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Not Geting Magazine
Post At
07/17/2011 - 12:44 pm
reply from
Bex Cothran
Hello,
I am becoming disappointed with the magazine overall. I have not been receiving my copies of AFJ. I'm up to 2 that I have not received. I have had to go out and purchase a copy. I also have noticed that the price of the magazine has not changed but the amount of publications I receive this year has. There is also less information in them. I know AFJ is in year 35 and I'm concerned you are entering the faze of "the living dead" for magazines.
I don't intend to be a rabble-rouser but I'm not liking what I'm seeing.
Sincerely
Bex
I am becoming disappointed with the magazine overall. I have not been receiving my copies of AFJ. I'm up to 2 that I have not received. I have had to go out and purchase a copy. I also have noticed that the price of the magazine has not changed but the amount of publications I receive this year has. There is also less information in them. I know AFJ is in year 35 and I'm concerned you are entering the faze of "the living dead" for magazines.
I don't intend to be a rabble-rouser but I'm not liking what I'm seeing.
Sincerely
Bex
Reply at
07/18/2011 - 12:04 pm
reply from
Dr. Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Hello Bex,
Sorry to hear your disappointed with the magazine.
I would call AFJ to make sure the copies you did not receive was not a subscription overlap or something.
It sounds more like a US Postal service problem.
I personally have been very excited to watch the magazine grow and expand in very positive ways over my lifetime as a subscriber.
The amount of information has expanded incredibly over the years including a nice business article written each issue (shameless plug).
I personally don't think there is any farrier trade magazine that comes close in the wealth of information passed on between the covers.
Not sure I would personally complain about the price staying the same as well as receiving extra issues, but that is just me speaking.
Either way, thanks for posting your opinion and concerns.
Let me know what AFJ says about your missing deleiveries.
Blessings,
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Sorry to hear your disappointed with the magazine.
I would call AFJ to make sure the copies you did not receive was not a subscription overlap or something.
It sounds more like a US Postal service problem.
I personally have been very excited to watch the magazine grow and expand in very positive ways over my lifetime as a subscriber.
The amount of information has expanded incredibly over the years including a nice business article written each issue (shameless plug).
I personally don't think there is any farrier trade magazine that comes close in the wealth of information passed on between the covers.
Not sure I would personally complain about the price staying the same as well as receiving extra issues, but that is just me speaking.
Either way, thanks for posting your opinion and concerns.
Let me know what AFJ says about your missing deleiveries.
Blessings,
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Reply at
07/18/2011 - 3:36 pm
reply from
Jeremy McGovern
Hi Bex,
We are sorry to hear that you have missed some issues. We've looked at our records and you should be receiving our magazine. Both Lessiter Publications and our printer take the subject of subscriber commitment to heart. We promise our subscirbers eight issues per year, and we have never broken that promise. We want to guarantee that every subscriber receives every issue promised when we say they will come. Unfortunately, sometimes there are issues with the US postal service and subscribres fail to receive our issues.
If you have not received our magazines, let us know as soon as possible so we can resend any missing issues to you. Our contact information is found here. As I wrote before, we still publish on an eight-time per year schedule.
I'm also sorry to read that you are disappointed by what you've read. I can assure you we aren't entering a living dead phase. We continue to work just as hard to deliver the information that our readers demand. This includes supplemental materials, such as online videos, an annual career guide for new farriers, online extras, and the special laminitis report our readers will receive with the September/October issue. If there are particular articles you have issues with, we would love to hear your critique.
We are sorry to hear that you have missed some issues. We've looked at our records and you should be receiving our magazine. Both Lessiter Publications and our printer take the subject of subscriber commitment to heart. We promise our subscirbers eight issues per year, and we have never broken that promise. We want to guarantee that every subscriber receives every issue promised when we say they will come. Unfortunately, sometimes there are issues with the US postal service and subscribres fail to receive our issues.
If you have not received our magazines, let us know as soon as possible so we can resend any missing issues to you. Our contact information is found here. As I wrote before, we still publish on an eight-time per year schedule.
