XBIZ Magazine -- Return To The 1990s!
 

So I picked up a copy of the XBiz paper magazine at Phoenix thirteen months ago. It was pretty cool and had some decent reporting, so I "subscribed" (online) to the publication, which is of course free, as trade publications tend to be. ("Subscribers" being of great value to trade rag publishers, because the number of subscribers determines advertising prices, which is where the money is.)

Imagine my stunned suprise to get a bizarre email today, informing me that my "subscription" was expiring. That was odd all by itself -- trade mags usually keep mailing copies forever. But this email was *particularly* odd, because it informed me that in order to keep the magazine coming, I would have to download a .pdf file with a subscription form, print it out on actual dead-tree paper, fill it out, and *fax* it back to the numbers provided.

Fax? You mean, like that modem-in-a-plastic-box-that-makes-all-the-funny-noises? Geez, what is this, 1992?

Like many folks these days, I run a lean-and-mean, fully-portable, all-electronic business. My laptop is my office, and I travel a *lot*. I own printers at various addresses, but they aren't usually plugged in. My last fax machine is in a box 800 miles away, and hasn't been plugged in in years. I can dig out this last-century tech when I really need it, but for something as stupid as renewing a free trade magazine subscription that shouldn't even need renewing? I don't think so.

This email was so retro and odd, I seriously considered that it might be a strange species of phish. But the URLs all check out, and they don't ask for any sensitive info on the .pdf, just the same name-and-address info that they already have in order to mail me the magazine. A 2-second web form with one "please renew" checkbox would accomplish everything this strange 1990s ritual seems aimed at.

Strange, bizarre, clueless, blast-from-the-past business practices, and not at all what I expected from the xBiz crew. I guess I'll just read them online from now on. But seriously, WTF?

I did send a shorter version of this rant to the included questions/comments email address. But so far, no response.

We got the same thing and I agree, its fucking crazy.

it sounds like they outsourced their subscriber services to someplace that doesn't know what they're doing

A lot of trade magazines do ask for faxes. I'm not sure why, maybe something to do with circulation audits or something.

wtf? Those people are crazy...you can borrow my comp if you need to d-load the .pdf...
http://www.mopo.ca/uploaded_images/lisa2-714414.jpg

I bet you're right about the outsourcing -- this is something a stodgy old business magazine aimed at cubicle rats would do. Print magazine industry is full of dinosaurs -- you know, the folks who publish "Midwestern Farm Equipment Review" and the like.

not smart move

usually ppl are bored to go and unsubscribe,imagine having to send a fax to subscribe

Just an FYI: I took this question to the source and was informed that next month's issue will have a mail-in card attached - just drop that in the mail.

Ah, well, that's a step in the right direction. Still pretty retro, though. I wonder what's wrong with a web form if they want to keep their mailing list fresh?

It was good enough to get me on the mailing list, why isn't it good enough to keep me on it? (Rhetorical question, not aimed at you Badddog.)

I am not going to say this is why, but perhaps it has something to do with people that opt-in, then forget and start bitching that they are getting spammed. Or maybe people added other people's info.

Just a guess.

Yeah, well I did not think it was a brilliant idea, and I had a feeling that I was not the only one that felt that way.

Being a moderator, I felt it was my responsibility to say something.

We Hate Faxes Too!!!!
 

I'm very sorry if this has caused any inconvenience to you!!! WE HATE FAXES TOO but the U.S. Postal Service requires signatures from time to time. :thumbsup

It's all about email to fax baby!!!!

Also for those of you who really really don't want to fax it back keep an eye out for our June issue of XBIZ World, you will find a prepaid postage card that you can fill out and just drop it in the mail box. NO FAXES !!!!

I ahve to pay cos i live in the uk :((((

I recieve the fucking porn book monthly. my family is like what the fuck ? they call it playboy . it's been 5 fucking years and they still have me on the list. so no matters if you renew or no. you still have it anyway. dont worry much

xoxo

I know four other people including myself who got that email. So basically, it had nothing to do with any sub expiring, because it's unlikely we all expired at the same time. Sounds like a mass mailing to everyone with an attempt to get additional information such as address, etc. that they may not already have.

Cyn

Nice try, but it hasn't been around that long

You're a Moderartor ??:Oh crap

Yay! snail mail. another out dated medium

How could they mail it to you if they did not have your address already?

At XBiz? Yes.

Please explain this, because until you do, I'm calling bullshit.

Under what circumstances does the United States Postal Service require a mailer to have a signature on file in order for the mailer to send mail?

Educate me please, or find a better excuse.

im having a problem logging on , was i banned ? any info would be great :)

Contact SeeSea, she'll get your login corrected, Your not banned

If you don't know how to contact SeeSea, contact me and I will contact her.

I dont know how to contact her or u besides here :)

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