I’ve been a subscriber for the better part of the last decade. Originally we got our magazines before they arrived in stores and safely stored in a clear plastic bag.
For a while we were getting our magazines unbagged, after they showed up on newsstands and most of the time they were damaged to some extent. Rarely anything major, just crumpled or tore here and there. Unlike most periodicals, FSM magazines are kept for future reference so condition is semi-important.
Today my April 2005 issue arrived in the clear plastic bag once again. I hope this will continue to be the norm.
I have been a loyal reader of FSM since the first issue.
Subscriber? NO!
Late issues, mauled issues, missing issues, lower deals for “new” subscribers while the faithful pay full price, are some of the reasons I have come and gone on the subscriber rolls over the past.
So now I go to the hobby shop to pick up my copy as discussed in other threads. It is always there when it should be, in great shape, and the models reviewed are less than 10 feet away. Win-Win situation.
For the last two years, mine have come un bagged. At times they arrive in pretty bad shape. One was so torn and damaged from weather (wet), I called and received a replacement. I actually received one over six munths late with a note from the USPS explaining it had been found behind a sorting machine. By then, I had already received a replacement. I would like to have it bagged again to protect it from the elements. And then, again I would like to receive it on time, not two or three weeks after the news stand get them.
I always buy mine at the LHS. Even though it costs more that way, I avoid the chronic problems FSM seems to have with mailing the Mag in a timely manner.
I’ve been a suscriber since the last year and have had no problem with mailing and get it unharmed, though without a bag, and also very prompyly, about a week befor the actual month it comes out. Like I got my march one the last week in January. But I’m very pleased with them.
I agree with ygmodeler4. Ive subscribed on and off for several years now and have never even had a bent corner. It’s always fun to see an FSM nuzzled between bills and credit card offers. It really makes my month.
I’ve never had any problem with them showing up late - well, maybe they did while I was on cruise, but by the time I got home all 6 months worth were nicely stacked up, waiting for me!
I’ve never had any of them damaged either - possibly due in part to the fact I don’t have them sent to me on cruise, at the mercy of military mail…