PC Magazine to Shut Down Print Edition

[edrainkona]

Ziff Davis announced today that it will STOP PUBLISHING THE PRINT VERSION OF PC MAGAZINE. The magazine, which was launched in 1982, will now be published online only. The January 2009 issue will be the last.

[wikipost]

If you have not yet received your replacement magazines file a complaint with the BBB

[TRoosevelt]

That stinks. I just got my first issue the other day (thanks slickdeals). Any word on a possible replacement?

[edrainkona]

I guess you could call and try to convert it to EGM, but I've heard that they're considering making EGM digital too. :[

[Scotso]

Interesting question re: replacements. I wonder what the law would say about this, because I doubt some people that actually paid for the paper version will be happy just getting it online. I also wonder what businesses that subscribe would do.

I didn't pay for mine so it would be silly for me to act outraged, but I definitely prefer paper magazines. I don't like reading things online.

[auctionhugh]

I didn't pay for mine either but I have a subscription through about the year 2024 thanks to freebie mag threads. I'd hate to lose that!

[papafreebird]

Well that sucks. I still have my sub to pc world but I will miss pcmag

[SLickCate]

I didn't pay for mine either but I have a subscription through about the year 2024 thanks to freebie mag threads. I'd hate to lose that!
Was just coming to post this, just read the article. I much prefer PC World, but I have PC Mag free for years and years!

[bbuhr]

I didn't pay for mine so it would be silly for me to act outraged, but I definitely prefer paper magazines. I don't like reading things online.

Yeah. It's hard to read it online in the bathroom, unless you like a laptop on your lap or have a wall-mount setup. :) (come on... you people throw your slickdeal'd subs in the bathroom too, admit it!)

[Nuala'sMom]

Here is a link to the last page of a VERY USEFUL THREAD:

Official Ceased Publication Updates
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=36308&t=171107&page=5


I have made that thread a personal Sticky since it's one I often need to post info to. Also, by posting info there, you are less likely to get angry red thumbs from folks who strenuously object to non-deal threads or deal-talk threads in the deal forums.


FYI - no red thumb from me. I don't believe in trying to "teach people lessons" via an angry red thumb. it doesn't work and it's immature.





.

[bubble10]

here the message from pcmag.com

PC Magazine Goes 100% Digital

An Open letter to PC Magazine (Print) Readers,

The January 2009 issue (Volume 28, Issue 1) of PC Magazine will mark a monumental transition for the publication. It is the last printed edition of this venerable publication. Of course, as with any technology-related enterprise, this is not the end, but the beginning of something exciting and new.

Starting in February 2009, PC Magazine will become a 100-percent digital publication. So, in addition to our popular network of Websites, which includes our centerpiece, PCMag.com, as well as ExtremeTech, blogs like Gearlog and AppScout, and audio and video content that includes PCMag Radio, Cranky Geeks and DL.TV, we'll offer PC Magazine Digital Edition to all of our print subscribers. The PC Magazine Digital Edition has actually been available since 2002. So for thousands of you, the benefits of this unique medium are already clear. And those benefits will continue to multiply in the coming months, as we work hard to enhance your digital experience.

With PC Magazine Digital, you will continue to receive the same quality, unbiased, expert reviews of products, as well as tech advice, news, and opinions you have come to expect from us these past 27 years, all in a package that is completely portable. Our coverage will not change, only the format, which offers these benefits:

* It arrives in your e-mail automatically. Just click the link to either download the latest edition, or to view it entirely online.

* It is portable. Once you've downloaded the issue (which takes a matter of seconds), just power up your PC and view it anywhere, on an airplane, in your hotel room, wherever.

* It looks like the PC Magazine you're familiar and comfortable with. I know why you've stuck with us all these years. You like the magazine and you enjoy the format. Our digital platform makes it possible to deliver that same magazine experience on your PC. So you can "turn" the pages and view our features and departments as you do now.

* It's lively and interactive. Our digital edition will eventually offer rich media options within a magazine format. So, for example, next to the product review you're reading in First Looks, you can easily view a slideshow of that product. Or while you're reading a Solutions article on Microsoft Outlook tips, our PC Labs experts can walk you through the steps of some of those tips in a video.

* Yes, you can print it. You can print as many pages of the magazine as you want.

* It's searchable. Here's something PC Magazine print cannot do. Enter a search term and PC Magazine Digital will fill all the related pages.

* A live TOC: The table of contents is not only a place to find out what's in this month's issue. You can use it to navigate directly to the stories you want to read.

* It's Green: You can actually feel good about the amount of paper, ink, and gas we'll all be saving by not producing and consuming a physical magazine.

For our current subscribers, if we already have your e-mail address, you don't have to do a thing. The digital edition will begin arriving in your e-mail inbox. If we don't have your e-mail address, please visit our customer service Web site (http://go.pcmag.com/subscriberservices) and follow the instructions on it. If you're not yet a subscriber, you can find a free trial edition of PC Magazine Digital Edition at this link: http://www.zinio.com/pcmagtrial.

While we are energized by the endless possibilities of the digital format, I assure you that the decision to stop producing a hard-bound copy was not an easy one. But the reality is that the ever-growing expense of print and delivery was turning the creation of a physical product into an untenable business proposition.

I want to personally thank you for more than 27 years of devotion to PC Magazine in its print form, and now I invite you to, if you haven't already, join us in the digital age. There are many technology innovations on the horizon. It promises to be a wild ride, one for which you'll find no better guide than the PCMag Digital Network.

