Brasse, What's happening at Massive Gamer?

[Steeloak]

Hi Brasse!
I'm a long time fan, first time poster.

I wanted to inquire how things are over at Massive Gamer.  I subscribed, based on your enthusiasim & endorsement and my first issue was great (November).

Sadly, they seem to be having some difficulty putting out additional issues.  Is this something you are at liberty to comment on?  If so, when will we see the next issue in our mailboxes?

Thanks,
Steel

[Brasse]

Gee, do I ever dread these questions... I am sure you must have read what little has been said on the Massive Gamer site itself.

I can recount the facts...

I loved my job. I sincerely believed in the product and its potential for success under careful management.
Four issues were printed and distributed (Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov).
I saw the final proofs on the December issue and yet it never went to print.
I worked on my articles for the January issue but it never went to print. As far as I know it did not even get to layout.

I resigned in January. Quietly.
I am broke (unpaid since October), frustrated and carrying a HUGE load of guilt, knowing that many people, many friends, bought subscriptions based on my involvement.
As Senior Staff Writer, I was not involved in management or finances. I did the very best that I could in the position that I held. I have never worked so hard in my life... and it's been a long life.


Anything else I could possibly write here is my personal opinion, and so I will refrain.
I am told that the intent of the owner of MG is to carry on, but as print, website, other... I have no clue, and I regret Massive Gamer is not effectively communicating their plans to the subscribers.


I am so very, very sorry.
I owe a lot of people for their faith and subscriptions, neither of which I am in a position to repay.

With sincere regret,
Linda Carlson
Brasse
(Formerly Senior Staff Writer for Massive Gamer magazine)

[Steeloak]

Well, I pretty much guessed that was the situation - missing pub deadlines is a serious no no.

I have to admit I was puzzled by the curious lack of advertising in the November issue.  My thought at the time was "How are they going to make it with so few ads?"  Now I have my answer - they didn't.

Brasse, no need to feel any guilt - you did your best, it was just out of your hands.  Time to move on to the next opportunity.  As for my subscription, it was in part a bet on the magazine succeeding.  Like any bet, sometimes you lose - but you know that going in (to a startup anyway - if it was PC Gamer or OXM I would be ticked off)

So add this to the list of beautiful failures we have participated in and let's laugh about it over a beer sometime!

Steel

[Navith]

I was wondering as well.  Thanks for the info, and sorry it didn't work out!   

[Perragin]

Hehe, this is the second time for me. I was subscribed before I saw Brasse get involved as well. I really like the magazine but I'm not that suprized. There are not enough successful MMOs out there to keep it rolling I fear. And how much can you really write about the big boys eh?

[Brasse]

Actually, there was always much more potential content than space in the magazine.
CONTENT was never the issue. =)

We'll just have to have a big ol' discussion over beer at Orkfest, hey?
;-)#

[Kaid]

One thing I could not find on their site is if there is any chance to be reimbursed for the issues we are not being sent. I have no problems with them not printing any more but curious if they will give a pro rated refund for the issues not sent.


Kaid

[Brasse'edit: As I bought more than a few subscriptions as gifts myself, I'd like a pro-rated refund as well.
Typically though, if a company hasn't got money, they ain't refundin'. As I am out two months wages, it seems clear there is no money. Hence the guilt I carry around for all those who bought subscriptions.
You can always write them and ask for a refund. The CEO's address is jodie@massivegamer.com]

[Wren]

I would guess it's a lot harder to succeed with a print magazine these days than it used to be. Online is superior to print magazines in a number of ways. Still, best of luck to Brasse in her future endeavors!

happy day,

wren

[Gildan]

I would guess it's a lot harder to succeed with a print magazine these days than it used to be. Online is superior to print magazines in a number of ways. Still, best of luck to Brasse in her future endeavors!

happy day,

wren

Computers (e-readers) and bathrooms do not mix!

[Esri]

One thing I could not find on their site is if there is any chance to be reimbursed for the issues we are not being sent. I have no problems with them not printing any more but curious if they will give a pro rated refund for the issues not sent.

I wouldn't hold my breath for a refund. Dana said yesterday on the forums (http://www.massivegamer.com/forum.php?thread=2383)  that they were still trying to work out funding to resume printing and what to do about existing subscriptions. What bothers me is that they still appear to be accepting subscriptions on the main page....

It's a shame, because I really liked the magazine and, of course, for Brasse and the others who worked there.

[Wren]

Computers (e-readers) and bathrooms do not mix!

EW!!! Are you one of those...bathroom readers? Unless you are talking about reading in the bathtub, while taking a bath, I like to get in and get out ASAP of the bathroom area. As I was just telling Brasse last night, when you're using the bathroom, you've got dirty parts and it can get stinky, and those are two things that to me, do NOT lend themselves to casual reading. It would be like marinating in your own stench, ew!!

Please help me understand why people like to read in the bathroom. My two acceptable reasons for doing such:

1) You're taking a bath and want reading material.
2) You do not have enough fiber in your diet and are having bathroom issues that necessitate your being in there for longer than 1-3 minutes, but you do not *want* to be in there.

happy day,

wren

[Atherin]

Well, there went my breakfast.  And I was going to enjoy it too. 

Happy Day Wren!

[Jasia]

Wow, Wren, very, um, descriptive.
My grandma always had a basket of Reader's Digests in her bathroom. 

[ThtreLady]

Wren,

The door locks.  It's the only one that does so.

[Wren]

Locks, pish. Shouldn't bedrooms have locks on them too? Even moreso, since if a bathroom door is closed, you kinda know what is happening in there, and hopefully won't try to open it. At least the master bedroom door should lock!

BTW, I do not lock the bathroom door. I don't even shut it, lol!

happy day,

wren