Well, it's official. Country Home is ceasing publication. Ki probably knew this when they discontinued her column but was not allowed to say anything. Nothing is posted on their web site yet. I'm sorry to see then go. I suppose now that I just renewed I'll end up with some stupid replacement magazine that I have no interest in. I guess that is better than nothing (but only slightly).
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/business/media/09meredith.html?ref=business
Junk Revolution Community » Inspire
Topic: Country Home magazine goes toes up
(70 posts)-
Posted 4 years ago #
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This is such sad news. I love that magazine and was just about to renew. I wish the best for the employees who are loosing their jobs.
MargoPosted 4 years ago # -
I loved that magazine, too. Shame on me -- I should be thinking about the people who are now without jobs rather than if I will like or even get a replacement magazine. This whole economic mess is getting quite spooky. About 275 people lost their jobs yesterday at a photography place (school pictures, yearbooks, etc) in a town just 10 miles from my town. That's the first big closure around here and the first time I have friends who have lost their jobs. I guess we have been fortunate up to now in our little corner of the world.
Posted 4 years ago # -
It is so sad! My husband works at Meredith Publishing and as far as we know it was a shock to all! People knew there would be cuts, but never imagined the end of a 25 year old magazine. I don't know what I will do without my Country Home. It was my junking bible. Can we protest!!
Posted 4 years ago # -
I do believe the reason that the magazines are going under is due to advertising. Advertisers are getting more bang for their buck with different venues of advertising, like the internet. It is a shame that these magazines depend on advertisers so much to keep them going. But basically that is what a magazine and TV are, "Advertising deliverers". The only reason they offer content is to get us to watch or buy. I'm afraid protesting won't do any good. Maybe Meredith will come up with some special interest publications to keep us occupied. Or we'll all just end up on sites like this for our content. It's the way of things I guess. All my thoughts and prayers go to the employees, I wish them all the best.
MargoPosted 4 years ago # -
csudderth
MemberI hate to hear this--I've alway's enjoyed Country Home. I really for all the employees and families that will be affected.
ChristyPosted 4 years ago # -
Mommajoan
MemberCottage Living is doing the same thing...I love that one to.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I was getting them both. i knew about CL but not about CH...boy i hate to hear this...i just loved those mag.i guess theres still country living. well i guess there is, i just got a new one...
Posted 4 years ago # -
I thought the last couple of issues were pretty thin! My favorite magazine of all time....Mary
Posted 4 years ago # -
LuAnn
MemberSorry to see it go. It impacts more people than you would think. The "cool junk" was the best part.
Posted 4 years ago # -
rebeljunker
MemberI'm from Manitoba, Canada and just started to subscribe to Country Home last March. I absolutely loved the magazine. I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of jobs due to all the closures. I will be praying for all those affected. Dianne
Posted 4 years ago # -
rebeljunker
Member
Posted 4 years ago # -
morninglori
MemberI got a postcard saying that that they will be swapping in "Real Simple" for CL within 3 to 11 weeks, but you can recieve a refund for the remaining value of your subscription. Great....along with that one I was to get CH till 10/10. Sigh...I will miss them both..
Posted 4 years ago # -
I got one saying they were going to put southern living in place of CL...
Posted 4 years ago # -
Country Home has been a staple in my home for years. Bummer that it's going down the tubes. I sit in wonder at who's next. We'll just be able to spend more time with our blog friends since we won't be browsing pages of a magazine now. Yeah!
Posted 4 years ago # -
gigi
Memberi just recently returned to the subscription (neighbor girl fundraising for school...nothing else seemed too appealing)
it's a great loss :( alot of talented people contribute to the mag, so hopefully they can find work elsewhere with little interruption.
Posted 4 years ago # -
ill really miss it tooo....and also mary englebrite home companion..is gone...
now i really like romantic homes...and some cottage ones that dont seem to have any certain schedule...
annPosted 4 years ago # -
I will really miss "Country Home" --- I have kept back issues for years, organized by month. I take these out to revisit every year.
Regarding "Home Companion" - I understand that they are looking for a new publisher... They have made a commitment to their loyal following to try to find a new home for this beloved magazine.
KariPosted 4 years ago # -
I just got a new copy in the mail today and it had a Happy Anniversary thing where they have a special rate if you order now. It also said somehthing about me having several more issues...