—Lance Ulanoff
Editor-in-Chief
PCMag Digital Network

[edrainkona]

Here's the actual link to the article: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2335009,00.asp

[Spectrum]

Good news. The cost of paper is skyrocketing and circulation is falling...expect many magazines to go digital in the coming year. Economy is not going to help here.
Buy a ebook reader and start adopting to the new digital age..

[Captnhook]

This sucks.. what am I going to line the bottom of my parakeet cage with now? :pirate:

[gorocketsgo]

thanks for the info

[Heaok711]

Any word on how they'll compensate people who did actually pay for the magazine?

[Snorlax]

I have PC mag what will they do to me as a costumer?

[JCMAN]

When I take a magazine to the beach, or camping, I don't have to worry about sand, and it handles lighting well. I have to worry about both with a laptop and the former with an eReader (which is expensive, and is it even put in an eReader compatible format? i know PCMag currently uses Zinio...)

It's a shame, really.

[MissyMooMoo]

I have PC mag what will they do to me as a costumer?


You can probably just keep on making costumes. I don't think they mind. :dontknow:

[Bob Livewell]

You can probably just keep on making costumes. I don't think they mind. :dontknow:

hahhahaha!!!!!! yeah i think he means customer lol................... gotta love our spelling in this country.......

[edrainkona]

Haha.
I think the digital versions are only for subscribers, so they'll convert your current print subscription into a digital one.

I'm surprised that it took this long for technology magazines to go digital.

[ZeroSyztem]

Well I guess it saves paper. ebook readers are ok, but i would really prefer to stick with paper. Pc magazine has really gone down hill in the past 10 years anyways. I guess PC Magazine is going to be a thing of the past for me.

[franker]

PC magazine already offers the entire magazine in plain HTML for free at http://www.pcmag.com/current_issue/ Are they thinking people are going to pay just to get the same information in a PDF/zinio format? If they're going to junk the paper magazine, I think they ought to just junk the entire magazine format and concentrate on the web site. Do you know anyone that actually pays for a magazine subscription in PDF or Zinio format? I sure don't.

[ZeroSyztem]

PC magazine already offers the entire magazine in plain HTML for free at http://www.pcmag.com/current_issue/ Are they thinking people are going to pay just to get the same information in a PDF/zinio format? If they're going to junk the paper magazine, I think they ought to just junk the entire magazine format and concentrate on the web site. Do you know anyone that actually pays for a magazine subscription in PDF or Zinio format? I sure don't.

:iagree:

[auctionhugh]

I read it mostly for Dvorak. PC World is better overall, and I've even been known to PAY for that one.

[edrainkona]

I would try calling Ziff Davis and ask them to transfer it over to EGM.

I've also noticed that the subscription price has been lowered by $5, so I you might want to say that you the original price you "subscribed" for was much higher.

This may not work considering most of us got our subscriptions from sponsors.

[c0re]

too bad..my paper copy of the magazine never crashed or was offline to read.

[BigFatCat]

If you go thru their customer service links, there is a link to request a refund... I have a subscription good for the next 10 years or so and gave it a shot.

I'll post when I get a reply.

[edrainkona]

Anyone had any luck with refunding?

[auctionhugh]

I tried it.

[barcode]

I kinda had a feeling this was going to happen since you would always see these PC Magazine free deals.

[BigFatCat]

Anyone had any luck with refunding?
I used PC Magazine customer service to try for a refund... got an email back saying that the subscription was place thru M2 Media and they had to handle any service.

I've since emailed them asking for a transfer to another magazine, but haven't yet heard back.

More to come...

[auctionhugh]

I used PC Magazine customer service to try for a refund... got an email back saying that the subscription was place thru M2 Media and they had to handle any service.

I've since emailed them asking for a transfer to another magazine, but haven't yet heard back.

More to come...
I got that email too. I wrote back saying my 25 years of issues came from many different subscriptions being combined, not M2 media, and I wanted a cash refund. We'll see.

[Scotso]

* It arrives in your e-mail automatically. Just click the link to either download the latest edition, or to view it entirely online.

* It is portable. Once you've downloaded the issue (which takes a matter of seconds), just power up your PC and view it anywhere, on an airplane, in your hotel room, wherever.

* It looks like the PC Magazine you're familiar and comfortable with. I know why you've stuck with us all these years. You like the magazine and you enjoy the format. Our digital platform makes it possible to deliver that same magazine experience on your PC. So you can "turn" the pages and view our features and departments as you do now.

* Yes, you can print it. You can print as many pages of the magazine as you want.

I don't mind that they're doing this, but I hate when companies pull things out of their *** in an attempt to convince us that this is good for us. They should just be honest, it's about money... their money.

As for those four things above:

1) The print edition arrived in my mailbox automatically, too. Wooo magic!
2) I could take the print edition anywhere... no need for a computer.
3) "Looks like" versus actually being it. Erm, yeah. Poor argument.
4) Oh yay, we can print it! I love the idea of spending tons of money on ink to print it out for myself... especially when it used to show up at my house already printed... for free.

[skyblacker]

PC magazine already offers the entire magazine in plain HTML for free at http://www.pcmag.com/current_issue/ Are they thinking people are going to pay just to get the same information in a PDF/zinio format? If they're going to junk the paper magazine, I think they ought to just junk the entire magazine format and concentrate on the web site. Do you know anyone that actually pays for a magazine subscription in PDF or Zinio format? I sure don't.

