Mothering to Go Web-Only - Page 2

[tinybutterfly]

I agree that ordering back issues while they ( if they) are available is a good idea.

[wombatclay]

I'm caught between two equally strong emotions...

On the one hand my heart is breaking.  I know this decision wasn't made lightly, and that it must have been put off and put off and put off until there simply wasn't any other path to walk.  But I ache for the parents who will never be slipped a copy of Mothering at a LLL meeting, at an ICAN meeting, in their own living room by a friend who knows just why they're crying and how Mothering can help soothe the hurt and provide hope for the future.  I was that mother in need, and Mothering was there for me.  A magazine reaches out... you can read it in those few minutes alone in the bathroom, or while waiting in the car, or while sitting in the park with the kiddos going crazy on the swings.  So I'm crying for all those missed moments and for the big ol' hole that will be left in my life now that there wont be a new issue of Mothering landing in my mailbox.

But on the other hand... I'm thrilled that Mothering isn't ending.  It's changing and shifting to meet a new world, but the community I know and love is still there.  And online it's available to hundreds of thousands of people the world over, people who might not have the money for a subscription or any way to find a print copy.  The internet is becoming more and more available and who knows how many more women and mothers and partners and care providers might find Mothering now?  I'm so thankful that Mothering will go on, offering hope and support and the right word at the right moment.  So many magazines and support groups simply can't make the leap, and I'm proud to be part of a community that has.

Thank you Peggy, and thank you Mothering Magazine staff, and thank you MotheringDotCommune/MotheringDotCommunity for being such and important part of my life.

[georgia]

Hi, thanks, everyone. I would hope that you can continue to give Mothering and its staff the benefit of the doubt here. I can assure you that Peggy is doing (and has done everything) in her power to do all that she can to make it work. No one was expecting to not get complaints, and we understand that there are issues that will need to be worked out. It's a very painful situation for all involved. Again, individual subscription concerns regarding refunds, etc. will best be taken to Sarah ([e-mail]) because she has the authority to deal with individual complaints and can personally help ensure that Mothering's customers are satisfied to the best of her abilities. Or you're welcome to also call 800-984-8116 to discuss your account options. 

Quote:

That said, as a print subscriber, I'd appreciate knowing how I can access the two remaining online editions, as I'd like to read them.  Please? 

The remaining March/April digital version will go out as scheduled. If you've not gotten January/February's digital issue, please PM me, and I'll make sure you get your copy. 

 

Will back issues still be available to purchase??

Melissa, yes, back issues are still available while they last here: http://shop.mothering.com/category-s/31.htm

 

Thanks, everyone

[Mosaic]

I, too, I will miss curling up with my dog-eared, crinkled magazines; but I'm excited for what the future holds. Some of the members here have children who have grown up and are now frequenting Mothering's website and information, and I do believe this is the best way for us to reach, teach, and influence the world. Relinquishing the print copy is hard, but it's also environmentally friendlier and forward-thinking. Plus, it's nice to have meaningful articles located outside of my childrens' spill/drool/mess zone.

It is definitely hard when things change, but I believe Mothering will be better for it. No, it won't be the same. But this is an opportunity to do more with the same loving, helpful, caring, natural perspective that characterizes Mothering.

[Cynthia Mosher]

Originally Posted by elanorh 

That said, as a print subscriber, I'd appreciate knowing how I can access the two remaining online editions, as I'd like to read them.  Please? 

elanorh, Sarah can help you with that. 

[e-mail]

Oops - I delayed in posting my reply and Amy beat me to it. 

[tankgirl73]

I have to say, I'm a bit confused by what's happened.

Candace Walsh, features editor, said on the Facebook discussion that "this was not a snap decision."  Other comments and facts imply that the mag has been struggling financially for quite some time, trying to figure out their options in a difficult time for magazine publishers.

But... Mothering comments in the Facebook discussion that "we had no idea we were going to have to cease publication until very very recently."  And other comments imply that the reason for the lack of notice to subscribers is because this came up very, very suddenly.

So, which is it?

And if it's so sudden, then how is the arrangement with Natural Life magazine already in place?  

And apparently, the previous issue was already only published digitally -- with no notice given to print subscribers until today.  How does this fit in with the "we didn't know we'd have to stop publishing" story?  What was the actual publication date of that issue, and did you continue to accept orders for print subscriptions even after having made the decision not to print that issue?

Surely, if you've been struggling for some time now (which, believe me, we all understand), do you expect us to believe that ceasing publication was never even an option you had on the table for consideration?

Or was there some catastrophic event that suddenly bankrupted the company, forcing your hand?  Why do we need to give you "the benefit of the doubt"?  Why not just give us a clear explanation?

Believe me, I'm not trying to 'make trouble'.  I've loved Mothering for years and I'm sure the new website will still be great.  But I have a LOT of questions about how this issue is being handled.  Honestly, I hope there's a "perfectly reasonable explanation" for all this.  I'm just waiting to hear it...

[tea_time]

I just ordered a bunch of back issues.  I hesitated as I checked out b/c I'm wondering if they'll honor my order or just take the money!  I went through with it since I have the protection of a CC, something I don't have with the 5 issues still left on my subscription!

[kittywitty]

Honestly, I'm fairly ticked off. It's quite a pricey subscription for me to have made with the big push just recently. I feel bamboozled. I did not subscribe to this new magazine, I subscribed to Mothering. At the very least we should be offered a refund for our remaining subscription. First the forums are all changed around and tons of people are unhappy with that, and now you just up and stop sending us our magazines, offering a different magazine in several months. I just gotta say, it's not good for business.

