Tuesday, June 17th, 2008...10:28 pm
Standing at the Crossroads
I’m not sure the best way to bring this up, so I just will: we (Kelli and I) need to figure out whether we’re going to keep Seasonal Delights going.
Don’t get me wrong: we love it! But it’s a lot of hard work, so if we’re going to keep this up, we need to know that people are going to commit to financing the operation going forward.
New folks may not realize that we were quite generous in the first month of the magazine’s existence. We let anybody who found us in the first month sign up for a year for free! Crazy, I know. Looking back, we should have given away three issues instead of four. Live and learn!
Now we’ve delivered four issues, so that year is up, and all free subscriptions will be lapsing at the end of June, which is now less than two weeks away. If enough of the folks who’ve been enjoying Seasonal Delights sign up for paid subscriptions, we’ll definitely keep on producing the magazine, and maybe even lose slightly less money this year than last. If it turns out that most people love Seasonal Delights for free but don’t like it enough to help keep it going, then we’ll have to shut things down and refund money to those who have already paid.
We do want to make this easy, so I’m trying to set up a new subscription option by the end of June. If you want to pay by the year, then absolutely go right ahead! If it’s easier to sign up for a monthly subscription, we will try to have an auto-renewing monthly option, something in the $2.95/month range.
I hate putting pressure on folks, but we’ll need to make a decision in July about whether we produce the Autumn 2008 issue, due in September. We’ll produce “An Old-Fashioned Summer” either way (more on that in a few days!), but the future of Seasonal Delights now rests in your hands.
If you are interested in signing up on a monthly basis, please let us know in the comments or via email.
- Phillip
83 Comments
Filed under Admin
83 Comments
June 18th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Phillip, I will be glad to sign up for Seasonal Delights…it has been a bright spot in my life for the last yr! You and Kelli have done a magnificent job. I understand your dilemna though!
June 18th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Hi Phillip. I am going to be as brutally honest as I think you want us to be. The magazine is gorgeous and is a blessing. It is unique and very, VERY well done.
BUT…With the economy as it is, my family is cutting back on luxuries, and Seasonal Delights, unfortunately falls into that category. I’ve let all my other (hard copy) magazine subscriptions go.
My forum friends and my daily connection with them is a REAL bright spot in my life. I wonder if the forum would continue without the magazine. That would be a huge loss to me.
I have a couple of ideas about how to make money using the resources you have available. Let me think about this, and I will send you a private email.
Kindest regards,
Nancy
June 18th, 2008 at 11:02 am
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my free subscription and was wondering the other day when it ends so I could subscribe via a regular paid subscription. Obviously this means I’m interested. I don’t subscribe to but about two magazines to keep costs down but I am interested in a yearly subscription to your wonderful offerings. The monthly thing would just make me crazy, so I’d opt for a yearly opportunity.
June 18th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I really enjoy the magazine and would definitely do a paid subscription.
My boys (5 and 3) and I just put up a birdbath from the summer edition yesterday and they had a great time doing it.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Phillip and Kelli, My girls and I love the magazine! I would definitely pay for a yearly subscription, but understand if it doesn’t work out. Thanks for letting us know and being honest.
Teresa
June 18th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Well, I’m your mama, so of course I will subscribe!
June 18th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
As with the economy so goes all the “extras”…so as I do really love your offering, I will have to pass on it.
So sorry.
Blessings in whatever you decide to do
June 18th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I love your magazine and was planning to subscribe. Just to be clear though will you be creating four issues a year or more. It’s just that I noticed you mentioned you could pay by the month or by the year. I would pay by the year. Hope it all works out for the best for you and your family. Mary.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I’m really not sure. I do love the magazine, although as I am in Australia I find I don’t put it into use much as the seasons/holidays are out. But the price is reasonable, although we do have very little extra money on a pastor’s wage.
I am in awe of your wonderful talent and think you do a wonderful job.
Blessings,
Tracy
June 19th, 2008 at 12:06 am
I totaly understand that it takes alot of work and time.
I would take a monthly subscription, because that fits better in my budget. I have a monthly budget that I can spend on internet purchases, like books, graphics/clipart, craftsupplies… So I think that a monthly subscription would be better for me.
I also think that it would be a good idea to consider to offer small advertising spaces in your magazine. Even the best selling magazines wouldnt survive without advertising.
Just keep them small, so they dont disturb the reader to much, when you choose for larger ones, always make sure that they are attractive. Or put them all on the last page of your magazine, so people can choose to skip them.