They'll probably junk the magazine format eventually. This is just the denial phase.

While I don't think the future of print magazines is in doubt -- notice how most of us are equating the "going digital" move with ending the magazine altogether -- I agree that current economic and technical conditions are putting a squeeze on some titles. Why pay for PC Mag when you can see up-to-the-minute product reviews on CNET? Why pay to read Star when Perez Hilton's gossip is three days ahead? While we all enjoy print magazines for glossy pictures and leasurely reading, I think the internet has replaced print as our go-to for quick news items.

[dinsomnia]

It's because they're on to us. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2336406,00.asp
Founded in 1999, Slickdeals.net offers more than 800 coupons submitted by merchants you don't typically see on other coupon sites, including Lenovo, Kodak, and ThinkGeek. The Coupon Listings page displays all of the information you need, including the merchant name, the discount, the discount code (if applicable), the expiration date, and the posted date. You can also view new coupons, expiring coupons, technology (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2336406,00.asp#) coupons, and store coupons in alphabetical order. View coupons while on the go with SlickDeals Mobile (http://m.slickdeals.net/).

Behind FW??? garbage. Maybe that's why they're ending. :ranting:

[Gvsumrb]

This sucks, I love paper mags, I hate reading online too!


In your attempts for refunds and transfers to other subscriptions, tell them you don't have the internet/computer :D lol, so it's pointless to you for it to be in digital format.

Also in regards to switching to an EGM sub, I used to have that mag subscription for over 10 years, 95-05 and I just recently got it again from a free offer at SD and let me tell you, that magazine has gotten thin!!

Expect that to be digitalized even sooner, I think my last issue was like 86 pages. I know back in the day they were a lot better.

[vodreaux]

I will don't mind if the Sony or Amazon reader was more affordable.

No one wants to pay approximately 300.00 for a portable reader. Maybe $100.00 max.

[genester]

Its no PC World, but I will mis PC Mag.

[BudV]

I just put in for a refund. 9 issues left on my sub.

[ultimatedragon1]

I asked for refund....have 15 left.

I only read on the bus. I never read anywhere else.

[C64amiga500yey]

I'm sorry but this is unacceptable to me. If I wanted to read it online I wouldn't have subscribed to the paper magazine. I don't like sitting and reading at the computer. I LIKE HAVING THE ACTUAL PRODUCT IN MY HAND. This is the second time this year Ziff has done this. First with no warning on Computer Gaming World (Games for Windows) and now this. If I hadn't looked here by chance (and I haven't been here for awhile) I would never have known. They converted my GFW subscription to EGW which I personally hate. PCMagazine is not the best but I enjoy having something to read on the train, the toilet or just lounging around. I don't like being told that I have to adapt to this. I actually paid for this subscription, I paid for and assumed I would be receiving the PRINT edition. Tell you what Ziff, you make me a deal and pay for me to get eyeglasses after being forced to read your digital edition, which I know I won't, and maybe I'll forgive you.
Even better, you have the audacity to tell me I can print out as many pages as I want. OK smart mouths, I want to be reimbursed for each and every piece of paper and every drop of ink I have to waste because I am now being forced to read off a screen if I want to continue to receive my PAID subscription. Not everyone wants to read newspapers, magazines and everything else off a computer screen, nor can we afford a kindle. Crap, I have to worry about paying an obesity tax for coke soon.

Long live future publishing!

P.S. I can see Computer Shopper going next.

[sampsonti]

terrible news. I never look at digital forms of magazines....:(

[xtwistedmetal]

dam it

[tbbenton]

Well I just received my first issue (free) of pcmag. Along with the magazine came the dear john card. I was able to substitute Maxim for the remainder of my subscription (11 issues?) by going to the site. go.pcmag.com/pcmagdigital. After entering my info, i was given several options and clearly the substitution subscription was the way to go.

[C64amiga500yey]

Well I just received my first issue (free) of pcmag. Along with the magazine came the dear john card. I was able to substitute Maxim for the remainder of my subscription (11 issues?) by going to the site. go.pcmag.com/pcmagdigital. After entering my info, i was given several options and clearly the substitution subscription was the way to go.

This can be confirmed. Here are the choices I received. I've been a subscriber on and off for about 7 years. For those that have been told they can't get a refund because their subscription is through a third party or what not, this is the best choice IMO.

Computer Shopper
Maximum PC
Maxim
Blender
Discover
Home Theater
Shutterbug
Motor Trend
Stereophile
Popular Mechanics
Smart Money

Interesting that Maximum PC is an option considering this one is truly their competitor. This would be my first choice if I didn't just renew that one.

Follow the link from Benton's post.

[rebelx]

Lawl, I'd rather not have Maxim going to home residence. I'll probably go with Max PC or Smart Money.

[ZeroSyztem]

Hell yeah. I took popular mechanics. You never find that for free on SD. Especially 50 issues :)

[Booster]

Well I switched over to Maximum PC, I should now have a sub for that till 2026. Sorry PC Mag, I've been reading you since 1999.

[JediWGP]

My last issue showed up in the mail today... sad, since I've had a subscription for 15 years, since I was ten years old, thanks to a foresighted relative. Only had 6 issues left on my sub, thankfully!

[vodreaux]

Anyone try splitting into multiple magazines?

