SKY and SPACE What a Joke!

centauri · #1 17-10-2007, 10:03 PM

Hi All

I am just wondering if anyone else is having problems with subscriptions to this magazine.
My other half organised a sub back in August and we got the July/August edition promptly with some DVD's she ordered but since then nothing.

They have recently released the Sept/Oct issue to stores, and it's only 2 weeks til the end of Oct.
We still have not seen our copy yet.
We have both tried emailing them multiple times but they simply do not respond at all.

I know this sounds like a vent on my behalf, and it is, but I believe others have the right know when companies do not fulfill there obligations but just pocket your hard earned cash.

Darren

Miaplacidus (Brian) · #2 17-10-2007, 10:14 PM

Ah, memories...

seeker372011 (Narayan) · #3 17-10-2007, 10:19 PM

I must say I got my copy in time with no problem...

firstlight (Tony) · #4 17-10-2007, 10:22 PM

Hmmm...

To be fair, the Astronomy magazine market in Australia is very tight, however your gripe is a very old one. At the risk of being shot down in flames, the nickname "Lost in Space" has been attributed to this magazine more than once. I want to support an Aussie battler, but too many chances have been squandered by S&S, and great rancor is still felt by many since the demise of "Southern Sky" in the mid 90's.

h0ughy (David) · #5 17-10-2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by centauri

Hi All

I am just wondering if anyone else is having problems with subscriptions to this magazine.
My other half organised a sub back in August and we got the July/August edition promptly with some DVD's she ordered but since then nothing.

They have recently released the Sept/Oct issue to stores, and it's only 2 weeks til the end of Oct.
We still have not seen our copy yet.
We have both tried emailing them multiple times but they simply do not respond at all.

I know this sounds like a vent on my behalf, and it is, but I believe others have the right know when companies do not fulfill there obligations but just pocket your hard earned cash.

Darren

Darren how about trying to call them? if you emailed them it could have got eaten up by the spam email service, a few of mine ended up there. Directly call S&S, the number should be on the web site

erick (Eric) · #6 17-10-2007, 10:43 PM

I still haven't located it in newsagents. I've tried a few - I'll keep trying. I've finished reading my subscription Oz S&T twice - so I need more!

Rodstar (Rod) · #7 17-10-2007, 10:43 PM

I wonder what explanation will be given in the editorial this month for the delay in publication.....no doubt it was caught up on the desk of their UK proof-reader....nothing like 100% Aussie made!

mlcolbert · #8 17-10-2007, 11:10 PM

Hi everyone!

seems like I've walked into another one of those 'sessions' which permeate all different types of groups. FWIW I rang the guys about the lateness of the mag. they stated that there had been a problem and that I would receive my copy within the week, which I did! So, I have no problem. Also, I have no problem if there are issues of time with mags as I have subs to four at last count ( A S&T, S&S, Astronomy and Astronomy Now) so for me it just spreads my reading a bit more evenly.

) Otherwise guys, get over it! as the saying goes!

You have adequate websites, other magazines available, this site, maybe even professional journals at your local university campus. What more do you need? Seriously.

erik, have you tried Technical Book and Magazine in Swanston Street? Or maybe McGills in Elizabeth Street?

Loupy31 (Peter) · #9 17-10-2007, 11:42 PM

"Otherwise guys, get over it! as the saying goes!"

I think your comment is a little harsh, If you pay for something and it dose'nt arrive in a reasonable time frame, I think a GOOD explination should be given by the company selling the item, a little concideration for the buyer of a product can go a long way.

Loupy31

Sausageman (Mike Boggan) · #10 17-10-2007, 11:49 PM

We have been down this path before, last year I think.
It got very heated, so I am going to pass on this thread.
Just phone them, 02 9369 3344

Mike.

acropolite (Phil) · #11 18-10-2007, 06:38 AM

I agree, just phone them, it's too easy to ignore emails, also, whenever you email an important query, always request a read receipt. If you don't have any luck with the phone call I suggest you contact the ACCC.

OneOfOne (Trevor) · #12 18-10-2007, 07:53 AM

I got my Sky & Space on Friday of last week and read it over the weekend. My copy of Australian Sky & Tel arrived on Monday and I am still working my way through this one....

My problem is US Sky & Tel....haven't received the current issue yet. Have received one copy in the last 5 months now and my subscription is paid up until 2011...if I don't get my copy tonight I will have to send them yet ANOTHER email pointing out that it never arrived, and probably not get a reply! It looks like I may miss out on 4 YEARS of issues if this keeps up! Perhaps I will have to try to get onto them over the phone too...

mlcolbert · #13 18-10-2007, 07:59 AM

Loupy1 Hi!

just to clarify, what may sound harsh is a response to what I have seen before and as you can see others don't wish to repeat a prior conversation. It is not simply on this site, but as I alluded to in my prior post, other varied discussion sites as well. Seriously, if someone has a problem with a supplier of a product or service, we live in a consumerist society, so you don't have to purchase their product. When enough people do that, the service folds, end of story.