[EarthMamaToBe]

Originally Posted by kittywitty 

Honestly, I'm fairly ticked off. It's quite a pricey subscription for me to have made with the big push just recently. I feel bamboozled. I did not subscribe to this new magazine, I subscribed to Mothering. At the very least we should be offered a refund for our remaining subscription. First the forums are all changed around and tons of people are unhappy with that, and now you just up and stop sending us our magazines, offering a different magazine in several months. I just gotta say, it's not good for business.

I totally agree.  Why were we allowed to subscribe in the last few weeks.  Clearly someone KNEW this was going to happen!

[slvsquared]

And yet you still haven't taken down the ads allowing people to subscribe to the print addition of the magazine from the home page of MDC. No longer offering subscriptions, but still advertising them?

[Arduinna]

Wow, there are so many people that do not have access to the internet that could use the information provided in the print magazine.

[Aeress]

I think information in the way of a print pamphlet should still be considered, they could be bought by small groups that also promote the Mothering philosophy and used in place of the magazine. For instance, breastfeeding,nightime parenting, etc. These can be made for less money, and could be pulled from past articles. I know I would provide this type of pamphlet to new mothers/fathers.

[tinybutterfly]

Originally Posted by Arduinna 

Wow, there are so many people that do not have access to the internet that could use the information provided in the print magazine.

I am embarrassed to say I hadn't thought about this.

Yes, not everyone has access to the internet.

[georgia]

Originally Posted by slvsquared 

And yet you still haven't taken down the ads allowing people to subscribe to the print addition of the magazine from the home page of MDC. No longer offering subscriptions, but still advertising them?

The subscription advertising feature is hard-coded into MDC's interface and cannot be removed without taking the entire site offline for an unknown period of time. Since today was going to be a busy day, it was decided that it was best to keep the forums up and deal with the subscription image removal at a later date. Mothering will not be accepting any new print or digital magazine subscriptions. Personally, I've always feared that all print publications will eventually go digital, and I have lost a number of my favorite magazines in the past two years. It's just a shock when it's a publication that one truly cares about. 

I found out the news only a few days ago, so this isn't something that has been widely known. Financial difficulties have been ongoing, but the actual decision that the print was no longer viable has only been reached in the past few days. I know Peggy has done everything she could to continue, but it just wasn't going to be viable. So, Mothering is going to focus solely online, and Peggy and staff are really excited about helping others here online. 

kittywitty, if you'll contact Sarah, she has the ability to assist you with your personal account. I definitely recommend contacting Sarah because she's doing everything she can to make sure that Mothering's subscribers are satisfied. 

[annettemarie]

And if you click on it (at least the one at the top of this page) it brings up info on being an MDC Supporting Member, not magazine subscription info.

[wombatclay]

I think that's kind of the basis of my "two emotions"... some people don't have access to the internet, others don't have access to the print version.  I know our local public library offers free internet access, but due to budget concerns has been cutting back on magazine subscriptions... and I know that they provide software that "reads" computer text for people who need that sort of assistance.  And I bet it's similar around the country and even around the world... print offers a much more personal experience with the ability to stick things in bags and hand them to women in need at the "point of need".  But internet access is growing world wide and offers a wonderful way to reach out too.

So I'm torn.  I guess I'm just happy that Mothering will continue in some form, even if it's not necessarily the form I'd prefer.

[georgia]

 think information in the way of a print pamphlet should still be considered, they could be bought by small groups that also promote the Mothering philosophy and used in place of the magazine. For instance, breastfeeding,nightime parenting, etc. These can be made for less money, and could be pulled from past articles. I know I would provide this type of pamphlet to new mothers/fathers.

I'm sure Peggy will be interested in hearing your support! Is this what you're envisioning? 

[HeckedyPeg]

I am really upset by how this is being handled. Last year I bought myself a two year digital subscription, and in December I bought two print subscriptions as gifts for friends. Why wasn't I told at that time that there would no longer be any print subs?? Neither of my friends is interested in a digital magazine and neither of them particularly want a sub to Natural Life. What is going to happen to my own sub, seeing as I have another year paid? Am I going to be getting a digital or print copy of Natural Life? I somehow doubt it. Frankly, I just want a refund. I feel like I was misled during the huge campaign this holiday season to sign up for more subscriptions, as this was obviously something that had been contemplated for a long time.

I love Mothering, I'm active in the web community, and I frequent the site, but I really feel they're throwing away the best tool they had to reach out to women and mothers who are not naturally inclined to go the natural parenting route. Someone is far more likely to look at a magazine you hand them than to click on a link. 

(and what about all the mamas without internet??)

[slvsquared]

Originally Posted by georgia 

The subscription advertising feature is hard-coded into MDC's interface and cannot be removed without taking the entire site offline for an unknown period of time. Since today was going to be a busy day, it was decided that it was best to keep the forums up and deal with the subscription removal at a later date. Mothering will not be accepting any new subscriptions.

Thank you for the clear, concise answer. It's appreciated.

[jimblejamble]

I hope the forums will stay around. I have been coming here since I was 17 (I'll be 23 in April, so quite a while!) and this space has helped me learn so much. Without Mothering (site and magazine) I wouldn't be the mother I am.