Also, be careful on which magazine you choose for replacement. These are guess.

Computer Shopper <Most Likely go Digital>
Maximum PC
Maxim
Blender <May Cease Publication>
Discover
Home Theater <May Cease Publication>
Shutterbug <May Cease Publication>
Motor Trend
Stereophile <Unknown>
Popular Mechanics
Smart Money <May Cease Publication>

[jimmywalt]

My sub is good through 2015. Do you think they will really send me a refund check????

[auctionhugh]

I want cash, period. Of course all 35 years of my subscription are from free subs.

Who can I talk to, at any level, to get cash? Any serious suggestions here?

[virgierox]

My sub is good through 2015. Do you think they will really send me a refund check????

I emailed them and received a refund

here's the email address I used

pcmagdigitalwebcs@palmcoastd.com

[MxChris]

I want cash, period. Of course all 35 years of my subscription are from free subs.

Who can I talk to, at any level, to get cash? Any serious suggestions here?

You didn't pay for it, why do you think you're entitled to a refund?

Well I just received my first issue (free) of pcmag. Along with the magazine came the dear john card. I was able to substitute Maxim for the remainder of my subscription (11 issues?) by going to the site. go.pcmag.com/pcmagdigital. After entering my info, i was given several options and clearly the substitution subscription was the way to go.


Thanks, repped.

I was able to transfer my subscription over & lengthen my Maximum PC sub.

[yuugotserved]

wow i never knew!,

i ordered PC Gamer (is that any related?), Maximum PC and Computer Shopper

[BiggieSmalls]

Just got the last issue and it's pretty skinny thought that they were going to make it like a special issue

[tange1]

Attempting to get my refund...my girlfriend (rather foolishly) paid a very high price for a year subscription for this. I was told over the phone I might qualify for 16 bucks back..

[auctionhugh]

You didn't pay for it, why do you think you're entitled to a refund?

Excuse me, but isn't this SLICK DEALS? How did you sneak in here?

[eanaH]

Well I just received my first issue (free) of pcmag. Along with the magazine came the dear john card. I was able to substitute Maxim for the remainder of my subscription (11 issues?) by going to the site. go.pcmag.com/pcmagdigital. After entering my info, i was given several options and clearly the substitution subscription was the way to go.
Thanks. I got Discover mag as replacement.

[Steve #1]

20 years of Popular Mechanics for free...... I'll take it.

[sandmans42]

Excuse me, but isn't this SLICK DEALS? How did you sneak in here?

lol... repped for that...

I'm looking at 120 issue balance. till 2019... should I call and see what refunds they are giving? anyone have the number handy? I also like Maximun pc though.. decisions decisions:rolleyes:

[MxChris]

Excuse me, but isn't this SLICK DEALS? How did you sneak in here?

A Slick Deal is getting a magazine sub for free, ridiculousness begins when people expect a "refund" for something they didn't pay for in the first place.

[jimmywalt]

A Slick Deal is getting a magazine sub for free, ridiculousness begins when people expect a "refund" for something they didn't pay for in the first place.


I disagree. I'd call it a "Super Slick Deal"

[jimmywalt]

I emailed them and received a refund

here's the email address I used

pcmagdigitalwebcs@palmcoastd.com

Thaks I emailed them. I hope it works out.

[auctionhugh]

I disagree. I'd call it a "Super Slick Deal"

Haha! Exactly!

[Pearls]

If you received a refund great, but people shouldn't expect to get one when they didn't even pay for the mag to begin with. It's like trying to return something you brought a year ago to a store.

[auctionhugh]

Hey, my time is valuable, and it took me plenty of time to accumulate 36 subscriptions and combine them all into one looong one. :lol:

[jimmywalt]

So if someone were to give you a brand new laptop computer, but you didn't need or want it, would it be wrong to sell it?

This is the same thing. We didn't "buy" it, but we do own it since it belongs to us, but because we don't want an "electronic" subscription we instead would like to get rid of this and be reimbursed for not having the print copy any longer.

See??

[angelicxo]

So if someone were to give you a brand new laptop computer, but you didn't need or want it, would it be wrong to sell it?

This is the same thing. We didn't "buy" it, but we do own it since it belongs to us, but because we don't want an "electronic" subscription we instead would like to get rid of this and be reimbursed for not having the print copy any longer.

See??

That analogy doesn't work. The laptop analogy implies you weren't seeking out the laptop and it was just handed to you without doing any work. To even get the free Pc magazine subs you had to search for them and actively fill out the forms. You had to want the magazine because you took the time to fill out the forms. Also you aren't selling the subscription, you're asking for a refund. There is no receipt you were given since someone else bought it.

The situation is more equivalent to you looking for a laptop, someone buys you a laptop instead and you try to return it back to the store for cash, after using it for a year without a receipt, for a full refund.

[BigFatCat]

I think you're all making this too complex... my view is pretty simple: I own an asset (in this case a magazine subscription). That asset is being taken away. How the asset was acquired is irrelevant.

It appears that the publisher got the message that simple conversion to the digital edition was not adequate, which is why you now have the choice of other print publications.