Advertising suggestions: crafting websites/blogs, recipe websites/blogs, small bussines sites about crafting, cooking, homemaking, decorating…
June 19th, 2008 at 12:17 am
My daughter and I have used quite a few of the ideas in your magazine and we have plans for more. We’ve used it more than any other magazine we’ve looked at. We also do not usually buy subscriptions but I just did yours. I hope you will continue. Thanks for your hard work!
June 19th, 2008 at 1:35 am
I enjoy the magazine purely for the visual content, the photographs are excellent. I would take certainly take out a years subscription . Apart from anything else I feel I owe it to you for having benefitted from the original offer of a year’s free subscription. I hope you get sufficient take up to continue.
June 19th, 2008 at 3:34 am
I love your magazine and I know you both did a lot of hard work for it but, you did a fantastic job!! I’m in and I will of course get a years subscription. There are so many wonderful things, photos, recipes and I tried out a lot of them! I really hope you will coninue!!
Lots of greetings
Britta
June 19th, 2008 at 5:21 am
Hello,
I would re-subscribe and possibly get a subscription for my 3 married daughters.
Sheila
June 19th, 2008 at 5:31 am
I love your magazine. I will sign on for a year. I am a bit confused though. Does this come in themail or just like I have been getting over the computer? I actually prefer it that way. I can don’t loose it and none of my children run off with it. I can print out just what I want to do or read at the time. Keep up the great work.
Kim
June 19th, 2008 at 5:35 am
I would be happy to sign up for a paid subscription. I LOVE the mag, but I would prefer a printed copy. Will that be an option? I would still pay for a sub either way, believe me!!
Jenn
June 19th, 2008 at 5:35 am
My daughters and I love your magazine! We would love to subscribe for another year! Thanks for a great magazine!
Vickie
June 19th, 2008 at 6:12 am
I agree with all that this is a beautiful magazine. My favorite was Summer! Thankyou for your hard work!
However, I also have to agree with those who are trying to cut back. I can’t justify this in my budget.
I’m wishing you the best.
June 19th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Your magazine is very nice, but as my only child is an adult, most of your offerings just don’t relate, and the others I can find online if I am interested in it.
Thanks for the chance to try it out, though, and I do appreciate the hard work that went into it.
June 19th, 2008 at 6:54 am
I , too, will also have to pass. We are trying to watch our money as well. We have thoroughly enjoyed your magazine! Best wishes in the future!
Kat
June 19th, 2008 at 7:05 am
I love the magazine and I don’t care if I have to sell off belongings, I’m subscribing another year if you keep it up. I have enjoyed this subscription so much, I’ve hardly been able to contain my excitement each time a new season is approaching. I love what you guys have done and I hope things work out to keep it going.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:06 am
My daughter and I love your magazine. It’s always an exciting day when a new issue comes out. In the past few weeks, she has asked me several times if we are going to renew our subscription~~that’s how much she loves it! We’ve made several of the sewing and craft projects together. Your pictures are gorgeous! It’s so nice to have a wholesome magazine for mothers and daughters. I would definitely renew my subscription but possibly not until near the end of July since that’s the way the budget is looking right now. You’ve done a wonderful job with Seasonal Delights!
June 19th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I received Seasonal Delights as a Christmas gift. I really enjoy it. I have done some of the projects and dreamed about others. It is nice that the supplies are readily available and nothing is too complex. I plan to ask for a renewal this year so I hope it will continue! Sue
June 19th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I love Seasonal Delights, and would subscribe on a one year basis (I prefer to do one year at a time on my subscriptions, rather than monthly). Am VERY VERY thankful to have had this first year for free to “check it out”.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Kelli and Phillip… I love this magazine… and I would love to keep my subscription… Hope your hard work pays off… xoxox
June 19th, 2008 at 7:25 am
I absolutely love the magazine and would keep my subscription. The free year is what grabbed me, the excellent quality is what keeps me.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Hi,
We love your magazine!!! Count us in, but we would pay yearly.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:47 am
I woud be interested in the monthly subscription. You both do a great job and we enjoy the magazine. It’s a breath of fress air compared to any other magazine. I never have to worry about anything inappropriate in it. Thank you for your hard work.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Phillip and Kelli,
Let me just say that I have enjoyed Seasonal Delights so much and have appreciated the free year. You all have done a wonderful job making it a beautiful and enjoyable magazine! I would be thrilled to get a yearly subscription if it would keep the magazine coming. I was wondering if it will be a hard copy or e-magazine? I would also get a subscription for my daughter.
