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Model Forum / General / Models / December 2006MEW
Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just an advert..... Bah humbug say I Andy Parker, Agate House Lapidary Ulverston, Cumbria, England andy@agatehouse.co.uk www.agatehouse.co.uk >Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? >As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just >an advert..... I thought that WAS just an advert that they sent out. It wasn't realy an actual issue of the magazine was it? Regards Kevin >I thought that WAS just an advert that they sent out. It wasn't realy >an actual issue of the magazine was it? No, just an advert. Regards, Tony > >I thought that WAS just an advert that they sent out. It wasn't realy > >an actual issue of the magazine was it? [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Regards, > Tony It is NOT just a freebie advert. It IS a try on, and a commercial test of the mugs they call subscribers (me included). We HAVE been charged for this rag as part of our subscriptions. I have it on the best authority, that complaints to the MD of MAGICALIA are very likely to reverse the situation. Adam Laird, Joint MD MAGICALIA Ltd. 8th Floor, Caxton House, 2 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3HP. Company Registration No.(Magicalia Ltd): 3828584 Below is a copy of my letter. Dear Sir, I am appalled to receive as the latest copy of Model Engineers Workshop a copy that is entirely devoid of content other than adverts for your products and others. As a long time subscriber to MEW this is not what I expect the have in return for a substantial subscription. Also having been a long time subscriber to Model Engineer, I have recently cancelled my subscription as the content has fallen below what I find acceptable. If your company is going to continue to treat subscribers in this way I will have to review my MEW subscription as well. I would welcome your comments on the above. Yours faithfully, Andrew Mawson Chairman, SM&EE >It is NOT just a freebie advert. It IS a try on, and a commercial test >of the mugs they call subscribers (me included). We HAVE been charged [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > >SM&EE Andrew, perhaps the full designation of SM&EE should have been used as some of these educated twonk's may not link it to other sales. Can you get other members to do the same ? I'll also write signing it John Stevenson, MBE and hope that he doesn't realise it stands for Motor Bike Engineer................. -- Regards, John Stevenson Nottingham, England. Visit the new Model Engineering adverts page at:- http://www.homeworkshop.org.uk/ >Andrew, perhaps the full designation of SM&EE should have been used as >some of these educated twonk's may not link it to other sales. Absolutely - the "SM" bit may be particularly prone to misinterpretation by these twonks - and they're probably still trying to decode the "EE"" ... <G> Regards, Tony > >Andrew, perhaps the full designation of SM&EE should have been used as > >some of these educated twonk's may not link it to other sales. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Regards, > Tony Tony, anything we should know, I had most problems with the SM part. The "E" is easy if you are under 30 (not me). So I think you have cracked it with SM and "E" Everywhere would appeal to some - allegedly. I suppose both "leanings" would be in ecstasy. [VBG] Regards Keith > > >I thought that WAS just an advert that they sent out. It wasn't > realy [quoted text clipped - 44 lines] > > SM&EE Thanks for posting the MD contact details Andrew. I too have written a letter and demanded that my subscription be extended such that I am not charged for the plans issue. I've also suggested that if they care to pay the postage I will gladly return the plans issue forthwith. Bob >It is NOT just a freebie advert. It IS a try on, and a commercial test >of the mugs they call subscribers (me included). We HAVE been charged >for this rag as part of our subscriptions. And the mugs like me who purchase copies at the newsagent - and feel like they've been mugged. Charles >> >I thought that WAS just an advert that they sent out. It wasn't >realy [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] >EC1M 3HP. >Company Registration No.