[ZeroSyztem]

A Slick Deal is getting a magazine sub for free, ridiculousness begins when people expect a "refund" for something they didn't pay for in the first place.

why do you care? If you think its unethical then dont ask for a refund. :shake:

[sandmans42]

well I wasn't shy and asked... They replied with the following... so I'm getting Maximum PC

Your orders were placed through the agencies; and they will be happy to help you with your cancellation. Their address and telephone numbers are as follows:

1: M2 Media Group - Mercury/Dice agency - 203 542 0101.
2: Newsub Dr Fixed Term-Spon agency - 877 536 6414.
3: Value Mags - Metoo Software agency: 800 301 9619.
4: Netline Corporation agency - 90 Albright Way, Loa Gatos, CA, 95032.


Sincerely,

Stephen Isaac
Email Customer Service

[wolfrhk]

Chalk me up for someone who finds refunding a free subscription as completely disgusting. I have heard that these magazines only offered free subs to pad their subscription numbers, so they could charge advertisers more for full-page ads on the basis that more people would read them. Now that the advertisers are gone, I suspect PC Mag will care very little for the free subs, but will try to accomodate them for the inconveinence as much as possible.

In other words, using Slickdeals terminology, when asking for a refund on something you never paid for: YMMV :lmao:

I switched my remaining 36 issues over to Maximum PC, thanks to all who gave info on the switch.

[kan555]

Just switch to Popular Mechanics (only 278 issues remaining:) )Thanks everyone.

[aperry]

I chose Maximum PC, hope it'll be around for a while...

[rumblebear88]

I have hard time to pick the magazines so I need your advice which magazines should I subscribe it? Thank you

Computer Shopper
Maximum PC
Maxim
Blender
Discover
Home Theater
Shutterbug
Motor Trend
Stereophile
Popular Mechanics
Smart Money

[skyblacker]

I have hard time to pick the magazines so I need your advice which magazines should I subscribe it?
Personally I'd go for Blender or Maxim, but then I'm not the sort who would sign up for a tech-focused magazine in the first place.

[anotherfon]

I hope they decide to do a couple special edition prints. maybe for the holidays or my birthday.

[Pearls]

I would go with Popular Mechanics. Blender is on the verge of shutting down.

[ericcartman]

I opted (Dec 22) to switch to Popular Mechanics.
I just checked my email and there was an email (in my junk folder) to download the February issue of PC magazine. :mad:
So, now I'm wondering if the switch didn't go through or if they are just dragging their feet on switching.
Did this happen to anyone else?

[wolfrhk]

I opted (Dec 22) to switch to Popular Mechanics.
I just checked my email and there was an email (in my junk folder) to download the February issue of PC magazine. :mad:
So, now I'm wondering if the switch didn't go through or if they are just dragging their feet on switching.
Did this happen to anyone else?

I put in a request to switch last month to Maximum PC. The request was pending the following day. I went back to check tonight and the request is gone, and I went from 36 issues to 35 issues, with my sub still down for PC Mag. I wonder if it got denied because it was all freebie subs??

P.S. EGM is going digital too now according to this thread:

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=1113979

Ziff is in really bad shape at this point. I just did contract work at 28 East 28th recently and they did some major downsizing with many offices now vacant.

[ZeroSyztem]

WTF where is my popular mechanics? My pending request disappeared so I re-applied

[C64amiga500yey]

Maximum PC is an excellent alternative for those who can not decide what to choose IMO.
Lots of people who are still subscribed to PC Magazine are complaining about the DRM attached to the digital issues now. Seems it's not in a universal PDF but in Zinio's what I like to call "special spying" format. Also you are limited to printing 2 pages at a time. Not very convenient in my book. When will these companies learn, when you attach DRM you KILL even the best of things. Look at EA and the whole Spore SecuRom debacle and that sums it up. DRM does not work!

[Heaok711]

WTH? I cancelled my husband's subscription (at his request) about a month ago...logged in today after reading some of the comments and it's still active.

[trondannyboy]

Yeah hey sent me the digital copy also. Even though I was awaiting an email back about the other options. Any idea how to switch it over to one of the other options like Popular mechanic etc...?

[ZeroSyztem]

Yeah hey sent me the digital copy also. Even though I was awaiting an email back about the other options. Any idea how to switch it over to one of the other options like Popular mechanic etc...?

http://go.pcmag.com/subscriberservices

[smoaks]

does anyone have a phone number to call these jokers?

i keep selecting maxim and then going back to check and it still hasn't changed

[virgierox]

does anyone have a phone number to call these jokers?

i keep selecting maxim and then going back to check and it still hasn't changed

here's an email addy
pcmagdigitalwebcs@palmcoastd.com

[ZeroSyztem]

Phone

* US/Canada: (386) 597-4371
* International: (386) 597-4370

[Scotso]

Well I just received my first issue (free) of pcmag. Along with the magazine came the dear john card. I was able to substitute Maxim for the remainder of my subscription (11 issues?) by going to the site. go.pcmag.com/pcmagdigital. After entering my info, i was given several options and clearly the substitution subscription was the way to go.

I forgot to thank you for this a while back. For some reason, I never got that card or anything else, only the last issue that I glanced through and tossed. Without this thread I probably would have only found out about this when I realized months from now that I hadn't been getting it anymore.

It does seem they're not all that concerned with keeping their (former) subscribers happy. I did the transfer thing, and while my account doesn't show any change yet, it does say "allow 4-8 weeks" for the transfer to be processed. They're probably just really, really slow at changing things over. I don't really understand why something that should be almost completely automated would take 4-8 weeks, though.

[skyblacker]

I don't really understand why something that should be almost completely automated would take 4-8 weeks, though.

