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I hardly ever read the editor's note in magazines but I learned my lesson after reading the one in the latest Paper Trends mag regarding the name/type change to Handmade.........anyway...........in the November PC issue the editor dishes that she got a new job position with CK and is leaving the mag as editor AND that the magazine will go to "the industry standard" of 6 issues! ACK! I guess they want more quality over quantity (or are cutting costs on publication with this economy the way it is). I'm a magazine junkie so it's kind of a bummer. I hope the issues are bigger since they are fewer, guess we'll have to wait and see. This is the 2nd mag I've subscribed to that made changes - I'm bad luck!
I agree it is a bummer. I like a monthly magazine as well. I was really annoyed when Rubber Stamper was sold and it became a craft magazine. I had just renewed my subscription for two years and a refund was not a option presented by Amos Publishing.
Hmmm...I don't have a subscription, but was thinking of getting one. It is one of my favorite magazines lately. I have subscribed to TONS of scrap mags over the years and I'm actually thinking of letting those drop.
I'm not surprised. I have lost a lot of interest in the PC magazines because they seem to have very little stamping. If there is stamping, it seems few and far between and has little variety in stamp manufacturers represented.
Don't get me wrong, I have a subscription, but usually use the cards and projects as "sketch" inspiration and to springboard stamping ideas. I would love to see more stamping represented though.
I'm not surprised. I have lost a lot of interest in the PC magazines because they seem to have very little stamping. If there is stamping, it seems few and far between and has little variety in stamp manufacturers represented.
Kerry
That's exactly how I feel. I also don't like that Paper Crafts doesn't give exact directions or measurements (except for the final dimensions). I wasn't going to renew my subscription to both Paper Crafts and Creating Keepsakes. Since I have to cut back on my many subscriptions, I'm starting with those two.
I agree it is a bummer. I like a monthly magazine as well. I was really annoyed when Rubber Stamper was sold and it became a craft magazine. I had just renewed my subscription for two years and a refund was not a option presented by Amos Publishing.
P.S. I don't think you are bad luck.
I had just renewed mine too when they did that. One of my favorite features in Rubber Stamper was the craft room that was featured. I let my sub. to Stampers' Sampler expire. It's up to 32.99 a yr. (6 issues) and just too much for my budget, plus a lot of what they feature is more the 'artsy' type of stamping and that is not my style. One of the things I don't like about PC mag. is I get confused on the issues b/c they do some months individually and some combined. Like I got Aug./Sept. then Oct. I'm waiting for my Nov. and then it would be Dec./Jan. How long has everyone had their Nov. issue? My craft mags are often missing and I have to call & have one sent again. Sometimes I think the mail people keep them!! LOL
I read that, too, and wasn't thrilled. Although I did look back at recent issues and noticed that a few of them are 2-month issues, and it's never really been exactly every month. Still, I signed up for a magazine that came out more frequently than the others, and now they're changing that. My sub's up with the March 09 issue, and I doubt I'll renew.
As for CK, I picked up a copy from the store the other day, and I was really struck by how THIN it was! They used to be much, much bigger...
I'm not surprised. I have lost a lot of interest in the PC magazines because they seem to have very little stamping. If there is stamping, it seems few and far between and has little variety in stamp manufacturers represented.
Don't get me wrong, I have a subscription, but usually use the cards and projects as "sketch" inspiration and to springboard stamping ideas. I would love to see more stamping represented though.
Kerry
Check out Scrap and Stamp Arts. Every project is loaded with stamping! They have techniques for rubber stamping and gobs of card samples each month. Most of the card projects have the instructions too.
I really like this magazine. They use LOTS of different stamp manufacturers too. Great ideas and lots of our splitcoast girls are featured!
__________________ Be polite to those who are rude to you. Not because they are nice, but because you are.
Owner- Gina K. Designs
I work for a magazine and industry wide, there are lots of difficulties popping up:
*Paper prices are majorly on the rise
*Postage has gone up significantly in the past couple of years
*Advertising sales have gone down for many magazines
*Subscribers are trying to cut costs and are not subscribing
I'm sure these are the reasons they are dropping back to bi-monthly publication.
I cancelled my subscription to rubber stamper mag as soon as I found out they were changing to a crafts magazine. I just sent an email complaint and I got a refund.
After I read the editor's note, I checked my Sept/Oct issue and it says Paper Crafts is published 8 times a year. So we are losing 2 issues. My concern is that they did not say that they are going to increase the pages in the remaining 6 issues. Some of the issues have been thin this year.
I'm not surprised. I have lost a lot of interest in the PC magazines because they seem to have very little stamping. If there is stamping, it seems few and far between and has little variety in stamp manufacturers represented.
Don't get me wrong, I have a subscription, but usually use the cards and projects as "sketch" inspiration and to springboard stamping ideas. I would love to see more stamping represented though.
Kerry
I was so glad to see your post, I thought something was wrong with me as that is exactly how I felt. I agree with you 100%. I have let all my subscriptions lapse and not going to renew them - will pick up an issue when I see something that catches my eye. There isn't enough stamping of cards in the magazines to warrant the expense. I can get my ideas from SCS and the blogs that I check everyday.
I love Paper Crafts. I have been happy with the amount and diversity of the cards. I am actually happy that they are switching to 6 a year because it saves on my costs! Plus, they still have lots of special issues throughout the year to keep me satisfied: Stamp It! Cards, Card Creations, Holiday Cards & More.
Every time I buy an issue I feel kind of ripped off - so thin and not enough "meat" - too many ads. Maybe they would have a better mag with less issues and more substance.