I'm also sorry to read that you are disappointed by what you've read. I can assure you we aren't entering a living dead phase. We continue to work just as hard to deliver the information that our readers demand. This includes supplemental materials, such as online videos, an annual career guide for new farriers, online extras, and the special laminitis report our readers will receive with the September/October issue. If there are particular articles you have issues with, we would love to hear your critique.
Reply at
07/18/2011 - 10:34 pm
reply from
Bex Cothran
Hello,
Thank you all for the prompt replays. I'm sorry I did not realize there are only 8 publications. I never noticed that in the past.
If the problem is the post office I can not hold you accountable for it. However I will say I have received several other items shipped to my post office and have not had this problem with them.
As for what I received and have not received in publications. I purchased January/ February and received a free one for attending the hoof summit (and a subscription) I received April in the mail and went out to purchase May/June. I also should have received July.
As I stated above I Do appreciate the response All of you have given me. I can see you are dedicated and concerned about your publication.
You asked for my Critique so here it is.
The information in the magazine is nice. However, what I have seen in it since the hoof summit has been the lectures and info presented to me at the summit. After I have spent $3k going to the summit and finding out all I had to do was just spend $47.95 and get most of the information in the magazine.
Recently I received an email from the AFJ editors asking for information on what product I use for a special topic coming up. I do not have a problem sharing the information I know. I do have a problem sharing it so AFJ can make a profit of selling my knowledge that I have worked hard to learn and have paid to learn from others. I also was not amused with the time frame given to reply about the topic as I did not have time to take off work to reply to it until last minute.
Sincerely
Bex
Thank you all for the prompt replays. I'm sorry I did not realize there are only 8 publications. I never noticed that in the past.
If the problem is the post office I can not hold you accountable for it. However I will say I have received several other items shipped to my post office and have not had this problem with them.
As for what I received and have not received in publications. I purchased January/ February and received a free one for attending the hoof summit (and a subscription) I received April in the mail and went out to purchase May/June. I also should have received July.
As I stated above I Do appreciate the response All of you have given me. I can see you are dedicated and concerned about your publication.
You asked for my Critique so here it is.
The information in the magazine is nice. However, what I have seen in it since the hoof summit has been the lectures and info presented to me at the summit. After I have spent $3k going to the summit and finding out all I had to do was just spend $47.95 and get most of the information in the magazine.
Recently I received an email from the AFJ editors asking for information on what product I use for a special topic coming up. I do not have a problem sharing the information I know. I do have a problem sharing it so AFJ can make a profit of selling my knowledge that I have worked hard to learn and have paid to learn from others. I also was not amused with the time frame given to reply about the topic as I did not have time to take off work to reply to it until last minute.
Sincerely
Bex
Reply at
07/19/2011 - 7:38 am
reply from
Dr. Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Hello Bex,
There is no July issue rather a July/August issue. The feedback requests are at your own will and the AFJ does not sell them to anyone. If you have noticed, they run articles in the magazine on those questions to help other farriers with those questions.
The issue or two after the IHCS they do run articles on some of the requested lectures for those who were or were not there or went to another lecture instead. I personally am glad they do.
Either way thanks for providing AFJ with your opinions. Perhaps if you have specific topics you would like to see discussed or would like to contribute an article, write in those to the AFJ. The AFJ is always looking for good articles and topics. That is how I have got some articles published. I know they take all feedback to heart as that is how the IHCS has come to be and how the magaizine is the best. Even my articles on business are a request by farriers for more business information.
I know it is hot in California at this time so try and stay cool. Tell Bob and the gang I said hello if you see them.
Blessings,
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
There is no July issue rather a July/August issue. The feedback requests are at your own will and the AFJ does not sell them to anyone. If you have noticed, they run articles in the magazine on those questions to help other farriers with those questions.
The issue or two after the IHCS they do run articles on some of the requested lectures for those who were or were not there or went to another lecture instead. I personally am glad they do.