Magazine publishers often print mailing labels in batches, up to three months ahead of time. That's why even if a change is immediately implemented, you might not see the effects of it for so many weeks.

[skyblacker]

I would go with Popular Mechanics. Blender is on the verge of shutting down.

What?

I know profits are down, and their issues are fairly slender lately, but where did you hear that Blender is going from lean times to actually folding?

[Logical Dolphin]

Has anyone received their replacment magazine subscription yet? I noticed that ZD has removed the option to choose a replacement magazine from the customer service website.

[peanutty]

switched to Smart Money (since i already get Computer Shopper, Maxim, and Blender until 2020+).

[Logical Dolphin]

switched to Smart Money (since i already get Computer Shopper, Maxim, and Blender until 2020+).
Have you received any issues of Smart Money yet?

[smoaks]

i emailed them asking about converting the magazine since i requested it several times and never got the magazine i requested. we'll see what they say. i have 66 remaining issues.

[melsh]

:mad:

[psyduck215]

Has anyone received their replacment magazine subscription yet? I noticed that ZD has removed the option to choose a replacement magazine from the customer service website.

Got two issues of computer shopper yesterday.

[SeaJay]

Got two issues of computer shopper yesterday.

I converted over to Smart Money about a month ago and when I check the status of my Smart Money subscription (I'm already a subscriber), it still hasn't been applied and there are no pending transactions. Hmmmm.

[peanutty]

Have you received any issues of Smart Money yet?

i actually just switched...i guess i'll just cross my fingers....

[Logical Dolphin]

Got two issues of computer shopper yesterday.

I hear now Computer Shopper is now going digital....

I am waiting for my subscription to transfer over to Maximum PC.

[jrbrangi]

switched to Popular Mechanics the day I got the note, still have yet to see an issue of it though

[RECD Designz]

You can probably just keep on making costumes. I don't think they mind. :dontknow:
LMAO!! I know this comment is old, but that literally had me laughing out loud! :lmao:

[ZeroSyztem]

Still no Popular Mechanics... I dont see an option for it anymore either... I guess im stuck with Pc magazine. I don't understand how they can even go by that name anymore since there ceases to be an actual magazine...

[edrainkona]

Still no Popular Mechanics... I dont see an option for it anymore either... I guess im stuck with Pc magazine. I don't understand how they can even go by that name anymore since there ceases to be an actual magazine...

I switched over to Popular Mechanics too. Still have yet to receive an issue.

[Heaok711]

Really watch if you cancelled. I've cancelled my husband's subscription twice now and every time I log back in a few weeks later, the cancellation is magically gone. I sent them a nasty email yesterday. We'll see if we actually get our refund.

[tripp]

i figure that I an stuck with their BS digital magazine.

I selected a replacement one twice now and have yet to receive any acknowledgment about it.

Oh well - can't bitch too much - after all - i didn't pay for it

[johnmax]

Just called them and thy said "you may have to wait a bit longer for your request to take effect".

How friggin long should I wait? 4 months isnt enough???

[brendrek]

I sent three emails so far. The first, I asked about converting my subscription. They replied, saying yes I could and gave me a link with instructions. The second I inquired how to do that exactly since the links they referenced had been removed. The third was in response to them saying no you can't since that option was no longer available. My final recourse was filing a BBB complaint which took all of 10 minutes. I'm a paid subscriber for the most part (even though I did get some free issues tacked on to the end). All I want is a real magazine, the digital format doesn't work for me. I have enough things to read online.

[Logical Dolphin]

They last communicated with me it could take up to 120 days for the transfer to happen.

That seems to be just enough time for me to forget all about it.... :confused:

[windfaller]

so did anyone get their conversion to go through? i chose to get maxpc and still nothing yet after months.

[sandmans42]

same here.. called and emailed and they said just to wait. but how f-ing long? pcmag had me even contact maxpc to see if I was in their system.. they hav e no idea whats going on it seems...

[C64amiga500yey]

For those still waiting on the PCMag switch, just figured I'd update since I'm here.

Magazine replacement offers by PC Magazine that have recently shut down.

Computer Shopper
Blender

If you switched to those you won't be receiving them. Computer Shopper is now digital and Blender has ceased publication. Be wary of Maxim also, I have a feeling it's on thin ice.

[wolfrhk]

My PC Mag never switched over to Maximum PC, and I just started getting the Digital Edition in my email. I thought it was because it was a totally free sub, but it sounds like paid subscribers are having trouble as well. Looks like all the good free subs are dried up now :(

[mark5]

Gonna miss PC Magazine great reading ! screw digital

[johnmax]

Anybody have any luck with their replacement mags for this yet?

[sandmans42]

no luck yet.. I feel like I should get in touch with them again... who's with me.?

[earthgrrl]

I sent them an email a couple weeks ago and got the "it takes up to 120 days" spiel. No sign of DH's replacement Pop. Mechanics yet...

[dmzauk]

Has anyone got their subscription transfered over to Maximum PC yet? I am still waiting and calling and emailing. This is so crazy that they have not transfered it over yet. It has been over 4 months. I am filing a complaint with the BBB today.

[Logical Dolphin]

I don't think anyone's sub. has sucessfully converted. I find it even stranger that EGM (another ZD magazine that shut down) hasn't even offered their subscribers anything at all as of yet.

