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[pennydog]

I've known that this publisher has been crap at paying its contributors for a while (previously known as KAL Media), however I had no idea quite how rife it was and I have two subscriptions with them, of which I have only received one issue for both so that looks to be an expensive mistake as it doesn't look like I'm going to get any more magazines.

Read here for more information: http://thesewingdirectory.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/beware-of-this-publishing-company.html

The last update from Fiona at the Sewing Directory on her Facebook Page is this:
"I just heard that they have gone into liquidation today too and have let all their staff go. Apparantly there was a new company formed last week calld Handmade Living Magazine Ltd which would suggest at least one magazine will survive this liquidation but I guess we will have to see over the next few weeks."

[pennydog]

Other interesting- if not sad and slightly depressing- posts from first hand experiences...
http://sewhappygeek.co.uk/index.php/2012/05/04/me-and-acm/
http://crobyworks.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/distribution.html
http://pompoms.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/if-youre-not-knitting-start-reading/

[Lilylola]

My sister joined two of their clubs, (lace and sock knitting I think), for about a month now she's been emailing and calling and hasn't had a single reply. Apparently there's loads of people who paid up front for the wool they were supposed to receive and had nothing.

[pennydog]

I'm reading the discussion on Ravelry at the minute and this has been posted- makes you think....

"My wife was requested this morning to come into the office at 10am. At 10.15am the staff who attended were advised that ACM was being placed into liquidation, unfortunately resulting in all of the staff out of work and unpaid.

They are distraught and whilst I appreciate that some of you, subscribers, club members and contributors (sorry if I have missed anyone else) are owed money, goods etc, they are now out of work in an extremely difficult job market."

[pennydog]

Lilylola, this may be useful for your sister to know...

Sorry, I'm trying to compile all the best titbits so only one of us has to read through endless pages of discussion...


"It is with regret that we must advise you that the company today entered administration and has ceased trading with immediate effect.

FRP Advisory LLP have been appointed Administrators and will be in contact with all contributors, subscribers and suppliers within the next 10 days.

If anyone has any interest in acquiring any of the titles they should contact FRP Advisory as quickly as possible."

[Lilylola]

Thanks PD, I'll forward that to her. At the moment she's dealing with Companies House, something to do with a change of registered address. The Ravelry group has some beautiful people who are are spinning and dying wool to compensate the members of the clubs who were left without anything.

I wish I could persuade my sister to join Crafteroo..she's a complete firebrand.

[Very Berry Handmade]

Have written a bit about it myself today. A thoroughly depressing experience...
http://veryberryhandmade.co.uk/2012/05/05/not-so-sweet-candy/

[Gone to Earth]

I have issues of my own with them....

Her mother seemed to be looking after the Homemade Living magazine but it seemed to be worked on by many of the same staff as the other titles.  I'd be surprised if they could keep that title going.  It wasn't the impression I got from the Finance company I spoke to on Friday but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Modern Quilting should have been a good option for me to advertise in but it's been a nightmare from the beginning. 

I did receive this version of Modern Quilting though and Ali the pouch tutorial and the write up they gave you is something that you should be proud of.  Perhaps you'll be able to use the experience to get some exposure through other more professionally organised magazines.  A few of the stalwarts (Sewing World etc) have been redefining themselves and looking for similar opportunities to engage more with the vibrant crafting world of blogs, and social media in general. 

I do feel very sorry for the folk working in the offices some of the ones I've spoken to quite regularly have been great.  It's awful that they're lost their jobs and have little hope of being paid for what they're done either.  Rubbish!!

Whatever the financial short comings of the Kal Media/All Crafts media empire have been/are (And they are many) the magazines did seem to achieve something in bringing a whole new look and approach to crafts in magazines which has I think been a good thing.

I guess the whole ugly story will start to unfold now.

[pennydog]

If anyone wants the claim form, they're taking adding creditors to their list until monday 21st. Just drop me a message and I'll e-mail you it with who to send it to. It doesn't take long to fill out but they are requesting proof of debt (even though the form says it's not needed yet) so if you have a subscription you will need to enclose the receipts on your e-mail too.

[pennydog]

Woah, WHAT?! I've just got my Modern Quilting issue 2 subscription copy through the post today - when only yesterday I put my claim in AND bought this issue in Smiths after a tip off I had that it was on sale to recoup costs! Bugger now I have two issues- I'm sure my bed-ridden-due-to-operation friend will love it though.

Here's what the letter says:

***

Dear Subscriber,

Please find your latest subscription copy enclosed.

We can confirm that your subscription will continue as originally paid for. We are very sorry for the delay in delivery of this issue and we are working hard to get back on track for the remainder of your subscription.

We are aiming to get your next issue to you by the end of June and bi-monthly from then on.

If you have any queries regarding your subscription, please do not hesitate to contact us at orders@modernquiltingmag.com

Yours Faithfully

The Modern Quilting Team


***

So no idea what's going to happen next, whether I get my money back or the magazine continues as paid for I'm happy either way....

[Gone to Earth]

I've been told that Sew Hip and Modern Quilting are now over here.

http://www.craftmagazineshop.co.uk/

As a new company ...

[Gone to Earth]

If you advertised with All Craft Media it might be a good idea to catch up with the conversations on Ravelry regarding what is currently going on.

[pennydog]

I've been told that Sew Hip and Modern Quilting are now over here.

http://www.craftmagazineshop.co.uk/

As a new company ...

Fiona at the Sewing Directory has reason to believe it's the same people behind this "buyout"... there's a thing about it on the sewing directory blog