Either way thanks for providing AFJ with your opinions. Perhaps if you have specific topics you would like to see discussed or would like to contribute an article, write in those to the AFJ. The AFJ is always looking for good articles and topics. That is how I have got some articles published. I know they take all feedback to heart as that is how the IHCS has come to be and how the magaizine is the best. Even my articles on business are a request by farriers for more business information.
I know it is hot in California at this time so try and stay cool. Tell Bob and the gang I said hello if you see them.
Blessings,
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Reply at
07/19/2011 - 11:54 am
reply from
Jeremy McGovern
Thank you for your critique, Bex. We will certainly look at our distribution and time frame at which we deliver e-mail surveys. Our purpose isn't to make money off the knowledge of farriers, but to supply helpful and insightful information to tour readers. To do so, we need to rely on the folks who are out there, day in and day out, doing the work that keeps the horses going. We want to enlist the help of experts who see the problems and use the products. American Farriers Journal is our business, yes. But our goal is to continue to legacy of sharing information that Henry Heymering dedicated himself to with the launch of AFJ. As the late, great Jack Miller told me, "You don't own your knowledge until you have passed it along." And we are always looking for new ideas from the community on what stories we should pursue, so don't hesitate in submitting suggestions.
We do recap lectures from the Summit, and we can reevaluate the coverage we provide. Esco is correct about one of the reasons we do this. But the coverage within the magazine not only reflects a small number of the presentations, it barely scratches the surface of the Summit experience, such as the trade show, roundtables, access to variety of farriers and vets, etc.
We understand that the Summit is a considerable expense for our attendees. That is why we've haven't raised out price of attendance in years (including the cost of 2012), and provided additional benefits, like free subscriptions. That said, $3,000 is a large sum to spend on attending the Summit...more than what several of our international attendees spend on going to the Summit. Since you are in California, our ride share program wouldn't be of advantage to you, but other programs like the hub airfare discount or the room share program have helped others save on their Summit investment.
We do recap lectures from the Summit, and we can reevaluate the coverage we provide. Esco is correct about one of the reasons we do this. But the coverage within the magazine not only reflects a small number of the presentations, it barely scratches the surface of the Summit experience, such as the trade show, roundtables, access to variety of farriers and vets, etc.
We understand that the Summit is a considerable expense for our attendees. That is why we've haven't raised out price of attendance in years (including the cost of 2012), and provided additional benefits, like free subscriptions. That said, $3,000 is a large sum to spend on attending the Summit...more than what several of our international attendees spend on going to the Summit. Since you are in California, our ride share program wouldn't be of advantage to you, but other programs like the hub airfare discount or the room share program have helped others save on their Summit investment.
Reply at
07/20/2011 - 7:31 am
reply from
Rick Burten
During all the years I have subscribed to the AFJ, only once has the magazine not shown up in my mailbox. And that was as USPS screw-up. Through the years I have watched the magazine develop and grow and have been eminently satisfied with its content and grateful for its existance. Those of us who have been around long enough have seen tow of its competitors "wither on the vine" and a third seemingly go into hiatus. Through it all, the AFJ has provided unbiased content and became and remains a 'go to' resource.
I've attended every Summit and have neveer left disappointed. I'm grateful that several articles on lectures/speakers from the Summit are included in the Journal because they gring me up to date on several of the lectures/classrooms/roundtables that I was unable to attend. The opportunity to meet and network with farriers from around the globe is unprecedented as is the opportunity to renew old friendships that had been lost due to time, distance and the demands of everyday life.
Knowledge is a lot like fertilizer. Pile it up and keep it all in one place and the grass beneath it dies. Spread it out and the grass greens up and thrives.
As regards the costs associated with attending the Summit, I believe that this adage sums it up nicely. "If you think knowledge is expensive, try ignorance."
Best regards,
Rick Burten, PF
I've attended every Summit and have neveer left disappointed. I'm grateful that several articles on lectures/speakers from the Summit are included in the Journal because they gring me up to date on several of the lectures/classrooms/roundtables that I was unable to attend. The opportunity to meet and network with farriers from around the globe is unprecedented as is the opportunity to renew old friendships that had been lost due to time, distance and the demands of everyday life.
