Talk To Us

   Posted by Sarah, Editor In Chief

Everyone from the top down has been reading your posts since it was announced that Blueprint's bimonthly print magazine will cease after the January/February 2008 issue. One message that's loud and clear? You don't like the idea of folding Blueprint into Weddings. We hear you.

So now we want you to tell us what you do want -- how we can give you your Blueprint fix on our blog, on our website, and in special issues. What would you like us to cover in special issues? Decorating? Entertaining? Do you want a place on the website to ask questions? Post your own projects? What would you like to see on the blog? Would you be interested in a daily newsletter with fresh Blueprint content?

We're listening, and we're open to any and all ideas. Post your comments here, and we promise to read and consider every single one. And thanks to you, our loyal readers and users, for your love and support. Right back atcha.

*UPDATE: For those of you who have not read any more recent posts, we have published information on the future of your subscriptions. Read the latest news here.

Comments

[Megan]

Fully agree with all of the above.
Blueprint disappearing from the magazine racks and my mailbox ranks and one of the most disappointing events of 2008. I would pay twice as much for the subscription if it returned.

[Lisa]

Blueprint was a fantastic magazine. There's nothing else even close to its quality on the market now. My life is crazy-busy, and as a New York City mom of two who works full time (and a half!), this is the first time I've gotten two seconds to Google and find out what happened to Blueprint. If anyone at MLS is savvy and wants to bring back to life a fantastic property, they'll bring the magazine back soon. Maybe the ad reps didn't understand the demographic that was reading this magazine. Give it a relaunch MLS! It was the best magazine by far in the category.

[Hernia Surgery]

Nice information thanks

[GMB GMBS]

I would love to see articles posted on decorating, shopping, entertaining and DIY projects.
I hate reading the magazine at home, but forgeting the link by time I get to work the next morning
http://www.gmb.in/contactus.htm

[Rosemary]

To add insult to injury, MSL is only offering Living as a makeup for lost love Blueprint for the number of ISSUES of Blueprint you would have missed. I called them and told them that I signed up for a FULL YEAR of Blueprint and want a FULL YEAR of Living (even though it is nowhere near as wonderful as Blueprint was). Well, after saying I wanted to talk to a manager about it, I was given an extended Living scrip.

[Emily Ann]

Okay ... it's June and I'm still mourning the loss of Blueprint. What happened??? I don't understand Martha! You are the queen of lifestyle media! Blueprint had a future ... monthly issues, books, a TV show, an entire XM channel, product lines, a killer website with huge numbers, daily emails like DailyCandy and Apartment Therapy.

This was the NEW MSLO empire. Who do advertisers want to advertise to more than anyone else? Women from 18 - 35!!! These girls SHOP!!! Come on ... this is obvious.

It's not too late! Don't give up ... it can be done. In fact I don't think MSLO needs to save Blueprint, I think Blueprint will save MSLO. I know things are going as well at MSLO this is what the company needs to stay current.

I loved BP so much that I almost wish I had never seen it, because then I wouldn't know what I was missing. I am SOOOO bored with Domino, Real Simple and Living now. I'm sad.

[Ami Dan]

I'm sure this is a late post. I just found it. However, I believe Blueprint's only crime (aside from ceasing it's publication) is a complete lack of understanding of their demographic when it came to marketing what many have considered to be a magazine that could have easily had Domino shaking in their boots.

In the off-again-on-again year(s) that Blueprint was around, I saw only two mediums used to advertise this wonderful magazine. The first was the Today Show, and another was a card that fell of out my mother's Martha Stewart Living Magazine. You don't have to have an MBA to see what's wrong with this:
1. The average, single woman, between the ages of 20-40 is not, I repeat not, watching the morning show unless she's playing hooky from work (which is how I saw it). We are running around trying to recover from a late night and make it to an 8 a.m. meeting.

2. I want to emphasize that the add fell out of my mom's MSL magazine. I didn't dare open it. Like many, many women my age, I have not a single ounce of interest in MSL.
So how on earth would I ever see an advertisement there?

What I'm sure most of the members of the staff most dedicated to the magazine knew was that some magazines people don't know they need until the read it. It's up to your marketing staff to get as many people to pick up that magazine as possible. There should have been a free subscription with a 75 dollar purchase at The Limited, The Gap, or Ann Taylor. There should have been product placement on Grey's Anatomy and 27 Dresses. There should have been subscription cards in Giada DeLaurentis's Cookbooks. There should have been a universally down to earth celeb on the cover Drew Barrymore.