[mtbiker99]

For the past 3 months I would e-mail them about converting to Maximum PC, and this is what I would get back:

"Thank you for your email. It will take 120 days from the date you logged in and transferred your PC subscription to another magazine. Your will be notified via mail once the transfer is completed. We apologize for the inconvenience caused."

I e-mailed them again on May 6th, and got the "120 days" response again. I replied back, and said that I converted back in Dec 2008, and it has been over 120 days. I got this response back today:

"The transfer of your subscription to Maximum PC will be completely updated within 1-2 weeks. You will be notified by mail once your subscription is transfered completely to Maximum PC. If we can be of further service, please let us know. Thank you for subscribing to PC Magazine."

Let's see if this holds true. :)

[bocondo]

I also asked for transfer to Maximum PC, but didn't get anything yet.

[jackbean]

I also asked for transfer to Maximum PC, but didn't get anything yet.

they canceled my request like 10 times already for no reason......... :(

:bash: the guy on the left is the CEO/EDITOR of PC MAGAZINE

For the past 3 months I would e-mail them about converting to Maximum PC, and this is what I would get back:

"Thank you for your email. It will take 120 days from the date you logged in and transferred your PC subscription to another magazine. Your will be notified via mail once the transfer is completed. We apologize for the inconvenience caused."

I e-mailed them again on May 6th, and got the "120 days" response again. I replied back, and said that I converted back in Dec 2008, and it has been over 120 days. I got this response back today:

"The transfer of your subscription to Maximum PC will be completely updated within 1-2 weeks. You will be notified by mail once your subscription is transfered completely to Maximum PC. If we can be of further service, please let us know. Thank you for subscribing to PC Magazine."

Let's see if this holds true. :)

The reply I got was: "Sorry, but its too late to transfer to another magazine"

[Logical Dolphin]

they canceled my request like 10 times already for no reason......... :(

:bash: the guy on the left is the CEO/EDITOR of PC MAGAZINE



The reply I got was: "Sorry, but its too late to transfer to another magazine"

They told me the same thing (via email), until I informed them that I had already requested to be transfered to MAXIMUM PC, then they said 120 day for the transfer to take place.

I think CS has no idea what is going on, and are just stringing us along to playcate us.

[jwhokie]

They told me the same thing (via email), until I informed them that I had already requested to be transfered to MAXIMUM PC, then they said 120 day for the transfer to take place.

I think CS has no idea what is going on, and are just stringing us along to playcate us.

I would agree! I wanted to convert to Discover which is a very good print magazine!

[PimpUigi]

I hate that all the good magazines have gone away, and we just get strung along by greedy people who want our money : (

[SeaJay]

They told me the same thing (via email), until I informed them that I had already requested to be transfered to MAXIMUM PC, then they said 120 day for the transfer to take place.

I think CS has no idea what is going on, and are just stringing us along to playcate us.

I gave up on mine. Didn't bother contacting Customer Service.

Got a postcard in the mail today from Smart Money. My subscription won't start until August, but it's valid until Dec 2019. Same number of issues I had remaining on my PC Magazine subscription so don't give up! Looks like they're slow, but they are coming.

[earthgrrl]

DH wanted Popular Mechanics as his replacement and it's finally showing up when I look up my account - shows a new 16 issue (that's how many I had left) subscription that will start in August. Yay!

[panther4]

Nothing for me yet. I did Maximum PC.

[Logical Dolphin]

Wow, I can't believe that ZD might be actually following through....

[jrbrangi]

well what do you know. Popular Mechanics just showed up today.

[ZeroSyztem]

yay my Pop. mechanics showed up. Right as I had lost hope more than 180 after I signed up for it...

[Scotso]

I converted to Maximum PC, still haven't received or heard anything about it. I guess I'll email them.

[TRoosevelt]

Wow. I just checked my info at Discovery Magazine and it looks like I'm getting four years. Can't believe it finally worked.

[johnmax]

Just called them as nothing is showing up at Maximum PC for me. They said "when did you request to be switched???" They had no idea. So they were fowarding my request. Lets see if this takes another 6 months....

[panther4]

What number did you call? I am also waiting for Maximum PC. I switched as soon as I got informed.

[johnmax]

From http://www.zdmcirc.com/service/subs-faq.html

Phone
US/Canada: (386) 597-4371

[panther4]

From http://www.zdmcirc.com/service/subs-faq.html

Phone
US/Canada: (386) 597-4371

Thanks & Rep!

[cwbaker]

Received my first issue of Discover magazine today ... my subscription is good until Feb 2018.

[sandmans42]

I just emailed them again. my last email I sent them was March 2nd. we'll see...
looking to get Maximum PC as well... :rolleyes:
FYI the email I had was: pcmagdigitalwebcs@palmcoastd.com

[panther4]

I just emailed them again. my last email I sent them was March 2nd. we'll see...
looking to get Maximum PC as well... :rolleyes:
FYI the email I had was: pcmagdigitalwebcs@palmcoastd.com

This does not look good for those of us who picked Maximum PC...

Thank you for contacting Maximum PC.


"Maximum PC is not accepting transfers from PC Magazine. All questions
about your PC Magazine subscription will need to be addressed by PC
Magazine directly."

If we can be of further assistance, please let us know. To ensure your
future concerns are handled in a timely fashion, please include all
previous e-mail correspondence.

Sincerely,
Dixie


I emailed Maximum because this was the response I got from PC.

