Canceling Subscription- bckpckr mg

“IDK what they hell the editers thing over there at backpacker...

I know what they think, "we'll give the best ratings to the companies that advertise the most."

IDK, I'm just pissed. I want info on -15 bags and thers nothing.

Backpacker was great for the first two years I was getting into the sport, now this mag sucks.

BUT I did like the drop down menues, I thought some comments where witty”

“Hey Tea, long time no see!”

“hey, yeah i'm super busy all the time”

“i hear Nigal really likes that magazine, maybe he can talk you into keeping it.”

“Good to hear your voice.



I gave up on Backpacker some time ago. I agree with you, they were much better earlier.

Hope all is well with you.”

“I agree Backpacker has definitely took a dive in the last year or two. Outside is not far behind. Both are becomming nothing but paid advertisement from cover to cover. And, the "sex sells" mentality they've slipped down the sippery slope into in the last year really has no place in either of the two magazines. I'm teetering on whether to cancel my subscriptions or not. I really shouldn't until I've properly let them know my thoughts and reasons for canceling my subscription.
last edited: 1/25/05 5:05:28 PM”

“For a good laugh read the monthly friend thread.”

“I bought all my equipment years ago and need nothing else, so I don't feel the need to buy the magazine. I wouldn't buy it even if it featured an area in my state, because I can easily get my own info and after living here 7 years, I don't need magazine info.

Also, you can read it for free in the library and bookstores if there happened to be an article you were interested in.”

“bp2go posted this today about cancelling your Backpacker magazine subscription:

"All you need to do is call the toll-free number and ask to be removed from the list. It might take 5 minutes. Yes, you will get a return of unused subscription fees. Save a tree: quit subscribing to something you don't like"
last edited: 1/25/05 6:12:08 PM”

“I haven't been pleased with a BP mag ever. I thought their State Highpoint series sucked.”

“I still kept buying it, then I realized that I haven't been reading it. I looked through it, nothing that really interested me too much. Maybe read a couple pages, that was it. Didn't buy it anymore now for..hmmm...2 month!”

“Didn't buy it anymore now for..hmmm...2 month!

Gemini, I didn't realize you were Chinese.”

“LOL! Buck

I canceled a few months ago after they renewed my subscription without asking...they claimed I had signed up for some auto renewal program. Some of their tactics for getting subscription renewals leaves a lot to be desired.”

“lmao”

“They gave me the run around about some photo's they used of mine, years ago. For no reason, I had let them use them to promote a trail that I was helping with.”

“ching chang chong!
Happy???”

“I am on the auto renewal thing but that does mean I am auto sending my cash...they will figure it out when they don't get my money...or maybe not...

The gear issue this time was a step back to what it was but as with Gemini it takes me about one good bathroom read and it is in the trash.”

“If you are looking for info and gear recommendations, Backpacker Magazine would be the last place I would look. Everytime I took their advice on a gear purchase over the years it turned out to be a big mistake and I wound up either wasting money or just returning the item.
last edited: 1/25/05 8:15:48 PM”

“Yupp, I lay in my bathtub and read it. 20 minutes at the MOST, then the water gets cold!

I didn't even realize that I rush through it real fast, I used to put it to the side thinking "got to read it tomorrow" but then I never do. Why you ask?? Because nothing interesting in it!!!”

“I haven't even looked at the last two issues. But that ain't saying much because both arrived just days apart.”

“Personally?.. I think if Matt wanted to pursue it.. the TrailTalk community could publish a magazine that would ROCK!!”

“I was just thinking the same thing, TD. Think of how many backpackers there are out there who don't utilize the only supposedly all-encompassing print publication. I'm sure plenty subscribe to or are members of regional organizations and/or frequent Internet forums. Hmmmm.....”

“I agree Ruby. Now granted... we don't have the BIG budget.. and we don't have the distribution and advertising hookups.. but I'm willing to think that a grass-roots magazine written BY backpackers.. talking about REAL trips... (affordable trips, not excursions to NEPAL).. would be a big seller.”

“I agree Ruby. Now granted... we don't have the BIG budget.. and we don't have the distribution and advertising hookups.. but I'm willing to think that a grass-roots magazine written BY backpackers.. talking about REAL trips... (affordable trips, not excursions to NEPAL).. would be a big seller.”
TownDawg

Back when backpacker first started it was just the endeavor you speak of. You had to send verifiable backpacking credentials to the guy that published it to get a subscription. No experience no magazine subscription...”

“I was thinking yestarday that a well done fanzine type of hiking thing would be cool. Granted we regular Joes don't have the conections on new gear and stuff from manufacturers but we have the inside scoop on actual boots on the trail.”

“Nigal,
Who says you can't get those connections. Just takes some research and a little persistance to show the companies who will see their product.

It could be done”

“Log tyme know sea, Tea!!

A magazine by backpackers with nothing but contributions from backpackers and not paid writers might just attract advertisers, or not.

Something like this could be funded by dues-paying contributors.

MAD Magazine had no advertising for quite a few years.

The object being NOT making money but simply sharing the information and experiences.”

““Nigal,
Who says you can't get those connections. Just takes some research and a little persistance to show the companies who will see their product.

It could be done”

Actually the guy who runs Lightweightbackpacking.com has some good conections and the manufacturers do watch his boards. Mountainsmith even sends him packs to try out. You're right it could be done.”

“That's my problem. I keep going to overburdenedheavyweightbackpacking.com”

“I dropped my subscription when they ran a feature article on flat panel surround sound speakers for your tent.

If I hiked 15 miles into the woods to have some jackass roll in and hook up his surround sound, I would kick the #&%!$ out of him.”

“Note self: Leave the Bose at home when hiking with chili.

Gawd the very thought of chili being pissed at me makes me shutter. LOL!”

“LMAO. What is music doing and tv's doing in the back country anyway? I go packing to get away fromt hat stuff. And I think the GPS points suck in the mag. I mean if someone cant find a trail using a map and compass they shouldnt be out on the trail anyway. Sure I have a GPS. Do I really use it on trail? No.”

“It’s all a matter of personal preference but…

“What is music doing and tv's doing in the back country anyway?”

When it comes to music and any other electronic device on the trail I have no problem with personal music as long as no one else can hear it. I have a much bigger problem with loud mouthed hikers than I do with music. No one’s music ever kept me awake at night. Loud hikers have.

“I go packing to get away fromt hat stuff.”

You must be doing the wrong trails if this is a frequent problem. I’ve never had a problem with someone and their electronic devices. Or does the mere sight of them ruin the trip for you?

“And I think the GPS points suck in the mag.”

I like it because you can look at the map and know what is along the trail, how many miles away it is and so on.

“I mean if someone cant find a trail using a map and compass they shouldnt be out on the trail anyway.”

Oh come on now. I have never heard of or seen anyone that can’t hike without a gps. I use mine every time but I never rely on it for actual nav purposes. It is merely a reference tool.”

“I meant written contributions, by the way.”

“well...I figured out what I am gonna do. I'll shop, grap the magazine, then I'll pick the longest line at a cash register. while waiting I read the magazine. I am sure I'm done by the time it's my turn to pay.

Hey!! works!”

“You should shop at the Hyde Park Co-op. They have HUGE financial problems. So, as my MBA spouse tells me, that the biggest cost is labor, so what do they do at peak times they SHUT DOWN check-outs! So you would have time to read the entire mag. if you wanted.

(Okay, I'm done venting.) :-)”