Now, while still acknowledging how popular the magazine is, you've removed the magazine, and to add insult to injury, decided to fold it into MS Weddings and create a blog. Shame on you! Again wrong demographic. Blueprint wasn't designed for girls pining away at a wedding whether it was coming tomorrow or the next decade. Additionally, leave blogs for amateurs or for companies that are supplementing their magazine - not, ever, in lieu of one. You want a web presence start at WEBPAGE.

I believe you had a phenomenal product put together by innovative staff, but ultimately the downfall of this magazine was obvious. The much higher-ups (Martha herself?) either didn't know what she was doing (I seriously doubt) or sincerely didn't have an interest in the success of the magazine on any level.

[Jenni]

Nothing online can replace the hard copy magazine. I have too many websites to try to keep up with online now, too many newsletters. No matter how small a laptop I get, I can't lean back on my couch with it and a cup of tea.

[Kate]

How heartbreaking!

Blueprint is by far my favorite magazine. It's beautiful. It's smart. It's witty. It's amazing! I'm a regular purchaser of Lucky, Domino, and Print, but Blueprint was always the highlight of the (bi) month.

As a graphic designer, it could be about lawnmowers and I'd still purchase it. That how beautifully designed it is. The first time I opened it, I just about screamed when I saw that someone had figured out how to use the Missionary typeface in an everyday application. Each issue, I looked forward to seeing how the designers would solve the section headings, solely in paper.

Thankfully, it is as interesting as it is beautiful. I purchased the first issue because the typeface of the title was so amazing, but when I opened the magazine, I felt like someone had climbed inside my mind and decided to make a publication out of its contents.

This fails to mention the wit! The titles of articles always made me laugh. My favorite was "99 Problems But a Stitch Ain't One," about a sewing machine.

I was looking forward to the day when it came out monthly! So to hear it just flat out isn't coming is unsatisfactory.

I checked the website regularly, and felt it was an afterthought. The information was sparse and usually just straight from that month's issue. Reward the reader that goes to the website! Give them more! Look at Lucky's website, or if possible, Budget Living's, may it too rest in peace.

[Katie Wiles]

A former co-worker buddy of mine gave me my Bluprintmagazine subscription as a birthday present. We worked together at an Interior Design firm, and while she is old enough to be my mom, she saw in me the fun, creative, hip chick that I am. I loooved Bluprint from the first issue. Normally, I tear out pages or articles from magazines when I find something I like. With Blueprint, I saved every issue. I am not a fan of Martha Stewart Living or Weddings. You have lost me as a reader when you gave up on Blueprint. And no, I don't care about your blog or whatever else you have online. Like many other women my age, we have enough of the computer during our 8-5 jobs and are not interested.

[Kathi]

I received a check in the mail yesterday...just a check, no explanation, no letter. I had not heard that Blueprint was ceasing publication until I went online to see what was up! I'm outside the "demographic" (I'm 48), and I LOVED Blueprint. The photography was great, content was fresh, "crafts" were do-able. Some other favorites are ReadyMade, and the late, lamented Jane. I guess in the publication world, I'm an anomaly - a middle-aged woman, urban, happily child-free, creative, who is interested in something more cutting-edge than MSL. Folding Blueprint into Weddings makes NO sense. Yes, I'm married, but I have never read bridal mags, and am certainly not going to start. I think Blueprint should be published as a stand-alone, on a quarterly basis. Perhaps the format could be like Everyday Food?

[Kathi]

I received a check in the mail yesterday...just a check, no explanation, no letter. I had not heard that Blueprint was ceasing publication until I went online to see what was up! I'm outside the "demographic" (I'm 48), and I LOVED Blueprint. The photography was great, content was fresh, "crafts" were do-able. Some other favorites are ReadyMade, and the late, lamented Jane. I guess in the publication world, I'm an anomaly - a middle-aged woman, urban, happily child-free, creative, who is interested in something more cutting-edge than MSL. Folding Blueprint into Weddings makes NO sense. Yes, I'm married, but I have never read bridal mags, and am certainly not going to start. I think Blueprint should be published as a stand-alone, on a quarterly basis. Perhaps the format could be like Everyday Food?

[melissa]

Just got a refund on my subscription and realized that my beloved Blueprint is no more. I thought the mag was terrific -- I've saved every one and loved everything about it. I'm sorry it's not continuing in its original form. But, I will follow it wherever it goes -- except for Weddings, which seems like a ridiculous idea.

