The value of my subscription?

[HeyWayne]

In a bit of a "spring clean" over the weekend, I discovered 3 issues of GYO that were still in their polybag.

Lead me to question what I am now getting out of the magazine - or more accurately, the subscription.

[shirlthegirl43]

I have been thinking the same Wayne, haven't read a mag for a while now

It seems to be the same stuff over again and there is more interesting help on here. The odd packet of Beetroot 'Boltardy' or Tomato 'Gardener's Delight' are not a huge incentive.

[CaroltheCarrot]

Because its so far in advance for me( we are a good month behind everyone else) I have a quick look through it and then shove it in the garage.
I dont think I will renew my subscription, and as Shirl says you get far more info on here.

[jackie j]

I stopped my subscription because I found I could look at last years and almost the same info for the same months. The free seeds dont do it for me either, I already have plenty of what they give. In this economic climate everyone is looking for ways to save money and this was one thing I could do without.

[Flummery]

Stopped mine too. For many reasons.

[Florence Fennel]

Mm, I hadn't thought about this, but you're right. This is my third year and I've saved the magazines. It is pretty much the same stuff every month. Also food for thought is that new subscribers are offered incentives for their subscription.

[chris]

The two free books I got with my sub are really good - grow fruit / veg from carol klein. Was pleased I got them, as when I took the sub out, I forgot there was a gift. Those books were worth the £30 or whatever it was.. the mags were a bonus on top

I've not renewed though, mainly as I kept forgetting but at the same time now without being rude to the mag I don't think it's worth it for me personally anymore. (I've got what I needed from the mag!). Towards the end, it was something to read in bed - at the start I was learning as I was reading.

[Chef_uk]

I might stop mine after the first year this September. Not because its not value for money (because it is IMO) but more so because its irrelevant to me at the time it drops through the door. 5 weeks seems to be the average time that passes before anything in the mag is of use. I would prefer a "manage my subscription" page that allows me to pick which week of the month I would like to receive it.

I know why it comes out so early so to maximize the shelf life in stores but to the subscriber its out of sync.

[seasprout]

I stopped by Sub couple of years ago, not really missed it.
I can get good freebies if i buy the mag from Tescos when they have an offer on.

[Paul Wagland]

Other gardening magazines are available.

[ladylottie]

After subscribing to GYO for 3 years and keeping the magazines, I've now cancelled. As others are saying, I can look back over those magazines and the info each month is more or less the same.

And I find that I can get excellent tips and advice on here from fellow grapes. So why bother subscribing? I don't need the seeds enclosed with the magazine. If I really see a particular issue that I want, I can always buy it from Tesco.

[piskieinboots]

Other gardening magazines are available.

And I'm there with ya

[Alison]

I haven't subscribed now for about a year but I think that any magazine has a shelf life with an individual before it's bound to become repeative so not the fault of the mag itself.

[HeyWayne]

I haven't subscribed now for about a year but I think that any magazine has a shelf life with an individual before it's bound to become repeative so not the fault of the mag itself.

I think I've reached the end of my shelf life.

[Glutton4...]

... but I think that any magazine has a shelf life with an individual before it's bound to become repeative so not the fault of the mag itself.

I suspect this is true. I have not renewed my subscription this year, for the same reason. When you think about, it the gardening years are repetitive; we do the same things, because the same things need doing, and these things have to be included in the magazine for the newer buyers.

Having said that, I wouldn't be without my 'stash' of GYO magazines, as I like to look back at them occasionally. Like Wayne, I actually still have two issues unread, along with two issues of two other magazines (one of which I have also not renewed). I don't get to read in the bath at the moment, as I am in and out quickly because of the Pup!