Off topic but my problem with the magazine is that I see no individual in the work - just bought stuff stuck on to a card in an artful way. I can see both sides - such work is easily reproduceable, where colored images /altered embellishments, detailed cards may not be for the average reader. But having said that, I think the average reader is a lot more sophisticated and talented than the mag gives credit for. I see a place for quick and easy, but also more detailed cards you want to end up framing lol.
LOL, I must be crazy because I love the ads! I find that it's a great way to discover new products that aren't available in my local stores. Better yet, most ads have examples of how to use them. The samples are great because even if I don't own their advertised product, I can often find something in my stash to mimic it. I must be an advertising executive's dream.
When I read that PC was going to 6 issues, I was originally bummed. Magazines are one of my guilty pleasures. But truth of the matter is that I never get around to crafting every single thing that pops into my head from the inspiration in those pages. Fewer issues=less guilt that I can never get as much stamping done as I'd like.
I agree it is a bummer. I like a monthly magazine as well. I was really annoyed when Rubber Stamper was sold and it became a craft magazine. I had just renewed my subscription for two years and a refund was not a option presented by Amos Publishing.
P.S. I don't think you are bad luck.
Actually I had also just renewed my subscription to RS when they changed over. I waited for the 1st issue - hated it & wrote them a email/note requesting a refund - which I got.
Karen
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I agree with GinaK, I love Scrap and Stamp Magazine, and I'm one of those that reads it from cover to cover, including the ads. And SaraK, you are so right, reading the ads is a great way to learn about new stuff and new companines.
I just subscribed for 16 issues. I hope I still get all 16 issues. It wasn't a yearly subscription. Hmmm....I'm just a scrap junkie so I want it all!!!!
Hmmm...I don't have a subscription, but was thinking of getting one. It is one of my favorite magazines lately. I have subscribed to TONS of scrap mags over the years and I'm actually thinking of letting those drop.
I let all mine drop and subscribed to the SCS fan club instead! where else can you look at projects by manufacturer and actually e-mail the creator of the project with questions! it's the BEST value for money out there.
(and yes, I know you don't have to subscribe to see the galleries, but why wouldn't you support this fantastic site?)
Check out Scrap and Stamp Arts. Every project is loaded with stamping! They have techniques for rubber stamping and gobs of card samples each month. Most of the card projects have the instructions too.
I really like this magazine. They use LOTS of different stamp manufacturers too. Great ideas and lots of our splitcoast girls are featured!
I agree as well. I have a sub to PC, S&SA and Just Cards. I was going to let my PC drop because it was getting too far out of stamping for my taste. In addition, I don't feel like I will ever be good enough to even CASE something from there! LOL
What I love best about S&SA and Just Cards (same publisher) is that they truly print things made by beginners all the way through people who are probably DT Members. I just really feel like they support and encourage all levels of stamping. And, as GinaK said, they do have a great variety of manufacturers.
I dropped my subscription to Paper Crafts because there is hardly any stamping in it. Everything seems to be made with designer paper and rub-ons and embellishments.
I've been disenchanted with PC for the past year, and am not planning to renew my subscription again. Guess that is why I decided to join the SCS family last Spring and support my number one source for information and inspiration!!
Hmm thanks for posting - I had no idea and was just thinking about whether or not I wanted to renew - it now seems so expensive to renew when you have access to so many other cool resources...
But this just made my decision - I dont want 6 mags a year, I want 12 - so I wont be renewing either...
This is good to know! I've been thinking about subscribing to papercrafts magazine. ... but then, I found this site! I think splitcoast is great! I love the techniques and challenges... and while I'm new at all this, I still have a sneaking suspicion that this site will be WAY cooler and more helpful than any magazine. Com'on, what magazine provides answers to my every question? All the people here are so friendly! The gallery is chock full of inspiration! I love it! Thank you all!
I was disappointed when Rubber Stamper sold out. I understand why, but I much preferred the old magazine. The new one is fine, if you're into many crafts, but I only do stamping. The only two I will purchase now is Rubber Stamper Madness and Take Ten. I do like something I can hold and read, but I get most of my info and inspiration on SCS. I go into the gallery every day and see beautiful cards with directions and links to companies. I can go into the forums and find answers to most any questions I could have, and I can check out the tools forum and decide if I have to have a certain tool. I would miss the magazines a bunch, but I'd be lost without SCS. Thank you all.
__________________ Keep what is worth keeping
and with the breath of kindness
blow the rest away.
I'm thinking also of just subscribing to SCS fan club gallery. How many
cards do we need to see for inspiriation; however, I like seeing pictures of
mjew items in the magazines, so haven't decided for sure yet to unsubscirbe
__________________ Carolyn
my avatar: (such desparation), Dear God, if you can't make me thin; make my
friends fat"
My subscription for PC just ran out and I am not renewing. I also subscribe to CK mag and have a yr and a half left on it. The one subcription I can't live without is SCS Fan Club. I can get all the inspiration I need right here on SCS. This is one site worth supporting IMO. I am hopelessly addicted.
I just subscribed for 16 issues. I hope I still get all 16 issues. It wasn't a yearly subscription. Hmmm....I'm just a scrap junkie so I want it all!!!!
I thought the same thing! My hubby just bought a gift subscription for me for my birthday (in August). I didn't get the October issue, so I called to see when my subscription would start...they said he ordered a "Christmas gift" subscription (in August!!!) and it would start with the January issue.
I then asked about "8 issues" versus "one year" and the guy totally tried to sell me on the fact that it's been 6 issues for quite some time now...unfortunately I did not have my "October" issue handy to take him down on that fact.
Plus, the new Card Creations special issue had insert cards that still said "8 issues" per year.
So I haven't even started my subscription yet and I'm already miffed!
Paper Crafts mag moving to 6 issues a year