Posted 4 years ago # -
Sad to hear about the demise of Country Home. It was, hands down, my favorite magazine. I recieved my Feb issue yesterday, and also had a renewal reminder in there. Did some one forget to tell the subscription dept. that there were no more subscriptions?? I just went through a whole stack of past issues, and ripped out the stuff I really liked. Glad I kept all of 2008 intact. *elaine*
Posted 4 years ago # -
paperjunk
MemberI hate the Country Living is going too! I just got a new subscription. I will say their last issue (feb 09) was very average. Who's next??? Yikes I can't stand this!
Posted 4 years ago # -
Does any one know what Country Home will be replaced with? Just checked one of my older issues and found my subscription is good through October 09...kind of hope it's not Real Simple...wasn't real thrilled with a free issue I got of that. No cool JUNK!!! *elaine*
Posted 4 years ago # -
I only wish Country Home's advertisers could have realized how much the magazine was loved by its readers and how loyal their subscribers were! I have been talking to many of my former colleagues at CH and all were shocked by the sudden announcement. They were given just a few hours to remove their personal belongings from their desks and asked to leave the building. I guess that is standard procedure these days with large corporations.
It sounds like some have been offered positions with other publications under the Meredith umbrella and others are trying to figure out what is next for them. Job cuts happened through out Meredith and affect other publications as well.
I believe Country Home had one of the most talented staffs in the publishing world, so all will find new homes eventually. It is just the transition that can be difficult. My heart goes out to them.
My hope is to someday be able to work again with such a brilliant and wonderful crew. I believe it will happen! I also believe when one door closes another opens. I just wish so many doors wouldn't close all at once!
Peace,
KiPosted 4 years ago # -
I am so sad by this. I haven't said anything yet, but I guess I am now. My first and now last project is going to be in their last issue in the cool junk section. I had hoped to work with them more in the future--they were all wonderful to work with, especially Kelly. Ki, I want you to know that is because of you and Sue that I was ever given this opportunity and why I even am working at making a living at junking! Thanks so much!!
Posted 4 years ago # -
LuAnn
MemberJust received my latest issue today and inside it was a renewal notice? Rather confusing!
Posted 4 years ago # -
I was so sad to hear about CH. It was my favorite magazine, but was just not the same without the "Cool Junk" section. I was actually going to renew my subscription until I found out Ki would no longer be with them. Glad I never did! I did just subscribe to a Canadian magazine called Home & Country. Hopefully I'll get my magazine fix there!
Posted 4 years ago # -
I, too, am shocked and sad. I have a two year subscription that I just started because I love the mag so much! I'll have to check out Home & Country Canada style...
Posted 4 years ago # -
Last week I got a renewl notice from CL. I emailed them to find out whats going on. They sent me one back saying they were not folding and were holding on ok...
Posted 4 years ago # -
I suspect Country Living will reap the benefits of CH going under. I am sure it will make them a stronger magazine now that there are limited resources for the country, style conscious audience.
I know I will be getting a subscription. I do hope Meredith reconsiders and publishes a newsstand only magazine to fill in the void.
Peace,
KiPosted 4 years ago # -
I have a subscription to Country Living too, so at least I'll still get my fix there. Does anyone have any idea when the last issue of Country Home is coming out? I was at Sam's Club today and saw the March issue on the stands.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I didn't know there would be anymore. I been getting Southern Living in it's place...I think I got the worst end...And since Home Companion went belly up to I get Martha Stewart Living...Another I'm not to happy with...
Posted 4 years ago # -
Maggie
MemberI think March is the last issue.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Now I understand why Martha Stewart Living has begun to arrive ---although I still am not sure what will be arriving instead of Country Home. Sad I do feel...
I am just glad for my piles of back issues - I am just obsessive enough to keep them in neat little stacks archived by month. I have all of the Home Companions and about 5 years of Country Home. I just take out my tidy little stack as the new month approaches...smug I do feel (which is better than sad).
Kari
Posted 4 years ago # -
Kari ~ I'm also obsessed with back issues. I even bought some of those plastic magazine holders that hold them all upright so that I can see the spines and have them all in order of month/year! Can we say anal ~ OR as I prefer ~ ORGANIZED? hehehe. I've been thinking about looking through everyone page by page, making a copy of the pages I want for inspiration, and then selling the rest on Ebay. I put the copies in a big binder inside clear plastic page protectors so that I can see everything neat and tidy at a glance. I just can't seem to get there though. There's something comforting in knowing that I've got all my ducks in a row and can see them on the shelf in my closet.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Chiccottagejunk...You win - you are indeed my Organizational Idol!
