10 replies to this topic

[deepm]

Wanted to check if anybody had tried BBC sky at night magazine subscription from the US and what their experience has been like. I made the mistake of signing up and I have only 2-3 issues so far over last 6-7 months and that too after repeatedly complaining to customer support about it and they had to resend these issues. Not sure if they get lost in mail or never get sent out to overseas subscription. Wondering if anybody had similar experience. 

 

Thanks

deep

[kasprowy]

Through buysubscriptions is terrible. I had to get a refund. Through Zinio (where I also get Astronomy) no problem. It's a great magazine. Just to be clear, these are digital subscriptions.

Edited by kasprowy, 10 April 2024 - 10:56 PM.

[jimr2]

Ah, yes, it takes a long time for me to get my hard copy copies of their magazine here in the (western) US. I just received my December (2023) copy maybe 3-4 weeks ago now, which means--hopefully--that I'll soon be receiving the Jan 24 copy here, so "only" about 3-months behind the actual date now. This is my 2d year with them--the first year, it took me "forever" to get my first issue from them--close to 6 mos as I remember--and it arrived in terrible shape, all ripped up. I emailed them about it (I subscribe directly from them as far as I know), and did get a replacement copy along with an apologizing email saying they were sorry it had taken so long, and that it arrived ripped up, etc. A couple of issues after that, they started putting them in a paper wrapper, which has helped some, but I still occasionally get a somewhat torn up, bent-up, copy from them. Am seriously considering going with their digital-only copy next time I need to renew with them. But being of the generation I am, I just have this "thing" about having to have a real piece of paper in my hand to read, rather than reading it on a computer screen. Anyhow, that's my story with them.

 

-jim-

[jcj380]

I subscribed via their web site for a year.  Magazines all arrived, but they were usually at least a month late, so the monthly columns and charts were out of date by the time I got them.  Not a big deal to me since monthly charts are available all over the Web for free and I was more interested in the other content.  I did save all the monthly lunar columns for future reference.

 

There were a couple instances where the envelope the mag was in was torn, but the magazines were not damaged.

 

I buy it at my local Barnes and Noble now, but I wouldn't have too much heartburn if I subscribed again.

[Donacton]

I bought a hard copy subscription and it was terrible, arrived a couple of months late. I went to the online edition and it has been great. Comes out toward the end of the previous month and you can download it to your iPad to read offline. Also they have online content that you can print out, charts etc. Don’t waste your time with the print version as it will never get to you on time. The online version stays in your library and you can go back and review any article you like in your subscription period.

[BobStarr]

Just an FYI, if you subscribe to Apple News+ the digital version of BBC Sky at Night magazine is included along with a few other space magazines.  Also, all past issues are available.  Apple News+ subscriptions aren’t cheap but many other kinds of magazines and major newspapers are available and can be accessed by your family group, all digitally for the one price.

Edited by BobStarr, 13 April 2024 - 11:43 AM.

[deepm]

Thank you all for your replies. I recently got Dec and Jan issues in mail. Looks like they are like 3-4 months late. Yeah I think I will switch to digital. I already made sure its not getting auto renewed. 

[scottzasadil]

I subscribed to this magazine back at the beginning of February. I have yet to receive a single issue. I am giving them until July 1 and then I am going to cancel my "subscription." Coincidentally, on the same day as I subscribed to "Sky at Night", I subscribed to "Astronomy Now" - another UK magazine. I have already received FOUR issues.

[deepm]

i seem to be getting issues at 3 months delay. But still never sure if the next issue will come or not. No idea how they mail their stuff. 

[Donacton]

I subscribed on line and I always get mine on time. I had a hard copy subscription and it was terrible,  never knew when it was going to show up. Went to the online app and it has been great. It comes available about the 15th of the month before and you can download it to your iPad and read it whenever you’re ready. You can download the charts and use them as you like. Great magazine.

[obrazell]

I have no idea why people buy this mag. It is poorely laid out  and the articles are in general weak.