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Late Bass Player Mag subscriptions

#23
Hey, Bill! Thanks for posting. I often read your inside cover musings every month. I've often felt like the things you were addressing seemed to be coming directly from the posts of TB but I thought maybe it was coincidence! Even the latest issues musings about the product reviews seemed to be addressing some comments I've seen here although I'm sure you've heard those from other sources.

I've been a BP fan for years but I feel like lately the magazine has been really improving. Despite what some haters say I think you've done a great job. Keep it up!

brad cook
 
#25
IT'S HERE, IT'S HERE! THE AUG. ISSUE IS HERE!

.....well, at least the copy Greg Olwell sent me (Thanks Greg, that was fast!). The regular subscription copy never did show. I hope the Sept. issue, that some of you have already received, shows soon.

Thanks again Greg and also Bill for caring (about us "little guys" ;) ) and following up. It speaks volumes for your magazine.
 
#27
ok. my turn to complain. i resubscribed around the time this thread originated. got my september issue, october still hasn't arrived (it's now october 3rd). i was sent 2 notices for payment that said disregard if i already paid. i did. i have the cashed and returned check sitting in front of me (saved it luckily). i called them today and they seemed to have no record of it. the woman i spoke to told me they'll make a record of it and i'll get my next magazine 4 to 5 weeks from today. also said i could no longer get the october issue. claims they're out of stock. i'm kinda pissed. i have a collection that's only missing a few issues and now aside from the fact that i'm going to have to pay the newstand price for october's, if i can't find one in my neighborhood i'm going to be out another. i don't know whats up with this stuff.

is this payback for my previous posts in this thread????
 
#28
I'd just like to note how admirable it is that the Editor-in-Chief saw fit to post here and attempt to resolve the situation. That, my friends, is customer service, and you don't see very much of it any more.

After my previous subscription ran out almost a year ago, perhaps I'll revisit an issue or two and contemplate re-subscribing. Incidentally, Bassplayer was one of the view magazines where I actually did read the Editor's Column.
 
#29
i don't know... when i see they can deposit my check, send me 2 additional letters asking me to pay (and telling me not to respond if i DID pay), have my NEW address in their data bass yet NOT have me down as resubscribed it makes it hard for me to say how admirable something they did/do is.

i have this peeve lately where i'm noticing companies that seem (IMO)to really want to provide a good product for someone, and ones that seem like their main concern is the amount of money they can take in. i think i continually re-subscribe to BP because i'm addicted or something, and i still like the gear reviews. perhaps i just played it out, but i'm totally bored by the magazine for a while now. i feel it's way too loaded with ads, the print is huge, and if i DID read it cover to cover i could do it in one sitting. i've written several times suggesting things. they even printed my unhappiness once but only took a small complaining part of it and wrote a defense. so why don't i just quit buying it and shut up already - why am i writing this here????

not sure. maybe because after all the years i've collected it i feel almost a part of it and don't want to see it get swallowed up by it's latest competitor (the only bass mag that i think ever gave BP a run for it's money). maybe because i'd REALLY LIKE to see a better magazine put out. there are SOOOOO many bassists they could write about. they could bring back the indie reviews, review some lesser known talent, have a section for newbies, intermediates, and masters, review more gear (there's so much stuff out there). the letters to the editor could be longer and more thoughtful than the edited half thoughts they print. they could have question and answer columns, more song transcriptions, a frankenstein bass section of people's creations. readers writings. they could have creative people thinking up new and interesting things to print. i think they could get artful and put out something full of love and life as opposed to what seems now to be the bare minimum of material they can get away with and still sell magazines.

last little note as long as i'm at it - the term "working stiffs" always seemed demeaning to me. i sent my stuff in when they very first started it and then quickly regretted it. i'd prefer a more positive sounding take on that section. if i did get printed up on that page, i can't say i'd be proud to include the mention in my group's press kit. IMO it would be more harmful then helpful.

rant over.
 
#30
Hey Joe,

They may have run out of October issues at the subscription service center, but we have a few around here at the editorial office. E-mail me your name and address and I'll drop one in the mail for you.

As for your comments ... thanks. We can take it on the chin. In fact, we love hearing both the praise and the criticism; it keeps us on our toes, and it helps us improve and offer you a better magazine. Heck, that's half the reason I lurk here; I'm always interested in what's important to you guys, and what you think about Bass Player. Brad's guess is right--we have based recent changes on what we've read here as well as feedback we've gotten from other sources. (Thanks for the props, Brad.)

We love and respect the fact that readers like you consider BP your magazine and take it so seriously and personally.

All the best,

Bill Leigh
[email protected]
 
#33
Originally posted by Joe Nerve

i can't say i'd be proud to include the mention in my group's press kit. IMO it would be more harmful then helpful.
Click to expand...

I don't see how it would be harmful to say "Featured in the world's number one magazine for bass players." It's just like pumping up a resume. You don't have to mention that the section you were in was called "Working Stiffs." I think the name is just meant to be a bit humorous. It doesn't bother me personally.

As I said above I think the magazine was struggling some in the fairly recent past but I have seen it change lately. It has literally been improving from month to month IMO. It's also been getting thicker. Many of the things that you said you want have already happened including more gear reviews and reviews of lesser-known bassists.

The main problem here though is that you have people like Bill and his coworkers who are really dedicated to putting out a quality product. They've probably been given free reign to do that by "the man." However, "the man" is the one in charge of distribution and since "the man" is also distributing a bazillion other magazines there are sometimes problems with getting our little 'zine out to us. The distribution and printing are probably the two main things that Bill and the boys have little to no control over and I'd guess that it's very frustrating for them to hear these kinds of things. So, if this continues to happen I'd say call up the distributor. I did that once upuon having subscription problems and it was resolved quickly and thoroughly.

All of the above is speculation but Bill is free to correct anything that's incorrect.

brad cook
 
#34
Not to revive an old thread (especially since it's one I started) or harp on a sore subject, but it's 11-26-03........is anybody still waiting on the December issue?

I'm starting to get worried because this is starting to feel familiar.:(
 
#35
Originally posted by Josh Walsh
If you mean the issue with the review of the low priced basses, I got mine a couple weeks ago.

If you are having a continuing problem, it is most probably an issue at your local PO. Not that there can't be a problem at the BP side, but assuming you have received any from your subscription, the labels are fed electronically (once you're "on the list" you are set). The rest is up to delivery...
Click to expand...

I'm beginning to get the feeling you're right (about the PO being at fault). It's real inconsistant. Some times I'll get it as early as the 12th, and other times it's near the end of the month or anywhere in between.

Did this month's issue come all sealed in plastic like last month's? I was hoping this would be a normal thing now since my BP looks like its been "read" (especially the late issues) before it gets to me sometimes. :(
 
#37
Originally posted by Josh Walsh
To be honest, I don't remember if this month's came wrapped in plastic. I'm 99% sure it did.

Maybe pm Bill Leigh and see if he has any thoughts? I would assume the distribution on his side is on a very regular schedule...
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if the situation I had with the Aug. issue, when I started this thread, had any influence, but as I was coresponding with both Bill & Greg Olwell I suggested that they start putting the subscribed copies in plastic, since mine (and probably many others) were showing up tattered.

I said I would even be willing to pay up to 10cents more per issue for this. I told them how my BASS Guitar Magazine comes all the way from Britain in plastic and is always pristine.:hmm:

Bill & Greg rectified my Aug. issue problem fast so I won't bother them just yet.
 

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