo<!

I did consider this when I planned the concept. However, I'm not the greatest stills photographer in the world and although I try to cover all aspects, my target audience was for the casual visitor than the hardcore linesider.
That said, I will bear it in mind for future reviews wherever I can.

You're right again, and thanks for your feedback :)

...if you insist! ;)


Thanks for the warm welcome everybody. I must say, I already feel more welcome here than on other forums I've joined recently. I shan't name any names for obvious reasons, but some seem to feel strongly that what I'm doing should only be tackled by those who are either employed in the Heritage Railway Sector, or have previous background with Professional Market Research; in other words, some seem to feel that I'm wasting my time.
And, for those who are interested, I don't just intend to stop at reviewing railways. I am also in the process of setting up some of my films produced at University (also related to steam engines), which will also be trademarked under E-G Media. As well as a series of short documentaries looking at various locomotive designs (which is currently in the works).


Incidentally, whereabouts on this forum would you recommend I mention my work? I feel it necessary to ensure that I don't end up clogging this thread up with every update I make.

Isambard - of coarse! Watt a klot Ive bean. Stil, itts abote thyme eye ad thee opertoonty two spel summink rong, sinse evrybudy els duzit. :D

Dave.
All that's been done before a couple of weeks ago.{see Brittania Nameplates]Myself being scorned for that not so simple spelling error. Oh and I mentioned the word DYSLEXIA, shock horror.
Some members easily get riled up over a silly spelling mistake, but I note that it still goes dark at night and then lights up again in the morning.So life does move on.
Cheers.

Merely pointing out that I'm just as prone to error as anyone, no offence meant to you or anybody else. :)

If I didn't spell check all of my postings, I would have been the recipient of many comments about my spelling. I have a Google spell check on my toolbar which I tend to use all the time. I don't mind if people make mistakes as long as I can understand the subject they are writing about. This is a friendly forum, not a school room. Had my say, now I'll go away.

P.S. All spell checked.

D.O.G.F.A.N., CAN WE PLEASE GET THIS STRAIGHT BETWEEN US: I was not scorning you about anything. As you had spelt BRITANNIA's name in two different ways in your post, I simply decided to gently point out which was the correct spelling. This I did with the minimum of fuss. If you think that this equates to "scorning" then we are on two different planets. Riled is not the right word, mildly irritated would be an exaggeration, more of an "oh, not again" feeling, like I feel when you continually keep harping on about it. Just let it drop, OK.

Regards, 62440.

The station manager has made his point.
Hopefully the school room has now closed.
It is after all a very friendly forum.

Easy does it, gents. Spelling differences are mandatory where I work.

Anyways, getting back to my question, where would be the best section on the forum for promotion of my blog? So I don't keep drawing attention to this thread everytime there's an update?

Friendly, happy, chatty informative forum and that is how we all like it. To share our hobby and points of interest with each other no matter how words are spelt as long as we understand each other!
Getting back to the point re other forums and their comments; everyone has to start somewhere before they became great, and I for one thought the blog was a very good start and carried loads of good stuff.
All I say is keep it up E-G Media its a service to all.
Keeping us informed can be done on this thread as every additional posting is emailed (if that is set up to inform members a new comment has been posted).
Many thanks
Hope to see more soon
Regards
Phil

I'm certainly glad to hear it. Thanks for informing me Phil :)

Mind you, if we're going to talk about errors, spelling is nothing compared to a debate regarding something I witnessed on the NYMR. I've had concerns about the condition of dormant locos and stock in the Grosmont area for some time, as many engines have been left open to the elements for many years. And when I mentioned the condition of WD 2-10-0 No 3672 "Dame Vera Lynn" (there WAS dispute about a spelling error, surprise surprise!), an NYMR volunteer seemed to do everything his his power to try and shoot down my efforts by pointing out where else I had gone wrong. And, not surprisingly, still is.

Thankfully, said volunteer seems to have been the only one with any serious complaints so far. And I've stated clearly enough that I have no intention of showing prejudice towards any preservation society; even if they show prejudice towards me!




As for future updates, I've been trying to write one review per week for the time being, but this is proving harder than it looks. I'm working on, what is now, last week's review at the moment. However, I will try and release two this week to make up for it.

Mind you, if we're going to talk about errors, spelling is nothing compared to a debate regarding something I witnessed on the NYMR. I've had concerns about the condition of dormant locos and stock in the Grosmont area for some time, as many engines have been left open to the elements for many years. And when I mentioned the condition of WD 2-10-0 No 3672 "Dame Vera Lynn" (there WAS dispute about a spelling error, surprise surprise!), an NYMR volunteer seemed to do everything his his power to try and shoot down my efforts by pointing out where else I had gone wrong. And, not surprisingly, still is.

Being a writer and provider of a service will always draw out the critic; however the message still gets to those who really want it (the majority) so I say again thanks and keep up the good work.
Regards
Phil

Thanks again Phil.

And now (finally) an update:
http://e-gmedia.blogspot.com/2011/08...ay-review.html

Welcome to the Forum E-G. Look forward to your contributions.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Another good review on the Mid Hants railway. I like the photos and information provided and this is one I must now visit sooner rather than later.
Thanks
Regards
Phil

You're very kind Phil. Thanks again for your support.

In the meantime, another update:
http://e-gmedia.blogspot.com/2011/08...il-review.html

Great stuff - I can't fault that! Well done, and keep up the good work. :)

In a bid to experiment with more than just 'reviews', I'm also aiming to try out photo reports from gala weekends.

As always, start small:
http://e-gmedia.blogspot.com/2011/09...mhr-photo.html

...maybe photo reports need some more work...

In the meantime, back to business. This time, on the Bodmin & Wendford Railway:
http://e-gmedia.blogspot.com/2011/09...rd-review.html

I like the shots from the embankment and the others too. It is a nice addition to your blog.
Looking forward to your next reports
Regards
Phil

Thanks again Phil.

Another little thing that I've been offered to try out is this: a guest blog by a friend of mine, paying tribute to the soon to be relocated Mull Rail, in Scotland.
Enjoy!
http://e-gmedia.blogspot.com/2011/09...l-tribute.html

I really ought to try posting elsewhere. There's only SO many times I can update here before someone tells me to move on.
But, in the meantime, a long overdue photographic report from myself:
http://e-gmedia.blogspot.com/2011/10...ic-report.html

I wouldn't worry over much, I reckon most of us find your posts useful/interesting, I certainly do. Keep 'em coming!

Regards, 62440.

Hi again, Don't know any reason why someone would ask you to move on especially as your site is really interesting and thanks for the update on the SVR great photos.
Keep them comming mate!

Forgive my concern chaps. Just that most other forums, including ones I moderate, would normally prefer updates on webpages to consigned to other places on the board, rather than constantly within the Welcome section.

Still, I'm glad to see that you're still finding enjoyment from my work.
With that, here's another Photographic update:
http://e-gmedia.blogspot.com/2011/10...la-081011.html

HI E-G Media
Why dont you try adding it to the News + General Discussions section in the forum, or maybe the moderators can advise whats best.
I like the GCR report. I was there on the Saturday and have to agree the weather was not very kind especially as the weekend before was red hot! However I had a fantastic day out (all twelve hours of it!) and Wadebridge looked splendid. Anyway at least your photos came out good.
Cheers
Phil