[kerflop]

Screw the special issues! I want the magazine to continue exactly as it has. With all this outpouring of support, I don't understand how they can discontinue this publication!

[Leslie K]

I live overseas and just got my postcard notice that Blueprint will no longer be published! I am also a MSL subscriber, but Blueprint offered me something different from MSL. What about an online subscription? I noticed that MSL has started inviting readers to online workshops -- why not for Blueprint readers? I would subscribe. You have my email address -- please write to me if you do this!

[Marisa]

Very disappointed to hear about Blueprints ceasing publication... still haven't recovered from MS Kids or Baby folding. I don't think merging into Weddings is a smart idea, however. I think the Wedding mag is gorgeous, but I hardly buy it unless I'm looking for party ideas. Combining with Weddings, you will lose a good portion of your audience.

How about an online mag subscription? BP had just the right mix of departments.Or, bring back Kids, Baby, and the 'specials' (Halloween, Christmas, etc you used to publish) and combine with Blueprint?

[Brianne]

I'm so disappointed that Blueprint decided to cease publication. I really enjoyed the variety of articles and fun projects. I also just loved the layout and design of the magazine. It was always an inspiration for me personally. We will miss you and hope that Bluelines fulfills my need for a Blueprint fix.

[margaret haas]

I loved blueprint! I felt like it was the one magazine made especially for me. Where will i go now for ideas? Maybe somebody can help me out: I have a lot of photobooth pictures and I want to display them in a fun way. Im not opposed to cutting them, and i can separate them into sets. Any ideas?

[Liz]

I'm sorry to see Blueprint go, especially since I never even RECEIVED the last issue. In that spirit, could you make ALL of the articles available online?

[Carly]

I'm really angry that Blueprint has been cancelled. The magazine wasn't given much of a chance- I mean, let's be reasonable, it barely saw a year of publication. It was virtually the only title out there that was tailor made for a younger, creative, design saavy audience that doesn't live in chintz and wear slippers. I bought a subscription immediately from reading the first issue, and this has been one of the only magazines that really spoke to "me". MSO is making a gigantic mistake with the decision to kill this magazine, and it's an insult to your readers intelligence to give them some sort of booby-prize blog. I spend enough time on the computer as it is at work- the last thing I want to do when I come home is to get on it again to read Bluelines or Flatline or whatever it's called. I want something that I can hold in my hands, read in the bathtub with a glass of wine, and take out shopping with me for inspiration. Frankly, MSO needs to focus less on her TV shows, her radio shows, etc etc and get back to basics. The cracks are beginning to show. I've always loved her and been a supporter, but what better way to alienate the next generation of readers and consumers than to close the door on their collective feet!

[kyra]

sooooooo sad. i love blueprint. i look forward to it coming in the mail, and just love everything about the magazine. :(

[Emily]

I cannot believe Blueprint is being discontinued! Why?? I think it was the best magazine in publication. The ideas were functional and fabulous! I hope that by some miracle it comes back. I will miss Blueprint dearly.

[Katie]

I am so disappointed that I can no longer enjoy relaxing on a Saturday afternoon reading Blueprint and dogearing all of my favorite ideas to utilize. However, I will continue to read the online blog, as you all have promised to continue publishing the same great content. It's not quite the same, but at least I'll be able to sneak a look at it while I'm at work, and give myself a welcomed distraction.

An idea for the blog: though I plan to continue being a loyal reader of anything awesome you guys come up with, I have to admit, it's hard for me to remember to check up on blogs. I can go weeks, sometimes months before I remember to check on them. If you guys could please send out an email newsletter every few weeks to highlight what is featured on your blog, and to remind all of us to check it, i think you would have a lot of success!
Thanks!

[MJ]

I just discovered Blueprint this month and absolutely love it!!!! It is the perfect magazine for my age. I love all the great ideas and how unique it is. By reading a few other comments, it sounds like Blueprint is being cancelled?? Is this true? I was just about to subscribe to it, so I hope this is false. This has become my favorite magazine already and I was really looking forward to more issues!! Please do not change the magazine or cancel it!!!!!

[Chrissy]

This is devestating. I look forward to Blueprint's publication every other month. Is there a way for us to subscribe to the blog so it's emailed to us each day?! Please help...I miss my Blueprint fix.