Sky & Space magazine - Page 3

matt · #41 09-01-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miaplacidus

Many people here are remarkably more tolerant than myself. I can only admire such a charitable attitude being extended to an organization that is, at base, not a charity. If my morning newspaper didn't turn up, I'd be expecting answers that day. I could be pretty sure of receiving a genuinely contrite response straight away, and offers of reparations immediately. Especially once I pointed out the bleeding obvious: "You took my money!"

You put me in the shade with your generosity. I hope you guys are as kind to me if ever I need it.

Actually...

Indeed....

And it's equally perplexing how indignant some people get when readers/subscribers dare to ask questions about what's going on

I think it's a fairly contemptuous standpoint to assume...

That's just a general observation, and not directed at anyone individually.

Dennis · #42 09-01-2009, 01:15 PM

I first came across Sky & Space in the UK and when we migrated to Australia, it was the only local magazine and I began to buy it regularly; it was (and has been) an excellent read.

However, it soon became apparent that its existence appeared more a labour of love, seemingly produced by a mixed crew of full time, part time and at times, casual contributors. So whenever it was late, I judged it against my “assumed” operating model rather than a more rigorous, professional business model.

This is how I reconciled its occasional lateness and non-appearance, as well as the general lack of communication. However, in doing so, I probably contributed to “encouraging” the ongoing behaviour as it appears to “work” for the magazine; that is, I keep returning to buy it, so why change, if change is indeed feasible?

If it continues to be published and remains readable and useful, I will no doubt continue to buy it, despite its short comings. Thus I am guilty; guilty of accepting the missing of deadlines; guilty of accepting poor communication; guilty of perpetuating the magazine via on going purchases; guilty of feeling some sympathy to the people who contribute to the magazine; guilty of not holding the folks to their broken promises, etc.

But, I can live with that guilt and tolerate the behaviour as my health, welfare and general sense of well being do not depend on the magazine. In my case, it is only a hobby.

Cheers

Dennis

turbo_pascale (Rob) · #43 09-01-2009, 01:55 PM

I think in general we're a pretty supportive lot, but I think the only thing anyone really cares about (other than the general hope they would come back), is that there are what appears to be a significant number of people (myself included) that are subscribers that have no indication whatsoever if our money is blown or not. Do I REALLY care about my $120 (or whatever it was), well - given how expensive anything in this hobby is, it's not a massive outlay for most. But on principle, you would think subscribers would have at least the right to know what's going on, from the horse's mouth, in an open forum or on their website, if not at least a letter sent to all subscribers explaining things (after all, they have my address!)

I am tempted to start a poll on who has a current subscription to Sky & Space, but I fear that thread would be quickly killed off amid the inevitable noise that these threads generate, and in the end, what will it generate other than more disgruntled people?

Turbo

Miaplacidus (Brian) · #44 09-01-2009, 01:56 PM

Ah, yes, Dennis. But would you subscribe?

And if you did, and if you found out only later that it was common knowledge that the magazine had missed many months worth of issues, chronically, for maybe a decade, wouldn't you be miffed?

Coen · #45 09-01-2009, 02:05 PM

Might I suggest this thread has exhausted its intent? Perhaps time to let it rest?

matt · #46 09-01-2009, 02:46 PM

You can suggest whatever you like, Coen

I'm happy, as the starter of this thread, to leave that decision in the hands of the very capable moderators of this site.

However, it's my belief the thread will evenutally 'die' a natural death, regardless.

But given the number of people who've viewed it in such a brief amount of time...the interest is still there to justify keeping it open.

Dennis · #47 09-01-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miaplacidus

Ah, yes, Dennis. But would you subscribe?

And if you did, and if you found out only later that it was common knowledge that the magazine had missed many months worth of issues, chronically, for maybe a decade, wouldn't you be miffed?

I prefer not to subscribe to magazines where possible, mainly due to the risk of receiving them bent double, despite our generous sized mail box.

You are correct - if I were an innocent or brand new subscriber, with a standard set of customer/supplier expectations, it is likely that I would feel quite differently.

However, miffed – no; disappointed – yes. Would this be a serious issue in my life – no.

But, that is just my approach based on where I am; it is certainly not a universal truth nor does in seek to deny others their experiences, approaches or views, as all I really know is what it is like to stand in my shoes to walk the proverbial mile.

Cheers

Dennis

Miaplacidus (Brian) · #48 09-01-2009, 05:23 PM

You're a true gent, Dennis. (One of the pleasures of IIS.)

Regards,

Brian.

Dennis · #49 09-01-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miaplacidus

You're a true gent, Dennis. (One of the pleasures of IIS.)
Regards,
Brian.

Hi Brian

Thank you for such a nice complement; I do try hard to write carefully and it is especially nice to hear that it sometimes does work!