(Magicalia Ltd): 3828584 Andrew - Having just spoken to the erstwhile editor of MEW (and by the way, David had nothing to do wth this particular debacle), the situation seems to be as follows: Apparently, Owen Davies (MD or whatever of Encanta) said that it wasn't the original intent to include the plans mag as a subscription issue (although someone must have OK-ed the print run, so I take this with a pinch of salt), but it happened, and yes, it is currently being regarded as one of the subscription copies, thereby reducing the duration of the sub by 1 real issue of MEW. However, he says that if you complain, then your subscription will be re-instated to include the right number of real issues of the mag. He did suggest complaining to the company and not sending the complaints directly to him (Owen Davies), but I personally feel that it will be good for Owen's soul to hear, see and read the depth of feeling that exists in their readership on this matter. Therefore, if you want to write to him, the address is: Owen Davies Encanta Media Ltd Berwick House 8-10 Knoll Rise Orpington Kent BR6 0EL His office phone number (or at least the number of his admin) is: 01689 899222 His email address is: owen.davies@encanta.co.uk If possible, include your subscription number along with your name and address, but they should be able to look up your subs details from just name/address/postcode if (like me) you haven't recorded the subs number anywhere. Please circulate this information in other fora where it may reach more MEW subscribers. Happy writing - Regards, Tony >>>> I thought that WAS just an advert that they sent out. It wasn't >> realy >>>> an actual issue of the magazine was it? <snip Owen Davies, editor MEW said:> > it is currently being > regarded as one of the subscription copies, thereby reducing the > duration of the sub by 1 real issue of MEW. > > However, he says that if you complain, then your subscription will be > re-instated to include the right number of real issues of the mag. So they won't get the credit unless they complain? Nice bit of customer service that. They deserve everything they get.  SignatureBigEgg Hack to size. Hammer to fit. Weld to join. Grind to shape. Paint to cover. http://www.workshop-projects.com - Plans and free books - *Now with forum* >So they won't get the credit unless they complain? That is apparently what Mr Davies has said. >Nice bit of customer service that. >They deserve everything they get. Absolutely. Complain early and often. Regards, Tony Tony Jeffree writes >Complain early and often. Perhaps we should all make a swoop on their stand at Olympia in a couple of weeks time!!!!! Could the lack of editorial comment in the 'plans' issue be to mask the loss of the ME exhibition? Mike SignatureMike Whittome - Frequently wrong; seldom without opinion! >Having just spoken to the erstwhile editor of MEW (and by the way, >David had nothing to do wth this particular debacle), the situation [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] >Regards, >Tony Well bugger me! Since the 'issue' doesn't have an issue number and isn't the issue number 121 that is due out on Friday the 15th, I shall certainly throw my teddy out of the pram if my subscription doesn't last for the requisite number of proper issues. Mark Rand RTFM Tony Thank you for this info, Have emailed Owen Davies saying if it happens again will cancel subscription and only buy it occasionally from newsagents after verifying content Regards Alan Jackson > >> >I thought that WAS just an advert that they sent out. It wasn't > >realy [quoted text clipped - 69 lines] > Regards, > Tony > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? > As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > andy@agatehouse.co.uk > www.agatehouse.co.uk Err, it is an advert (isn't it?) Dave > > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? > > As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Dave An advert that costs ?3.75 as it is called a "plans special". My wife, ever helpful picked one up as she knew I wouldn't want to miss out. I haven't the heart to tell her she paid for a simple list of plans that you have to buy. She thought it was full of project plans that I could have a go at over Christmas. As they say, "catch me once shame on you, catch me twice shame on me". Best regards Keith > > > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? > > > As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > Keith Sorry got all cross and pushed the button too quickly. In the past they used to call them Plans Handbooks, similar rip off but at least they didn't pretend to be a magazine. Can't understand why it was issued under the MEW banner only a small percentage of the plans listed are workshop related. In a nice plastic bag so you can't see inside before buying it as well. Very gruntled of Wales >> > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? >> > As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > >Keith Does it carry the next issue number on the front ? I don't particularly want to buy a plans handbook I'll never use but if it's part of the numbered set you are committed to buy to keep an intact set -- Regards, John Stevenson Nottingham, England. Visit the new Model Engineering adverts page at:- http://www.homeworkshop.org.uk/ > >> > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? > >> > As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > Visit