Issue 10

Still not here. Did not renew. In issue 11 Spot and NOLS articles already seem out of date if you keep up on the site and podcasts. I agree with Bob that resources could be better used, since the magazine seems too much for you to handle at this point.

I dont want to sound like a jerk but what is the problem sending out a magizine 4 times a year? I mean seriously how irresponsable do you have to be to not be able to complete a simple task like that? What does that say about the gear that is sold on this site do they have problems getting that to you too?

I would imagine that mailing out a magazine 4 times a year might be more complicated then either you or I know. I'm not quite sure that it is, as you assume, such a simple task. Often times customers see the service of a business as simple, but they just do not understand everything behind the product.

Getting steak is simple right? Now go backwards down the chain. Obviously there are a lot of people involved, from meat packers, to slaughterhouses, to trucking companies etc… Any of these separate companies affect your ability to get that steak.

Who prints the magazine for BPL? Do you think they do it themselves? What if the print agency screws up and that delay is passed onto you? What if they have to use multiple print agencies? How does one ship magazines? What if there is a delay from the shipping company? My point is just because mailing a magazine seems like a simple task, doesn't mean it is. I am almost 100% sure that you have no idea what goes into publishing a quarterly magazine.

As for the gear, everything I have ever ordered arrives within 2-3 days in perfect condition.

Edit: Spelling errors

For what it's worth, all of this has me questioning the value of my subscription once again.
I finally received issue 10 and haven't opened it…I read it all many months ago online. A few days after the issue 10 print version arrives, I discover issue 11 is up online- so I've read what interests me. Why am I now waiting for the print of issue 11?

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I suspect the only reason they're being offered to members online is that if they weren't, paying subscribers would have nothing to hold them over and would be REALLY upset with delivery schedule, many demanding refunds.
But how fair is it to have someone pay for a subscription and then put it out online for free to all members? I was under the assumption I was paying for exclusive content not included in my site membership.

Showed up today. More than two months since I read the electronic version. Did notice that the magazine is printed in Hong Kong, maybe there IS a slow boat!-)

Hey Craig, That is a great point you made about "Exclusive Content" What's up with that?

Andrew I will admit that putting out a quarterly magazine is at least a little complicated and if this were a one time thing I would be ok but this has happened every time. If they are having problems with a printer or the post office or a international shipper then they need to get on the phone and start dropping some F-bombs on them or find someone else that can do the job right. Otherwise they need to get their act together.

As for printing the magazine themselves I think they should. I would be happy if it were on newsprint like maximiumrocknroll. (punk rock fanzine)

Yeah James, I have no idea what the process is, I was simply trying to make the point it isn't as easy as you were making it out to be.

Good point about the fact that this isn't a one time thing though. I guess it's a hard process to get running smoothly! I hope that the folks at BPL figure out the process soon. I rest assured knowing that they are working on it!

Andrew, I thought you were trying sucking up to see if you would get your copy sooner! LOL!