Thanks again for all the hard work you put into it. It has enriched my days for sure!
June 19th, 2008 at 8:12 am
We LOVE the magazine and would sign up for a yearly commitment!!
June 19th, 2008 at 8:20 am
I would sign up for a yearly commitment, if I could get it in print. I would also send out a gift subscription to my mom, if I could get it in print.
~Robin
June 19th, 2008 at 8:24 am
I will sign up for the year, and order a few for freinds and family. We love this site, please don’t close down.
Amanda
June 19th, 2008 at 8:29 am
We’ve enjoyed the magazine, but with rising costs
won’t be able to re-subscribe. I wish you all the best!
June 19th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Your magazine has been a breath of fresh air in our home. I will definately subscribe for another year, but as we are in Australia it would be best received via email as before. Thankyou for your hard work.
Patricia
June 19th, 2008 at 8:32 am
This is a beautiful magazine. I am so glad to have found it. I will subscribe for the coming year. Please telll us if you produce a paper version. I know a young lady and a mom when would enjoy a subscription. You remind me very much of the old magazine called Ideals. We used to save each issue like National Geographic. Thanks for the creative hard work.
Connie
June 19th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Thank you *so much* for the free subscription this past year! I absolutely love your magazine–it’s beautiful, and your ideas/recipes are great! I would much, much rather receive it in print if possible, especially for the price of $36/year. I would not be offended at all if you include some advertising to keep it going and make that possible….I trust you would work with quality companies, and ones that I’d benefit from knowing about, too! I want to continue my subscription, but am hesitant to pay that price for an e-product. I’d so prefer holding a real magazine in my hands! (I’m not saying I won’t subscribe for an e-product–I’m probably going to, if that’s all that’s available, just because I hate to miss out on your beautiful ideas and yummy recipes!)
Blessings to you, and thanks for all your hard work!
~Christy
June 19th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Count me in as well - I would definitely purchase a yearly subscription.
Your magazine is so inspiring and it helps me to focus on my home and my children. As a work from home mom, I need that. I need that a lot.
Your magazine is so well done, and it is absolutely beautiful; it is truly a joy to read.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:55 am
I love the magazine but as has been mentioned by others the economy being the way it is (ok gas prices and food prices being the way they are) has really had us looking at cutting out luxuries and unfortunately magazines are one of those luxuries just like driving anywhere anymore for anything other than necessities. As much as I love the magazine I will be passing on the subscription though I really feel it is well done and a beautiful product. I have loved the projects and ideas but I really can not longer afford these luxuries unless the economy does a complete turnaround!
June 19th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Hey Phillip and Kelli,
I do plan on subscribing, and also am considering giving this as a gift for a sister’s b’day. I love the magazine and do hope that you continue with it!
June 19th, 2008 at 9:23 am
have enjoyed the free subscription - the only complaint i would have is that it was hard for me to access the subscription - password was always a problem
i know it is a lot of hard work and it shows
i, too, would have to pass, as i could not afford another publication right now
thank you
June 19th, 2008 at 9:49 am
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing the free subscription for a year. I have truly enjoyed it. And I completely understand how much work and thought you both have put into this absolute delight for all of us. If gratitude were money, you’d be rich.
Be that as it is, I fall into the catagory of clipping away at anything in our budget that isn’t necessary. I will not be able to subscribe. But please know that I am truly grateful and would be glad to post a link to your magazine on my blog.
Sincerely, Teresa
June 19th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Your magazine is beautiful and an inspiration. I would definitely sign up for a subscription. I would use the yearly payment option.
June 19th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I love Seasonal Delights, the photography is beautiful and the ideas are relatively easy. I’ve really enjoyed it. I appreciate your hard work.
I’m not sure if I would subscribe or not. How much is an annual subscription for the emailed version? Is it the monthly times 12 or the monthly times 4 (since there are 4 issues)?
June 19th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Thank you so much for all of your work on this beautiful magazine. I would love to sign up (and pay) for another year.
June 19th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I will sign up for another year should you decide to go forward. If you don’t I’ll understand and I agree with the others-will the forum still be here even if the magazine is defunct?
June 19th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I will subscribe for a year, definately! Your mag and the beautiful pictures you publish in it are inspirations to make art and beauty a bigger, purposeful part of my life and my home. Thanks so much for all your hard work. I appreciate all you do!