the new Model Engineering adverts page at:- > http://www.homeworkshop.org.uk/ John, no it doesn't have an issue number just Engineering Plans Special across the top and the normal Model Engineers' Workshop logo. To be honest it would not have fooled my but it certainly did the wife. I bet I will get another one tomorrow from the local newsagent at least if I don't open the bag they can have it back. Regards Keith >John, no it doesn't have an issue number just Engineering Plans Special >across the top and the normal Model Engineers' Workshop logo. To be >honest it would not have fooled my but it certainly did the wife. I bet >I will get another one tomorrow from the local newsagent at least if I >don't open the bag they can have it back. My copy came in the post as part of my subscription - I hope they aren't ripping me off to the tune of 1 issue of the real thing! Regards, Tony >>> > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? >>> > As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] >if it's part of the numbered set you are committed to buy to keep an >intact set It doesn't seem to have an MEW issue number. I had assumed that it was just an advertising job. Issue 121 _should_ be out next Friday. For those that pick up copies in newsagents, this may have been an underhand trick :-( Mark Rand RTFM Who said that it takes 10 years to get business credibility----- and 10 minutes to lose it? I don't know who said it- but I know who is doing it. Norm I assume it is just an Xmas freebie - you mean the plans 'special' suppose. Almost all of which is available on the web -- Myford Mat It doesn't have an issue/vol no. so I think it is an extra -- Myford Mat > It doesn't have an issue/vol no. so I think it is an extra. > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Myford Matt's Profile: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?u=66196 > View this thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=608342 Matt, The 'freebie' costs ?3.75 This prompted my comment. Norm Good point, probably proves they know the price of everything and valu of nothing... or sommat. More of a publishing trick than anything, I know we do it occasionall for very different magazines (professional periodicals): 1) Means if you can find someone to pay then they will 2) Stops newsagents throwing them away, sometimes 3) Occasionally fools subscribers into accepting cheap recycle advertorials as a decent product - I assume we are all going to phon em' up and make it clear we’re not idiots: 01689 899200 modelengworkshop@subscription.co.uk Despite all of this I'd be surprised if they expect subscribers t accept this lot as a magazine. It is pretty cr*p and full of mistakes. P37. Min blow lamp decrption turns into a micrometer p 37, 38, 39 a widow on every page, classy MEW ad page - usual collection of fonts gone t*ts up, in their defenc they've managed to print a Chester UK ad correctly for the first tim since Myford made a grey lathe. …and there are loads of others. My absolute favourite is p40, the one true non-ad page. I can pictur it now. They've filled the flatplan (a simple sort of publishing GA and at the eleventh hour an advertiser pulls out. All the house ad have been used up and they couldn't give away any more space if the tried. Better phone the editor and ask for some editorial. ‘P*ss off, it was your idea to put this pile of **** together and i you’ve ****** it up it’s your problem. Anyway I’ve resigned, didn’t yo see the ad’ in the last issue?’ What to do? – says the publisher. Let’s recycle some old pics and jus in case the muppets who like this kind of thing can’t figure it ou we’ll call it ‘Models in action’ – thanks Magicalia, we’d never hav guessed. It’s a shame, if they hadn’t been so painfully lazy then they coul have made a useful product, but this is pitiful rubbish. It would b nice to see proper illustrations/photos next to all of the designs costs, time… No just what we can all get for nothing on the web. Mat -- Myford Mat Not just me then, thank heavens for that. As a newby I'd have been happy if it had pictures/drawings of each model and some pricing data would have been nice, even - shock horror! some actual plans is a plans special! Yeah right, back to t'internet. SignaturePosted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com >Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? >As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >andy@agatehouse.co.uk >www.agatehouse.co.uk Hi Andy, Yes i agree , I think it a bl**dy cheek. SignatureDerek Clifton Gentlemen, I also get MEW but its not due until the 15th of DEC do subscribers get it a week early. Martin P > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? > As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > andy@agatehouse.co.uk > www.agatehouse.co.uk Alerted