KariPosted 4 years ago # -
LuAnn
MemberReceived the last CH issue today (April 2009) stating they would be replacing their magazine for Better Homes & Gardens for the rest of my subscription. Funny this is I've started to get MS Living-which I thought was in CH's place. Who knows. The last CH issue was quite thin but did have quite a bit of good stuff. I'm going to miss it. As stated above at least I'll still have Country Living.
LuAnn
Posted 4 years ago # -
gigi
Memberwell....just received my last issue in mail today :( boo-hoo
they have switched me on to BH&G.....i guess it will have to do!
(guess it beats martha! sorry, ladies...i'm not a fan of hers):)
sure am going to miss you country home :(
Posted 4 years ago # -
Gosh at least you got a last one...lol..I havn't recieved one for months and my sub doesn't run out for wwhile....
Posted 4 years ago # -
gigi
Memberhonestly...i thought maybe the last had come a month or so ago...this one surprised me...pleasant surprise yet i figured i wouldn't get another since others were saying they changed over theirs long, long ago! maybe you still have a chance, leveta! :)
soooo....are you the proud new owner of an old quilt?? :)
Posted 4 years ago # -
No, I guess they held them till the end. I think I like the flea markets better. But I sure did love that red and white one they had...
Posted 4 years ago # -
This just makes me so sad, I had just renewed for 2 years so now I am going to get some other magazine I don't want. I have already lost Cottage Home and the Home Companion and Domino. I get Martha's magazine and well that ok but not what I want and I have lots of Sunset coming now as well, which is ok but again not what I really want. Nice to hear that Country Living is going to be around. Living in the Seattle area that was supposed to be recession proof, we are surrounded by all the big companies laying off. I myself was a victim of the WaMu seizure by the Feds and went through 4 months of hell before losing my job. So if this closure was swift I have to say from experience that the long drawn out thing is so hard to deal with, the waiting is devastating. I just hope that things get better sooner rather than later and that not too many people suffer more.
Posted 4 years ago # -
So...I feel so out of the loop, how did everyone come to understand that Home Companion was finished and Martha Stewart Living was the replacement --- did you get a letter or postcard? And, how do we find out that BH&G is replacing Country Home. Did we get a choice in a refund for these? I have not gotten any notice at all.
KariPosted 4 years ago # -
I got postcards. No control of what you got sent. I sure wouldn't of chose the 2 I got...KI do you know how to get ahold of the mag. to voice the dissapointment of what we are sent??
Posted 4 years ago # -
Like everyone else, I was so disappointed they decided to discontinue Country Home. It was one of my favorites! That and Cottage Living. :'( I think they just randomly picked replacement magazines for people. I ended up with Southern Living. Nice magazine but kind of stupid for a Midwesterner! Great recipes in there though!
I really feel for those who lost their jobs. I know what it is like to get the boot. At least when I was laid off of jobs I knew it was coming a few weeks or months in advance so at least I was able to plan for it. It has got to be devastating to be given the boot without any warning! Those folks are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Well, my husband just brought in yesterday's mail and lo and behold, there was my LAST Country Living mag. The little note said that I'd be getting Better Homes & Gardens, which is a good magazine too, but I was tired of it and had opted for 2 years of Country Home instead. I, too, might want to contact the publisher to find out how to get my $$ back or choose a different magazine altogether. Thanks for any help... Sue
Posted 4 years ago # -
LuAnn
MemberI was a little mistaken. MS Living is to replace ME Home Companion and BH&G is to replace CH. When these run out I know I won't renew my subcriptons.
LuAnn
Posted 4 years ago # -
I lost MEHC, CL & Cottage L. But i'm only getting 2 replacements.
Posted 4 years ago # -
lizzee
MemberI had just renewed Cottage living then it went belly up. i was supposed to get a replacement magazine but never did. This has happened 3 times in the last year with the result I never renew a magazine,nor do I order any new. I just look them up on the internet. I really miss Cottage Living, though,and will miss my Country Home. Here's a question--why do they still go after you to renew when they know they are closing shop? Seems crooked as heck.
Posted 4 years ago # -
RosieO
Memberdigigoddess - Domino isn't 'lost'. I just received my new one this past week.
I never even unwrap it (I'm a garden mag person), I just give it to my DIL.
Thanks, RosiePosted 4 years ago # -
Mary Engelbreit has a sweet & informative message posted on her website regarding Home Companion (& other magazines). I will especially miss this wonderful magazine.
See it at www.MaryEngelbreit.com -- just go to the "magazine" tab.
Kari
Posted 4 years ago # -
lizzee: you really have to watch those magazine subscriptions. In business, I have to keep very good track of what is actually up for renewal. They send out notices 6-9 months BEFORE the renewal is due. I'll bet they get a lot of duplicate subscriptions that way.