June 19th, 2008 at 11:05 am
There’s no denying it - you have been producing a BEAUTIFUL magazine. Few others compare to your quality. However, in our situation, we originally joined on only for the tea-recipes (I do not know how to sew and have very little time to really do any of the other craft projects) as my daughter and I regularly have tea parties. So, I will be one of the ones who will let my subscription go. I do thank you though for all the great tea parties that we have enjoyed with your help!
June 19th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I love Seasonal Delights, I have enjoyed every project and recipe I have tried, and it has inspired me to try sewing again with your simple, easy to follow guide. I am even planning a Summer themed tea party for the women in the family using ideas from the magazine. I have recently cancelled several other subscriptions I was receiving so that I could become a paid subscriber here. I was wondering though what the yearly subscription price would be? The subscription page states $19.95, but the price you have quoted here is higher. I do hope you continue, as I can see by your end results what a labor of love this has been for you, you are both very talented.
June 19th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed Seasonal Delights! Having the first year for free was so generous and I thank you both for that. I would absolutely pay the money to suscribe for another year ~ where do I sign up;o)
June 19th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Yes, we would very seriously consider subscribing.
It has been a loved addition to our house.
Lisa j
June 19th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Kelli and Phillip,
My daughters and I have thoroughly enjoyed your publication. We will subscribe for a year. Looking forward to continued blessings. Praying for wisdom as you make your decisions.
God bless you.
June 19th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I was thinking that my free year was ending and I definitely would subscribe for a year if you decide to continue. I have tried many of the ideas and have had wonderful success. I love the pictures and I like the fact that it is an ezine I can download to my computer. Also I will pray for your family in this difficult decision. I , too, appreciate all the hard work you have put into this magazine. It shows!
June 19th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I am definitely considering subcribing and would probably continue to do so as long as the projects stay simple. I think the simplicity of the project ideas and the lovely photos are what makes this publication refreshing. Thank you.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I truly enjoy the magazine, and the free blog. I would be interested in keeping my subscription, if it would be on a $3 or so fee per month. If that is all due at one time, possibly not. If I can pay month by month than I could just give up a cup or coffee or two to compensate the cost:) Thanks either way!
June 19th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I also love your magazine and will be very happy to pay for a subscription. There are not very many women’s magazines that are so beautifully written that don’t have a lot of negative, unGodly content. I have stopped several magazines because of this. I refuse to spend my husband’s hard earned money on magazines that show, how can I say this nicely, homes that two men share. I do know how much work you must have to produce such a beautiful magazine. Thank you!
June 19th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Seasonal Delights is a beauitful magazine chock full of good ideas. I so appreciated the free subscription and plan to subscribe if you plan to continue. I would opt for the yearly payment.
June 19th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
My daughters and I definitely plan to renew our subscription. We absolutely love it! We’d go for the annual payment.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Hi there. I really enjoyed Seasonal Delights but at this time I can’t pay for it. Dh has no job and is a pastor and we aren’t getting paid. We are struggling with just to make sure bills are paid. Ya’ll are such a blessing and will miss it. I really enjoyed the recipes and craft ideas. It was a really nice magazine. Thank you for all the hard work you both have put into this.:) Thank you so much. I am sorry I can’t pay, if I could I would definitly order this magazine.:)
Thank you again and God bless you.:)
Sharon:)
June 20th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Thank you so much for the one-year subscription, which I really enjoyed! I may sign up in the future, but do not feel I can commit to that right now.
June 20th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Would love to subscribe for another year. Your work is outstanding and I definitely consider it a privilege to help support your family venture.
June 20th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
I do hope you are able to keep doing the magazine. I would definitely buy a subscription as I think it is one of the best magazines that I’ve came across!
June 20th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Hi. Thank you so much for the free year. I love the magazine. I’ve enjoyed reading all the recipes, craft ideas, and looking at the beautiful pictures. However, I will not be able to subscribe this time. I just haven’t had time to make any of the crafts or recipes, so I can’t justify paying for something I won’t have time to use.
June 21st, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I think your magazine is just wonderful! It always gets me excited about the approaching new season and inspires me to do things with my children and for my family to celebrate it. I would love a by-the-issue subscription option because it’s easier to spend a few dollars every few months than a larger (although still not terribly large) one once a year. I will continue to subscribe for the next year at least, regardless of how you set it up.
Blessings on you and yours!
Lindsey in AL
June 21st, 2008 at 7:38 pm
We would like a year’s subscription! Very inspiring and fun projects for my daughters and me! Thank you!!
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I love your magazine as well - it is a thing of beauty for me and a way for me to relax! thank you for the gift this has been - but as we live in a foreign country and are on a very limited budget, I will have to pass up on a paid subscription - but I will read them when we are in heaven! ( After reading Randy Alcorn’s book on Heaven I am sure it will be there!
Debbie in Costa Rica
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I am a current subscriber and fan of your magazine. I will gladly renew when my subscription is up this winter.
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:46 am
Hi !
I did appreciate a lot the free subscription this past year. It’s been such a pleasure to read your gorgeous magazine, full of nice & lovely & clever ideas ! I’ll gladly pay to renew my subscription, though I don’t know which payment solution I’d choose, monthly or yearly. But anyway, I’d & I’ll renew. I hope you’ll keep making your GREAT magazine !! Thanks again for sharing your time ! Best regards from France ! *Ü*
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
Monthly or yearly , please keep making the magazine.
June 24th, 2008 at 12:13 am
I love your beautiful magazine…and so hope it continues. Please count me in …I think I would prefer yearly….but either way is fine. Linda
June 24th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
We would love to subscribe - however it works best for you is good for us. Let us know soon - we don’t want to miss out. Janell
June 25th, 2008 at 7:18 am
I love SD, and I look forward to each issue. I would be very sad if you weren’t able to continue doing it!
I know it’s a lot of hard work, but it blesses so many. With some careful planning and budgeting, I think we could swing a monthly subscription…it’s too wonderful to miss!
Blessings,
Amy O.
picketfencemom
June 25th, 2008 at 10:50 am
This magazine has been one of the highlights of the past year. I will definitely sign up for a 1 yr subscription, if you should choose to continue. I have enjoyed making so many of the recipes and sewing projects.
Keep up the good work!
Good luck and God Bless.
-dawn
June 25th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I’ve been waiting for the renewal time to come around and have been looking forward to signing up! I agree on several of the points already made. The magazine is beautiful, I’m amazed at how one can take a picture in their dining room or kitchen, etc. and have it come out so lovely and professional. You guys are awesome! I look forward to each issue and always read it from beginning to end as soon as I download it. Your ideas are creative and easy for most anyone to do. Yes, the economy is tight, but I definitely feel that SD is worth the financial investment! It is a blessing to be able to support a good family in their business venture and the perks are a joy to read! I hope you are able to continue. I’m ready to sign up as soon as you make a decision. I don’t want to miss an issue! I will also pray for your decision.
Hugs and God’s Blessings,
Theresa
June 25th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I would definitely sign up for furture issues too.
June 25th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I would also subscribe in the future. I really enjoy the magazine. Thanks!
Linda
June 26th, 2008 at 2:47 am
I would DEFINITELY subscribe to the new year. I appreciate sooo much the free year. It’s been wonderful!
We’ll be in Germany and this is about the only magazine I’ll be able to still get. Thanks for having this! Please don’t quit. I’ll be ordering my subscription next week…payday! 
Sonja A.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:13 am
I’ve been blessed by each issue of Seasonal Delights that I’ve received, gleaning great craft ideas and delicious recipes that I’ve enjoyed.
I’ll pay for a year’s subscription in advance if you continue the publication.
Lisa B.
June 26th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Yes, I will subscribe for another year. Can I do that now? or shall I wait for you to let me know that you are going to continue publishing?
June 28th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I have really enjoyed your magazine…we use it in our homeschool! … I get so excited when the new issue comes out! Thankyou for all your hard work and offering the first year free. I will gladly subscribe for another year.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
I think your magazine is beautiful and rare in today’s world. I will certainly be signing up for a year’s subscription. I so appreciate your free year. Blessings to you!
July 11th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Thank you for the lovely year’s worth of Seasonal Delight! You clearly put a great deal of thought and work into each issue. I cannot renew a subscription at this time.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Have you made any decisions yet? I am interested to continue if not too expensive, but will be giving up two other subscriptions this year (Mary Englebreit and Victoria) See how good your magazine is that it competes with these august names!
Gill.
Thank you so much for this first year’s free offer.
July 29th, 2008 at 11:04 am
I just want to tell you that I have truly enjoyed your magazine. My girls and I love it. My youngest one loves tea parties…so this has been fun…Unfortunately, I have to think on whether we can afford to subscribe for another year, however. I wish we could…but I really appreciated the opportunity to receive your wonderful magazine for the past year. Thank you so much.
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