our comrades over at Model Engineering Clearing House, hopefull they will join the crusade. M -- Myford Mat > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? > As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > andy@agatehouse.co.uk > www.agatehouse.co.uk A RESULT !!!!!! Just got an emailed appology from MEW, and an offer to extend my subscription for a further issue - any one else heard back from them yet? AWEM >> Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a > rip-off? [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > AWEM Yes, just received the same: "I am sorry that you were dissatisfied on this occasion, it was a one-off publication to relaunch the plans service since we have had numerous requests to do so. We will, of course, ensure that your subscription is renewed on the usual issue." Dave >> Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a >rip-off? [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > >AWEM Yep - had a similar response back from Owen Davies. I think from his wording he is still missing the point: "Thank you for your comments. We will of course extend your subscription. I'm sorry we couldn't satisfy you on this occasion - there are people who have been delighted to see us relaunching the plans service but I understand that it's not the case for everyone. We're now using Bill Burkinshaw to run the service so I'm hopeful that the service will now be of real value to the Model Engineering community, after years of letting it wither on the vine." I have no problem whatsoever with them re-launching the plans service - I'm sure it will be a valuable resource; however, they should not have expected to be able to do it at my (our) expense. So that prompted another volley, suggesting to him that he would be ill advised to pull another stunt like that if he wants to keep his subscriber base intact. Regards, Tony > >> Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a > >rip-off? [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] > Regards, > Tony Oh dear is that the last of the Tony Jeffree articles in MEW then ! AWEM >"Tony Jeffree" <tony@jeffree.co.uk> wrote in message >> Yep - had a similar response back from Owen Davies. I think from his >> wording he is still missing the point: [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > >AWEM I hope not, I have spent many a long dark winters evening spotting spelling mistakes, ink blobs and downright lies. Parlor games will never be the same............................... . -- Regards, John Stevenson Nottingham, England. Visit the new Model Engineering adverts page at:- http://www.homeworkshop.org.uk/ >>"Tony Jeffree" <tony@jeffree.co.uk> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > >. And that was in the final, published versions :-) Mark Rand RTFM >Oh dear is that the last of the Tony Jeffree articles in MEW then ! Nah - Owen's getting used to my emails by now...and it sounds as if most of the editorial staff agree with what I have said to him <G> Regards, Tony >> Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a > rip-off? [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > AWEM Yep! Got an email from Owen Davis as follows: Dear Mr Gordon, I am sorry that you were dissatisfied on this occasion, it was a one-off publication to relaunch the plans service since we have had numerous requests to do so. I confirm that we will not count this issue towards your subscription. Thank you for taking the time to write to me. Kind regards Owen Davies > >> Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a > > rip-off? [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > > Owen Davies Good to see that is the line they are taking but what about all the poor people who bought them off newsagents shelves - they are marked up at £3.75 and were in sealed plastic envelopes so the contents couldn't be seen prior to purchase. AWEM >Good to see that is the line they are taking but what about all the >poor people who bought them off newsagents shelves - they are marked >up at £3.75 and were in sealed plastic envelopes so the contents >couldn't be seen prior to purchase. Now that's something I didn't know - so I've just sent my 3rd vitriolic email to Owen Davies. That's apalling! Regards, Tony >>Good to see that is the line they are taking but what about all the >>poor people who bought them off newsagents shelves - they are marked [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >Regards, >Tony The one I looked at wasn't sealed after piggling and poking it.................. -- Regards, John Stevenson Nottingham, England. Visit the new Model Engineering adverts page at:- http://www.homeworkshop.org.uk/ The 'issue' came onto the nation's high street book stalls wrapped in plastic so that the real details were hidden- but at a price of ?3.75. OK, I'm a tite a$$ed git and on