I have made my fair share of mistakes in posting replies; mistakes arising from at times having a frail, insecure ego (when I should really have known better) as well as those made unwittingly, unconsciously or carelessly.

No doubt I’ll continue to drop the odd clanger or two but in the company of such good friends on Ice In Space, I feel confident that someone will nudge me via a nice mid-course correction, helping me learn and become wiser.

I promise to reciprocate those acts of support and good will whenever I am able to do so.

Cheers

Dennis

danielsun · #50 09-01-2009, 09:37 PM

I have an outstanding 3 year subscription which I have only seen 2 or 3 editions.
It would have been nice to maybe have received an explanation or even a "Dear member unfortunately there is a delay due to........ and that would be o.k. with me. I do hope they get back on track because when it has been running it is a great mag.

Dennis · #51 10-01-2009, 07:39 AM

Can’t argue with that – a simple courtesy one would think.

Cheers

Dennis

CALISTO7 · #52 13-01-2009, 07:48 PM

It's hard to beat Australian Sky and Telescope, for the variety and depth of articles!
Sky and Space was alright, but it never really satisfied my search for a good all-round magazine on the many facets of Astronomy.
I so look forward to going into the local Newsagency and perusing all the mags on my favourite subject!
There are now such a bevy of them!!

Geoff45 (Geoff) · #53 14-01-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miaplacidus

Many people here are remarkably more tolerant than myself. I can only admire such a charitable attitude being extended to an organization that is, at base, not a charity. If my morning newspaper didn't turn up, I'd be expecting answers that day. I could be pretty sure of receiving a genuinely contrite response straight away, and offers of reparations immediately. Especially once I pointed out the bleeding obvious: "You took my money!"

You put me in the shade with your generosity. I hope you guys are as kind to me if ever I need it.

Actually...

I totally agree. The other problem with S and S was that even when it was appearing, it almost always came out late, usually after the reprted "forthcoming events" had well and truly forthcomed.
Geoff

joeallen (Joe) · #54 15-06-2009, 08:15 PM

I have tried to call their office several time over last month, and get a disconnected phone answer. Their website is still active, so the server it is on must not be theirs. It's been 21 months since I've seen an issue. I'm going to presume it is dead and I have lost my money. An email from the managers of the mag, explaining their demise, would have been appreciated. The mag underwent too many changes after J. Nally left.

It's kind of sad because I really liked this mag, and I subscribed from the very start, which was just after I arrived in Oz.

I was wondering if anyone here has heard anything concrete about S&S.

dpastern (Dave Pastern) · #55 15-06-2009, 08:35 PM

All I'll say is that for the past several years, I didn't like the content of S&S. I stopped buying it. And yes, I had a subscription for several years, and have all of the original editions as well (can't remember what # up to, but was the first 4 or 5 years or so from memory).

I actually prefer the American S&T, but you just can't seem to get it here...

Dave

MrB (Simon) · #56 15-06-2009, 09:27 PM

Was never a fan of S&S, it was better when it was Southern Sky.
Southern Astronomy though was an awesome magazine, may it rest in peace.
Not a huge fan of AS&T either, much prefer US version, wish I could get it at the newsagents.
But thats 'progress' eh?

dpastern (Dave Pastern) · #57 16-06-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrB

Was never a fan of S&S, it was better when it was Southern Sky.
Southern Astronomy though was an awesome magazine, may it rest in peace.
Not a huge fan of AS&T either, much prefer US version, wish I could get it at the newsagents.
But thats 'progress' eh?

Exactly. I was trying to remember it's original name, thanks. When they changed the name, the quality of the content went downhill fast. Sure, it was a nice glossy feel, but I'd rather content over quantity.

Dave

OneOfOne (Trevor) · #58 16-06-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpastern

snip

I actually prefer the American S&T, but you just can't seem to get it here...

Dave

I get both S&T magazines and there is quite a bit of overlap in content, so when my US subscription runs out (next year?) I will just have the Aussie one.

firstlight (Tony) · #59 16-06-2009, 04:06 PM

I feel that we should always support local as I get very tired of the northern bias. Having said that if the magazine treats the punters with contempt they can expect the same in return. I don't want to get into a debate on negativity and not supporting the local product, but their problems result from their digging their own grave.

It has always been a running joke that a 1 year sub to S&S is a 2 year sub, and when enquries were met with outright lies, I let my sub lapse and did not buy many mag from the shops either.

Just my perspective.

Enchilada · #60 16-06-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrB

Southern Astronomy though was an awesome magazine...

Yeah agree 110%. Probably the best of its type so far produced. Still often read the copies and refer to them on occasion - with some absolutely fantastic Australian orientated news and views.
More the pity is that many here probably didn't or have never seen one of them to compare them to current popular magazines on amateur astronomy.
It would be real great if those old articles were made available on-line - might also lift the game of the current crop, which IMO, is missing a crucial edge of significance to readers.