As you rightfully state:..."a little consideration for the buyer..." this is what I found when I contacted them by telephone,(as others suggested) I found out that the delay was 'unavoidable' and the copy was on its way.

I think too that you should take into consideration the smiley I placed at the end of the statement as well, to put this into context, after all, that's what they are there for.

regards

michhael

xelasnave · #14 18-10-2007, 08:35 AM

If you are in business you have to deliver the goods by the date agreed...anything short of that is not acceptable..there can be no excuses.

If you can not meet the problems and still be on time you do not deserve client loyality and you can expect to generate a bad reputation....so why be content with the job not getting done ..for what ever reason.

It seems that the problem is not new.
If you pay your subscription they must record that and have a list.
It is simply not reasonable to expect to have to ring up to chase them...it is a reflection of poor control.

As with other businesses the customer has choice and they can choose between a good supplier and a bad supplier..relying on being Aussie and that the crew will accept the battler thing is not good enough in the real world.

Everyone can make a slip up but if it becomes the norm and there is always a reason why the terms of the contract are not met they deserve no sympathy .

One has to take responsibility and not be happy to blame something else.
How would they go if selling on EBAY ... the little buyer satifaction thingy would show if it is issolated or common..the rating is taken by purcahser into consideration.

The mag must change its rep by getting what they say they will do done..no excuses.

Personally I am happy to wait I am laid back to these sort of things but in general customers are unforgiving and to fail to understand that fact means you are on the way out of your business, even if they are smiling at you as they leave and are saying you are a wonderful chap.

alex

Satchmo · #15 18-10-2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodstar

I wonder what explanation will be given in the editorial this month for the delay in publication.....no doubt it was caught up on the desk of their UK proof-reader....nothing like 100% Aussie made!

Jeese talk about pettiness. I've just finished reading my copy cover to cover, and its all100 % aussie authors that I've met at some time in my life including IIS own Mike Sidonio. I personally just don't get quite the same warm feeling reading US based articles in an aussie magazine, maybe thats just me. I'm not particularly into globalisation let alone in publishing.

The Sky and Space bashing on IIS gets really tiresome. Maybe you astronomy newbies might have more of a sense of pride about an aussie authored magazine if you'd been supporting it since 1988. I do read and enjoy Aus. Sky and Telescope too BTW. Theres room I'm sure for both magazines.

xelasnave · #16 18-10-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satchmo

Jeese talk about pettiness. I've just finished reading my copy cover to cover, and its all100 % aussie authors that I've met at some time in my life including IIS own Mike Sidonio. I personally just don't get quite the same warm feeling reading US based articles in an aussie magazine, maybe thats just me. I'm not particularly into globalisation let alone in publishing.

The Sky and Space bashing on IIS gets really tiresome. Maybe you astronomy newbies might have more of a sense of pride about an aussie authored magazine if you'd been supporting it since 1988. I do read and enjoy Aus. Sky and Telescope too BTW. Theres room I'm sure for both magazines.

If you do not wish to be knocked out when you step in the ring dont stick your chin out and offer it for your demise.

There is no excuse for slack.
alex

casstony · #17 18-10-2007, 10:00 AM

This all boils down to expectations. It's reasonable for a new subscriber to be concerned when the magazine doesn't turn up on time, thus we should expect these threads to occur from time to time. Seasoned subscribers understand that time is relative at Sky & Space and stop their clocks until the magazine materializes from the ether. It's like getting six great surprises each year.

Satchmo · #18 18-10-2007, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casstony

Seasoned subscribers understand that time is relative at Sky & Space and stop their clocks until the magazine materializes from the ether. It's like getting six great surprises each year.

Beautifully put, Casstony. Thanks for injecting a little humor into the thread.

xelasnave · #19 18-10-2007, 10:23 AM

I am rarely disappointed because my expectations are less than the general market, however failure to address the problem will see the mag always a battler.
I helped start the magazine Australasian Dirt Bike and it was the same... my input was minimal but the founder/editor the late Geof Eldridge worked like a dog ..one man did it all as compared with a staff of 32 on the American original version...to which he had no affiliation.

Fortunately everyone supported him as we find in the support for the mag we are talking about... but he moved past being the victim of problems and established that mag as better than the American version.... and on a visit to the American office was told they saw his mag as better...at that point he had a staff of 2...they had a staff of 32...

He could have offered the excuse he was under resourced but never did I hear him say such..his cry was we can do better than what is there at the moment.
Sad to have a wonderful man like that leave us but he went the only way I guess he would have been happy with...killed in a desert race in the USA.

I always think of him when I think a dead line can not be reached... no excuses only results...pretty simple once you determine that you wont have it another way..its a choice.

It is all in commitment and not letting set backs stop what you are doing and recognising if you want to be the best you have to have no excuses.
alex

casstony · #20 18-10-2007, 10:34 AM

While I don't disagree with you Alex, I'm a little cautious about putting pressure on S&S for fear that they may give up and go home. I have to frequently reside in those time capsules known as 'Doctor's waiting rooms' and it's S&S that gets me through.