The balance of your PC Magazine subscription has been transferred to
Maximum PC. Please contact the respective customer service for any
further
assistance.



Sincerely,

Andre Stein
Email Customer Service

[Logical Dolphin]

Emailing CS, I found, usually doesn't do any good. It seems to me more than half of the time they hardly read your email and give you a canned response.

I would send a complaint letter to the CEO of ZD and hopefully it should get resolved.

[Logical Dolphin]

This does not look good for those of us who picked Maximum PC...



I emailed Maximum because this was the response I got from PC.


I would check your account at zdmcirc.com to see if you still have an account balance with them.

I too picked Maximum PC, but ZD still shows I have left over issues in my balance, so I don't think my issues ever transfered.

[seleca]

thanks, thumbs up!

[sandmans42]

Your subscription has been transferred to Maximum PC. You need to contact Maximum PC at 800-274-3421 for further assistance with your request.

If we can be of any other assistance, please let us know.

Thank you for subscribing to PC Magazine.


Sincerely,
Andrew Spiegel
Email Customer Service
*When contacting us, please include all the previous emails*

when I checked my pcmag.com I still have 118 issues.. So was it transfered??:rolleyes:

[johnmax]

Your subscription has been transferred to Maximum PC. You need to contact Maximum PC at 800-274-3421 for further assistance with your request.



Got the same thing, so I emailed Maximum PC and got:

Thank you for contacting Maximum PC.

Maximum PC is not accepting transfers from PC Magazine. All questions
about your PC Magazine subscription will need to be addressed by PC
Magazine directly.

[seleca]

thanks for the nice post!

[sandmans42]

It sounds like a lot of us are in the same boat. now what..:rolleyes:

[panther4]

It sounds like a lot of us are in the same boat. now what..:rolleyes:

Not sure. Since each are blaming the other.

[Logical Dolphin]

When I emailed Maximum PC about this issue, they responded that they couldn't locate my subscription. Nothing about not accepting transfers form PC Magazine.

Then again it doen't look like the CS rep actually read my email, just gave a canned response.

[sandmans42]

I'm soo POed right now.. not sure if any of you guys have got this far or heard the same things...:rolleyes:

my latest note...

So they are not honoring the transfer at all? I do not want the digital version of pcmag. I can go to the website and read all the articles if I choose. What are my other choices for transfers? Will you transfer to PCWORLD? Computer shopper? I need the original list of transfer choices since this choice has gone ALL wrong...
Thank You.

their reply:

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. The transfer options are no longer available. Your orders were placed through M2 Media Group agency; and they will be happy to help you with your inquiry. Their telephone number is: 866 441 1281.

If we can be of any other assistance, please let us know.

Sincerely,
Mark Robinson
Email Customer Service

*Please provide all previous emails with your reply*


not sure how far I will get wit the Media Group..

[sicklemoon]

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

We are sorry that transfer from PC Magazine to Maximum PC did not take place. The option to transfer to replacement magazine is no longer available. You will continue to receive the digital issues.

If we can be of any other assistance please let us know.

Thank you for subscribing to PC Magazine.

Sincerely,
Andre Stein
Email Customer Service


Well, this is the canned reply I got today. I requested a transfer to Maximum PC back in January and have sent numerous follow-up e-mails. They replied several times and each time asked me to wait 2 or more weeks. So I'm stuck with like 180 more digital issues.

Here's my reply to them:
Well since I was asked to wait and wait and wait and finally refused the transfer even if I had followed your procedure on the transfer request, can you assist in cancelling my digital subscription and reimbursing the sponsor for the remaining issues? Sounds fair. I have not read a single issue of this digital subscription because I still prefer the printed magazine.

[travel7]

Same happened to me!

I e-mailed them like 6 times in the past months and today I got this response:
:eek:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are sorry that transfer from PC Magazine to Maximum PC did not take place. The option to transfer to replacement magazine is no longer available. You will continue to receive the digital issues at your e-mail address.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

Thank you for subscribing to PC Magazine.

Sincerely,

Andre Stein
Email Customer Service
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I filed a complant with the BBB. Doubt anything will ever come out of it though?
:confused:

[jfullner]

Feb 2017 for Discover Mag! WOOOW i did not expect this to work. Thank you PC Mag! Discover >>>> PC Mag

Now if only I could transfer my 32 years of Sporting News........

[johnmax]

nevermind

[sandmans42]

I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau this week online against Ziff Davis..;)

[panther4]

I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau this week online against Ziff Davis..;)

I am looking at doing the same.

http://www.bbb.org/boston/business-reviews/publishers-book/ziff-davis-media-in-topsfield-ma-34003/

Is that the entry you used?

OR

This one

http://www.bbb.org/new-york-city/business-reviews/publishers-periodical/ziff-davis-media-in-new-york-ny-531/

[Logical Dolphin]

Be sure to let us know the result of the BBB complaint(s).

[sandmans42]

so far so good... I'll keep you guys posted..:D

Dear ----------:

This is in reference to your complaint against Ziff-Davis Media. Your complaint was assigned ID #####



Your complaint has been sent to the business for their response. Once they have responded to the BBB, we will contact you again. In the meantime, if you have further dealings directly with the business, please send us a message to let us know.



Sincerely,

Bruce Chen
Mediator

[travel7]

I also filed BBB complaint.
However, there has been no news (since the first follow-up e-mail) the last 30 days.
:confused: