Spreading the word

[Chantal]

Having contacted Captain Carrot I'm being sent a load of back issues of KG which I'm going to distribute to new people on our site with a letter telling them about subscribing etc. It's such a great magazine and can sometimes be difficult to find (in Rugby we have only one small newsagent and WHSmith who have stocks)so many people I speak to have never heard of it.

If anyone else is willing and able to do the same thing, send an email to Captain Carrot who has said he will happily provide a supply of magazines for promotional purposes.

[KG Steve]

Following on from Chantal's posting. Yes, very happy to supply limited quanitities of back issues to those wishing to give away free copies at their local shows, gardening clubs or allotments to newcomers etc. However, I will need proof that it is a genuine request and that they are NOT destined for the local boot fair!

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Captain Carrot, i must say i'm a bit dismayed by the lack of trust you seem to have in the forum members. Do you really think anyone on this forum would really stoop that low as to want to sell back issues at boot fairs for a few pence.
I know i'm probably an over trusting person, but i found what you wrote quite offensive.

Kind regards Old Herbaceous.

[Chantal]

You must learn to be more cynical OH I think it's fair enough point and one I'd probably (sadly) have to make if I had hoards of people asking for my company journal.

[Compo]

Me too CC was not accusing anyone, just protecting from a sad fact of life.....for every honest john theres is someone trying to make a fast buck......often at the detrement of someone else

Compo

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Chantal, i hope i have not come across as rude, but we are members of a very good gardening forum and magazine and i just can't believe that there would be people out there that would want to sell back issues of the magizine.
But i have to admit i have been wrong on one occasion before.

Kind regards Old Herbaceous.

Theres no fool like an old fool.

[Chantal]

Some people would, trust me; they'd have them on ebay by the end of the day. Sad but true.

Of course we'd all trust you.

[KG Steve]

Sorry OH
No offence intended. I know you are right about regular visitors to the forum, but like any such area on the net, it is open to view by anyone and as the editor I just need to be sure issues are used as intended. Nothing signed in blood or triplicate - just a reasonable idea of the intended home. I'm a trusting soul too really!
Hope that reassures you.

[oldherbaceous]

Cheers Captain Carrot, yes it does reassure me, does this now mean i won't be the first person to get a yellow card, well for this thread anyway.
I still help to run a stall with an honesty box, hence being a very trusting fool.

Kind regards Old Herbaceous.

Theres no fool like an old fool.

[KG Steve]

....and I'm reassured to know that it is still possible to use honesty boxes, Old Herbaceous. Long may they remain!
I'll try not to be too mistrusting in future.

[Allan]

The obvious stop to that abuse is to stamp on the front cover
"Complementary copy. Not for resale"
(If only all my problems were that simple)
Allan

[richard p]

there are a lot of peoplle out there allen who wouldnt take any notice whatever was stamped on the cover.

[Chantal]

I was exhibiting at a Police Federation Conference a few years back. I had our new publication "Lighting & Crime" for sale and a dozen copies on the stand marked on the front cover "SAMPLE COPY, DO NOT REMOVE". I went to the loo and the whole lot got nicked. As did the next 3 lots that were put out. I even put them away when I left the stand but these were half inched when my back was turned! I think the only answer in retrospect would have been to plaster "THIS IS A STOLEN COPY" over the front cover.

[Allan]

Point taken. Then print copies of a front cover with a form on the back for them to apply for a free sample. It would cost a bit more but you would have control over numbers.
Alternatively a redeeemable voucher for a cheap or free copy from a bookseller/newsagent.
Anyone else got a suggestion?

Allan

[Chantal]

I know from experience of printing our own journal that to run 100 copies that are "different" can cost almost as much as running another 5,000 "normal" ones. It's the set up costs that are so expensive, the run on costs are negligible. I would doubt KG would consider it to be cost effective. However, over to you KG for your opinion on this one; it is quite a good idea.