Posted 4 years ago # -
thanks for the link kari...
hate to sound cranky but .i dont want martha stewart either......i like her ok...but thats not my style at all..
ann
www.magpiecottage.blogspot.comPosted 4 years ago # -
Well another one bites the dust. I just saw that Canadian Home and Country (that I just subscribed to in place of Country Home) is discontinued after the April issue! Can't believe it! I was wondering why I hadn't received it yet! Dang-nab-it! What's a gal to do?
Lani
Posted 4 years ago # -
I got my good by issue of CH yesterday,,,I hope someday they can make it back...
Posted 4 years ago # -
Maggie
MemberI got mine today with notice that I will receive BH&G for replacement.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I'm sad about all these magazines. I get BH&G only because I got a really good deal on a two-year subscription. Now it looks like I will be getting it for 4 years since that is what my CH is replaced with. I just read on another blog that Hallmark magazine is gone. The Feb/March issue had some really cute things in it.
Has anyone heard of life:beautiful magazine? It is a christian-based magazine. It is truly beautiful! Home decor, cooking, crafts, seasonal and inspirational articles. I love it and hope it will continue. I wish they had a better website so you all could see just how great this magazine is. You can see a little at www.lifebeautifulmagazine.com .
Posted 4 years ago # -
gigi
Membersomeone mentioned domino...i never looked thru til today....sad to say, i didn't care for it...was hoping it was my style...but no such luck
Posted 4 years ago # -
A little clarification on www.lifebeautifulmagazine.com I guess the website is a little better than I thought. It just doesn't work on my computer. I have no links on the right side of the page. Anyway, it isn't exactly a "junkers" magazine, but there is some fun stuff in it!
Posted 4 years ago # -
Vanessa, I checked out the link to Life Beautiful magazine and it looks like something I'd like. One problem that I discovered while looking around on the site is that because of the high cost of publishing, their fall issue was cancelled. It comes out 4 times a year for $18.95 or something like that, and if they cancel any more issues, it might be a risk taking a subscription out. Drats! Anyone else have any ideas to help get our fix on a new magazine?
Posted 4 years ago # -
Life:beautiful did cancel their fall issue, but then put out a beautiful issue in early December, I believe. They just extended subscriptions to make sure everyone still got what they paid for. I know it might be slightly risky to renew, but I am going to take my chances. I usually don't pay that much, but I just love it that much.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Thanks, Vanessa for sharing that last bit. I'll have to give it some serious thought!
Posted 4 years ago # -
Whoo Hoo....received my refund from Country Home today in the mail. I had emailed them earlier when they first announced they were ceasing production of their magazine and asked for a full refund on my remaining subscription. I told them I didn't want a replacement magazine and was surprised they would agree to a refund. Now I can junk this weekend!
Posted 4 years ago # -
Magark, thanks for letting us know. I will do the same and then maybe shop around for the right magazine.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I went to their website and clicked on the help icon at the top and sent an email for my request. I was totally shocked to get a refund as they had emailed me and said someone would be contacting me about my request....never happened either! I got over $ 30 in refund as I had sent my renewal to them in December. I guess with all the magazines folding now I can save some money on subscriptions! Cottage Living hasn't been responsive and they are substituting Southern Accents (ugh!) for their replacement. First 2 issues have been boring and are in my booth for sale. Not my style at all in decorating. Hope this will help you in contacting them. Jan
Posted 4 years ago # -
rebeljunker
MemberHi I am from Canada. I started subscribing to Country Home in June/08). I was wondering if Country Home had a January or March/09 issue, or did I just not receive them. Thanks for your help, Di.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Hi Di, yes there is a April issue that is their last one. I just got mine about a week ago. I some of the others got theirs earlier I believe...
Posted 4 years ago # -
Got another favorite magazine subscription shock the other day. In addition to taking Country Home (now going to be getting Better Homes and Gardens), I also take Backyard Living. Got a note with my LAST magazine that they, too, are going under. I'll start receiving Birds and Blooms instead which is still a good magazine, but wow, these economic times are hurting a lot of businesses, aren't they?!
Posted 4 years ago # -
OMG!!! how sad....
Posted 4 years ago # -
I'm so glad I kept all my back issues of Country Home and Country Living. At least I can still look at them for inspiration.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Yes, Dianne, I also pull mine out for inspiration. I do the same with my old Country Living (which I think is also a good one for inspiration). Sue
Posted 4 years ago #
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