my way to "Who wants to be a Millionaire", phoned a friend! Frankly, my thoughts were of the South Sea Bubble yet again Norman I have received my MEW today and it is numbered 121 the last one was 120 so the plans book is not part of the set. I also will send an email to the MD all though I have not received the plans one yet. The 'issue' came onto the nation's high street book stalls wrapped in plastic so that the real details were hidden- but at a price of £3.75. OK, I'm a tite a$$ed git and on my way to "Who wants to be a Millionaire", phoned a friend! Frankly, my thoughts were of the South Sea Bubble yet again Norman >A RESULT !!!!!! > >Just got an emailed appology from MEW, and an offer to extend my >subscription for a further issue - any one else heard back from them >yet? Me too! I duly complained via email this morning, and received the following very prompt reply: "Your subscription will not be affected by the Plans Handbook." Would think he has got the message by now. GeoffH (The Pirate) Norfolk - UK not VA Andrew, I also got this message. Imagine how much you could pay for a computer mag if you had to buy all the adverts. Regards Alan Jackson > > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a > rip-off? [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > AWEM Well it has clearly worked - just had an email from the subs service to say that my subscription has been extended. Regards, Tony I have had no reply to my email sent at 13.55 yesterday, anyone else also ignored ? > Well it has clearly worked - just had an email from the subs service > to say that my subscription has been extended. > > Regards, > Tony In message <e7ef7d96a3d771a2caac03a10fb873a7.108456@mygate.mailgate.org>, Dick Gays <dickgays@netscape.net> writes >I have had no reply to my email sent at 13.55 yesterday, anyone else >also ignored ? [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >> Regards, >> Tony Hi, I am still waiting for a response to an email I sent yesterday. SignatureRegards Nigel Dell Hi sent email 13.00 todayTuesday, reply recived and subscription extended Mike Cole > In message > <e7ef7d96a3d771a2caac03a10fb873a7.108456@mygate.mailgate.org>, Dick Gays [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > I am still waiting for a response to an email I sent yesterday. Sent an email yesterday saying I had not received the plans book and did not want one and asked for it not to be taken off my subscriptions. Got an email from Owen asking if I had got MEWL which I have but nothing about the subs extended. Sent saying had received 121 so will see what happens next. > Hi > sent email 13.00 todayTuesday, reply recived and subscription extended [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >> >> I am still waiting for a response to an email I sent yesterday. > Well it has clearly worked - just had an email from the subs service > to say that my subscription has been extended. > > Regards, > Tony Just received the same email here. Iain >Well it has clearly worked - just had an email from the subs service >to say that my subscription has been extended. > >Regards, >Tony Dear Mr Rand We will extend your subscription. There is no need to return the copy. Kind regards Owen Davies -----Original Message----- From: Mark Rand [mailto:randm@internettie.co.uk] Sent: 12 December 2006 22:48 To: Owen Davies Subject: Engineering Planns Special Dear Sir, Whilst I thank you for the receipt of the unsolicited copy of the Engineering Plans catalogue, I do hope that this is not expected to be part of my paid for subscription to MEW. If it is intended to be part of my subscription, please let me know to where I should return it for a refund. Sincerely Mark Rand >please >let me know to where I should return it for a refund. How diplomatic! <G> Regards, Tony Are you sure it has worked. I got the following replay:- I can confirm your subscription has been extended by 1 issue as recompense and your new expiry edition is issue 113. There have started counting backwards. I have just got issue 121 >>Well it has clearly worked - just had an email from the subs service >>to say that my subscription has been extended. [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > > Mark Rand >Are you sure it has worked. I got the following replay:- I can confirm your >subscription has been extended by 1 issue as recompense and your new expiry >edition is issue 113. There have started counting backwards. I have just got >issue 121 We switched over from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1752. At this time Wednesday, September 2, 1752 was immediately followed by Thursday, September 14, 1752. MEW are using the Myford version of the Julian calendar.......... >> Dear Mr Rand >> [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] >> >> Mark Rand -- Regards, John Stevenson Nottingham, England. Visit the new Model Engineering adverts page at:- http://www.homeworkshop.org.uk/ >MEW are using the Myford version of the Julian calendar.......... Is that the Myford Imperial Julian calendar or the Myford Metric Julian calendar? Apparently you can use two 21-tooth wheels to convert between the two <G> Regards, Tony Tony Jeffree suggests .... >>MEW are using the Myford version of the Julian calendar.......... I wonder if that is Julian of Julian and Sandy? Mike SignatureMike Whittome > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? > As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > andy@agatehouse.co.uk > www.agatehouse.co.uk How they done the ethical thing and automatically updated all subscribers. ie Do I have to moan A policy statement would we nice Martin > > Is it just me or does anybody else think the latest MEW is a rip-off? > > As an enclosure with a mag maybe but to pay for what is basically just [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Martin Send Owen Davies an email and ask him ! owen.davies@magicalia.com AWEM I buy my copies of MEW and ME from the local Newsagent and have done for 10 years now. Has anyone in a similar position managed to obtain an actual refund yet? I believe that the front cover is a clear breach of the Trades Descriptions Act in so far as the description on the cover of the book is clearly designed to fool you regarding what is actually inside. I sent off my complaint to Magicalia yesterday. I'm really seething over this as I like to think that I am not easily conned. However there is a first time for everything - and a last. If no refund is forthcoming, then I have just bought my last copy of any Magicalia publication. Tony K >I buy my copies of MEW and ME from the local Newsagent and have done >for 10 years now. Has anyone in a similar position managed to obtain [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > >Tony K I also buy the magazine at the newsagents. Owen Davies replied to me this morning telling me that they'll send me a refund cheque. Magicalia set there stall out as a company who specialise in onine communities - ME and MEW are their first venture into print. I'll be pretty sure that they're reading what we are writing and taking notes. Regards Charles >>I buy my copies of MEW and ME from the local Newsagent and have done >>for 10 years now. Has anyone in a similar position managed to obtain [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] >communities - ME and MEW are their first venture into print. I'll be >pretty sure that they're reading what we are writing and taking notes. I buy MEW sporadically from newsagents, probably rather more than 50% of issues. I've been seriously thinking of taking out a subscription, as we don't have a newsagents around the corner. I would have bought more regularly if we did. I had a look in WH Smuts the other day just to see what the fuss was about. There were two copies in their sealed bags, that is what smacks to me of it being a con, you don't know what you've bought until you get it home. I did make sure that at least the next potential customer has a chance to check what they're buying ;-) As a pullout in the regular mag it would have been A Good Thing. To charge full cover price for it, and put it in a sealed bag, stinks of oppurtunism; the sort you'll only get away with once, thogh. Cheers Tim Dutton Dry-Dock Traditional & Modern canal craft repairs Vintage diesel engine service >Magicalia set there stall out as a company who specialise in onine >communities - ME and MEW are their first venture into print. I'll be >pretty sure that they're reading what we are writing and taking notes. I wouldn't bet on it. I understand that Owen Davies has had quite a revalation this week in terms of just how close a community Model Engineering is, and just how effective a grapevine it has as a result of the existence of local clubs and electronic fora like this. Certainly, Magicalia understands electronic media; however, it is still the old (and not all that old either) Encanta staff that are in the driving seat here. Regards, Tony >Magicalia set there stall out as a company who specialise in onine >communities - ME and MEW are their first venture into print. I'll be >pretty sure that they're reading what we are writing and taking notes. Alternatively, they may be thinking "Oh, f***, how soon can we ditch this crock of s*** without looking too stupid?" SignatureCharles Lamont >I buy my copies of MEW and ME from the local Newsagent and have done >for 10 years now. Has anyone in a similar position managed to obtain [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > >Tony K Tony This is a copy of my recent e-mail to Enchanas: To: owen.davies@encanta.co.uk Subject: MEW Plans List From: Chris Edwards <Mustardmender-one@yahoo.co.uk> Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2006 