Agreed - it's pretty dissappointing.
I recently subscribed to the print version, but also took out a Zinio membership to fill in the gap until my print subscription kicked in.
I too expected the digital copy to be available at (or before) the the printed version release. Looks like it will be a waste of money. Too bad, I thought the concept and reader functionality was pretty good.

This was brought up before and, although I have no first-hand experience (other than to wait for my copy), I direct you to that earlier thread:
http://forum.stereophile.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=november&Number=1917&Forum=All_Forums&Words=zinio&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Main=1912&Search=true&where=sub&Name=&daterange=1&newerval=1&newertype=y&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev=#Post1917

Kal

Of course. Finger pointing.

Kal

Quote:
I wonder if this is a symptom that points to deeper problem? Problems that may affect editorial?

Nonsense. This is an administrative problem. It seems quite neurotic to assume otherwise.

Kal

I think I'll start a different thread every day this month asking why I haven't received my March issue of Stereophile yet. Wait, I have a better idea; would you guys at Stereophile mind posting your home telephone numbers?

Hi Anonymous.
I hope you'll forgive my silence. I've been looking into your problem. I've not heard back from a representative at Zinio yet.

At the same time, there's certainly more we can do here to correct any inefficiencies in the process. We're working on it, and will see that these delays don't continue.

When I see posts as bizarre as the ones contained in this thread, I always begin to wonder if it is part of some viral marketing scheme.

I had heard rumors that Cindy Sheehan frequents
the Stereophile forums.

Quote:

In my bizarre planet we complain when we don't receive the goods we subscribed to 2 weeks after the issue is out. And even more bizarre we complain more if no one responds.

Strange, but on my planet, when I have an issue with something I use my name, and call people rather than rant and rave anonymously on an open forum. Not to mention the fact that if UPS takes forever to deliver my package, I don't begin insinuating that Barnes and Noble are having managerial problems at the highest level.

Even stranger, I count three responses from the editorial staff, and you apparantly can't see them. And finally, I see a contact button at the top of the page that appears to have not one, not two, but FIVE subscriber services addresses, and four editorial addresses.

That is why I thought your posts were bizarre, they were not only misplaced, but also calculated to be read by potential customers of Zinio.

Quote:
Call who? What is wrong with ranting and raving in a forum?

Nothing.

Quote:
Nobody came out and answered my question. It is indicative of a problem.

First, Stephen Mejias, Stereophile's assistant editor who moderates this forum, did respond. Second, we are trying to find out what has gone wrong, if there is a problem with the preparation of the February Zinio edition of Stereophile. Until we get some hard information to share, there's not much else we can say. My apologies.

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile

Anonymous, I would have loved to have come up with an answer for you immediately, but the fact of the matter is that this is the first time I've ever dealt with Zinio; previously, I had absolutely no interaction with them, and I had no idea of how the process worked.

So, I'm glad you brought the problem to our attention. It's been enlightening, and I think we've solved it. I'm now waiting to hear back from Brian Church, senior production manager at Zinio, regarding when you should receive your February issue. I'll let you know as soon as I can.

If you have other questions, I can be reached in the office at (212) 229-4896. This number is listed in our magazine. Brian Church can be reached at (415) 494-2700. I found this number on the Zinio website, which is how I tracked Brian down.

I'm sorry you've had to wait so long. The problem shouldn't happen again.

Brian Church has asked for immediate turnaround on the February issue, and says that it should go out by next Tuesday, the 7th.

That little underlined and highlighted group of letters just under Brian Church's name and title is his email address.

Since your post is for Brian, you might consider emailing him with yet another whining rant to voice your bewilderment with the process that both he and Stereophile have already explained to you. You might ask him to explain it a l i t t l e s l o w e r.

OK. I just got mine. Hope you get yours.

Kal