Knowledge is a lot like fertilizer. Pile it up and keep it all in one place and the grass beneath it dies. Spread it out and the grass greens up and thrives.
As regards the costs associated with attending the Summit, I believe that this adage sums it up nicely. "If you think knowledge is expensive, try ignorance."
Best regards,
Rick Burten, PF
Reply at
07/20/2011 - 9:04 am
reply from
Dr. Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Rick,
Beautifully stated.
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Beautifully stated.
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Reply at
07/20/2011 - 1:29 pm
reply from
Kim Kobow
To my Farrier Friends ....
...... could not respond quickly enough .... Rick Burton took the words out of my mouth..... as Esco Buff said: " .... Beautifully stated."
Sometimes we go through quiet times during our "growth". During those moments much becomes mundane and boring and we wonder if that which we are involved in really matters or if the method to our accomplishing anything is even on the correct path..... the educational process does not seem to bring forth many new challenges. I have been there and would imagine that nearly everybody enters that dimly lit valley once in a while.
With all that philosophical "BS" having been shared ..... I look forward to this "podium" from time to time ..... and I look forward to the mailman bringing "trade magazines" ...... for, even if I do not agree with the published articles in those mags or the posts by others in here ...... IT ALL STIMULATES THE MIND !!!! ....... makes me think: ".....what if ???" AND that my friends is the moment that I grow and I fill in those files in my thick head with knowledge and wisdom.
Bex .... you are not happy this day about the magazine ..... maybe you've got a pretty good handle on most of those topics ..... BUT..... one of these days a little article is gonna spark a thought in your mind ..... get you to thinking "what if" ...... and for that lousy $47 per year ..... you are gonna save a horse's life ..... it's just that simple. The article might not be the answer .... BUT ..... it could be the catalyst to a thought process that helps you reach another plateau ....
Hang in there and do not be too critical of all around you .... it's all good..... we just have to wait for the right moment.
Also ……. I do like Rick’s analogy to fertilizer and green grass …….
Kim Kobow
Central Coast Farrier Service
Salinas, California
...... could not respond quickly enough .... Rick Burton took the words out of my mouth..... as Esco Buff said: " .... Beautifully stated."
Sometimes we go through quiet times during our "growth". During those moments much becomes mundane and boring and we wonder if that which we are involved in really matters or if the method to our accomplishing anything is even on the correct path..... the educational process does not seem to bring forth many new challenges. I have been there and would imagine that nearly everybody enters that dimly lit valley once in a while.
With all that philosophical "BS" having been shared ..... I look forward to this "podium" from time to time ..... and I look forward to the mailman bringing "trade magazines" ...... for, even if I do not agree with the published articles in those mags or the posts by others in here ...... IT ALL STIMULATES THE MIND !!!! ....... makes me think: ".....what if ???" AND that my friends is the moment that I grow and I fill in those files in my thick head with knowledge and wisdom.
Bex .... you are not happy this day about the magazine ..... maybe you've got a pretty good handle on most of those topics ..... BUT..... one of these days a little article is gonna spark a thought in your mind ..... get you to thinking "what if" ...... and for that lousy $47 per year ..... you are gonna save a horse's life ..... it's just that simple. The article might not be the answer .... BUT ..... it could be the catalyst to a thought process that helps you reach another plateau ....
Hang in there and do not be too critical of all around you .... it's all good..... we just have to wait for the right moment.
Also ……. I do like Rick’s analogy to fertilizer and green grass …….
Kim Kobow
Central Coast Farrier Service
Salinas, California
Reply at
07/22/2011 - 2:29 am
reply from
Robert du Randt
I love the AFJ magazine. My son and I ( Veterinary student at Gent Uni., Belgium) take turns to read it and so far I have been more than satisfied with the articles published. Keep up the good work...
Robbie du Randt
Hoefsmederij Shiloh,
Ridderkerk, Holland.
Robbie du Randt
Hoefsmederij Shiloh,
Ridderkerk, Holland.
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