14:27:25 +0000 Dear Mr Davies You don't know me but I just wondered if you were aware of the enormous surge of ill-feeling the recent issue of your plans magazine has created in the model engineering world. I belong to a considerable number of model engineering clubs and organizations and I have to tell you that the recent publication of your plans list, in the guise of a regular magazine, in a sealed plastic cover, without any forewarning or publicity has created a widespread feeling of antipathy towards Encanta. It's not the fact that many off us feel that we've been deliberately ripped of for the £3.75p we paid but the fact that an otherwise trusted friend - MEW magazine (of which I have an unbroken run) - could stoop to such shabby and ill-considered sharp practice. It seems you see your target market quite simply as a source of revenue to be cynically exploited whenever an opportunity arises - I, for one, have already told my newsagent to cancel my order for any further copies of MEW, the contents of which, like ME have disappointed for some time. Christopher Edwards ....... this was my reply from Owen Davies: To: "Chris Edwards" <Mustardmender-one@yahoo.co.uk> Subject: RE: MEW Plans List From: "Owen Davies" <owen.davies@magicalia.com> Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2006 14:39:40 -0000 Dear Mr Edwards I am sorry that you are disappointed. We have had a number of model engineers who had asked us to resurrect the plans service and newsagents will only accept magazines with cover prices. The issue was bagged because of a catalogue which a supplier had asked us to insert. Given you valid criticisms, I would be more than happy to refund the cover price in full if you could email me your address. Kind regards Owen Davies" I think their justification is very thin. If they *only* wanted to promote the plans list, why didn't they simply do so within the (pitifully thin) magazine itself, or enclose it as a supplement, like the ArcEurotrade brochure Davies refers to. I'm too p***** off to bother to reclaim my £3.75. YMMV. -- Chris Edwards (in deepest Dorset) "....there *must* be an easier way!" > This is a copy of my recent e-mail to Enchanas: > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >enormous surge of ill-feeling the recent issue of your plans magazine has >created in the model engineering world. Snip > > Christopher Edwards [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > >Owen Davies" I have written to Mr Davies and pointed out that because of a clerical error whilst standing in WH Shifts I managed to buy 39 copies and could he please refund the £146.25.. . -- Regards, John Stevenson Nottingham, England. Visit the new Model Engineering adverts page at:- http://www.homeworkshop.org.uk/ >> This is a copy of my recent e-mail to Enchanas: >> [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] >error whilst standing in WH Shifts I managed to buy 39 copies and >could he please refund the £146.25.. NEW! ANNOUNCING the MARYPOPPINSBAG PLANS SERVICE!!!! Mark Rand RTFM Gentlemen, From my understanding.the MEW at issue(?) contained only a small number of workshop projects in relationship to the other plans. Are we to assume that other magazines dealing with the rest of the plans were also being targetted? I hope that you all read up my earlier reference to the South Sea Bubble. Norm >Gentlemen, > From my understanding.the MEW at issue(?) contained >only a small number of workshop projects in relationship to the other >plans. Not quite...the "plans" issue had exactly zero editorial content - it was simply a plans catalogue to (re-)launch the plans service. Thats why there has been such a fuss about it - we were effectively being charged £3.75 for their advertising brochure. >Are we to assume that other magazines dealing with the rest of >the plans were also being targetted? I believe that they pulled a similar stunt with one of the other mags but not at all sure of the details or the customer reaction. Regards, Tony >>>SNIP<<< > I think their justification is very thin. If they *only* wanted to > promote the plans list, why didn't they simply do so within the (pitifully [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Chris Edwards (in deepest Dorset) "....there *must* be an easier way!" Chris, I feel it is very important that you (and everyone else affected ) DO insist on a full refund. If a company like this doesn't suffer financial pain they will just shrug their collective shoulders and think that at least they made a few coppers out of us and effectively got away with it. AWEM >>>>SNIP<<< > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > >AWEM I think the message is getting home. I have heard of a few advertisers who have had invoices for around the £50 mark for the unsolicited adverts in the plans book so we aren't as bad off with our £3.75. Like us they never knew this issue was coming out but Magelica or what ever colour they are painting it this week, knew, and it was well planned as the small print specified MEW Issue 120.5 All so far are asking for credits and that's going to hurt them more. . -- Regards, John Stevenson Nottingham, England. Visit the new Model Engineering adverts page at:- http://www.homeworkshop.org.uk/ >>>>SNIP<<< > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > >AWEM Andrew The sad fact is that we, the ones complaining in this newsgroup, represent just a handful of the poor suckers who were taken in. The vast majority of purchasers will just have accepted it as 'par for the course'. It will be interesting to see if there's any note of regret or apology in the editorial column of MEW in the new year. Tony Jeffree knows about these things....what's the likely print run Tony? -- Chris Edwards (in deepest Dorset) "....there *must* be an easier way!" > >>>>SNIP<<< > > [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > > Chris Edwards (in deepest Dorset) "....there *must* be an easier way!" Trust me, there appears to be a lot more "suckers" out there complaining very vociferously. It planly is a hot topic...:-) Tom SignaturePosted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com >It will be interesting to see if there's any note of regret or >apology in the editorial column of MEW in the new year. > > Tony Jeffree knows about these things....what's the likely print >run Tony? The lead times for publishing the mag mean that the first issue of the New Year is already put to bed (David Fenner's last issue as Editor, by the way), so it would be February before they could get an apology out in print. David has pointed out to Owen Davies that Owen could very easily use fora like this & the ME grapevine to distribute an apology if he chose to do so. To date, he has had a week to think about it and still hasn't taken up that option. The circulation of the mag is around the 18,000 copies mark I believe - so there are probably a large number of irritated engineers out there. Happily there are also a good number of fora like this - I gather that the Quorn discussion group has been discussing this issue along similar lines, for example. Regards, Tony This incident rang a vague bell that ME had pulled a similar trick in the past. In the late 70's my then young daughter used to bring home my regular order of ME from the newsagents where she earned some pocket money. In December 1977 and 1978 ME issued a 'Christmas Extra'. It was also labelled on the front cover as an Exhibition Souvenir Guide. Editorial content was limited to a few articles trying to encourage newcomers to various aspects of modelling. Nothing of any use to a regular reader unless you happened to be going the the ME Exhibition. Perhaps the 35p then didn't seem so bad, but I remember not being too pleased. I've no idea what happened to subscribers. Henry >I think their justification is very thin. If they *only* wanted to >promote the plans list, why didn't they simply do so within the (pitifully >thin) magazine itself, or enclose it as a supplement, like the ArcEurotrade >brochure Davies refers to. I'm too p***** off to bother to reclaim my >£3.75. YMMV. Chris - I agree - the idea of making this a paid issue was simply ludicrous. It should have been a free supplement that could have gone out with the subscription & been bagged with the newsagents' cpoies along with the other trade catalogues. It is worth forcing them to refund if only to underline for Owen just what a cockup he has made - and all it takes is an email with your name & address on it after all. Also, bear in mind that the admin associated with raising a cheque for £3.75 and posting it will cost Encanta/Magicalia/(insert the name of this week's owners) far more than £3.75 - and that is before you factor in the amount of time it is costing Owen Davies to take the flak. So I would encourage you (and anyone else similarly taken in at W H Smugs) to ask for the refund. Regards, Tony >It is worth forcing them to refund if only to underline for Owen just >what a cockup he has made - and all it takes is an email with your [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >So I would encourage you (and anyone else similarly taken in at W H >Smugs) to ask for the refund. Tony Thanks for your useful contributions. I take the point made by both yourself and Andrew - I'll email Owen Davies later today. Best regards -- Chris Edwards (in deepest Dorset) "....there *must* be an easier way!" I 'Googled' Magicalia. So, according to the blurb they are 'up for top industry awards' Does that mean we will now get plans for children's spinning tops? I'm still trying to find where they got the plans for the South Sea Bubble machine. Norm |
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