The Latest News

   Posted by Sarah, Editor In Chief

Hi everyone. My sincere thanks for the hundreds and hundreds of impassioned, smart, and yes, often heartbreaking comments you are continuing to post here in regards to Blueprint's future. As promised, we have been reading every single one. And we're really relying on them to help us figure out our next steps. It's going to take a bit of time, so please bear with us. But again, thanks so much. Your responses have been incredible.

In the meantime, I know many of you are asking what is to become of your Blueprint subscriptions. Here’s what MSLO Consumer Marketing has told us: “Within the next two weeks, current Blueprint magazine subscribers will receive notification by mail that the remainder of their Blueprint subscription will be transferred to Martha Stewart Living magazine. That notification will also include information about how to cancel the remainder of their Blueprint subscription, should they prefer not to receive Martha Stewart Living, in which case a refund will be sent for the remainder of the Blueprint subscription term.” If you have any questions at all, you can email MSLO Customer Relations at products@marthastewart.com.

Yours in Blueprint,

Sarah

Comments

[Zuleyka]

I went to Barnes and Noble yesterday to buy my Blueprint like normal, but couldn't find it, I asked for help and they didn't have it, and didn't show any coming in, I was then very concerned that something was wrong, so I went on the internet and did some research, and to my great dismay, my FAVORITE magazine of all time was canceled!!!! I think I want to cry, I don't think I have ever read a magazine that I have connected to and appreciated more than this one, and now it's gone. :-( I am upset with the Martha Stewart company and there stupid decision to discontinue the best magazine of all time. And it was pretty too! Ugh!

[bethie]

I can't believe it! That's so sad. I never subscribed to Blueprint, but I loved reading it in bookstores and stuff. Wait, is the blog going to continue?

[kerflop]

Why does the Martha Stewart company axe all the best magazines? Baby is no more, Kids is no more, and now the best magazine EVER, the only one I ever read cover to cover, Blueprint, is gone too.

I'm so very disappointed. I hope all of the articles are placed online somewhere. In an ORGANIZED fashion. I can never find anything on the MS site.

[maureen]

My hubby got me a subscription to Blueprint for Christmas. Add me to the list of so many others that are disappointed that it is not going to be in my mail box. I do not want to receive MSL in place of it. I am shocked and disappointed at this decision. Sure wish we would have known before hubby wasted his money.
maureen

[Emily]

Blueprint was one of the best magazines to come out in a long time. The design was sweet and enjoyable. I am disappointed.

[kelly]

I think I echo the thousands who either already loved Blueprint, or were coming around to adoring as much as the early adopters (me).

Maybe we should start a grassroots campaign to bring the magazine back? Hey, it works with TV, it could convince MS that it's a good idea to bring it back.

I work in Marketing and seriously, this magazine has the potential for really wide appeal. Even if it were just quarterly, it would be fabulous!

[emily]

I've just reread Jan/Feb. issue of BluePrint from cover to cover. I am so sad and also irritated that the magazine has stopped publication. I really enjoyed BP, as soon as I bought my first one off of the shelf, I immediately ordered a subscription! I have read MSL and Real Simple in the past but they just didn't do it for me like BP did. I felt like BP was young, hip, fresh and the articles and ideas were do-able unlike MSL and RS which tend to be a bit boring. I loved the color, the fonts, the layout and ideas in BP.
There were so many articles that I loved such as what to do with old bridesmaid's dresses, how to revamp the clothes that I already own, and phrases that are tired and inspired.
I am a single gal and I am pissed that MS wants to roll BP into the wedding mag. I don't buy wedding mags nor am I going to start!!! Bring back BP!!! please....

[Amanda]

I can only second the many well written opinions posted here. I too saw BP as the natural evolution of MSL. I loved MSL for many years and have a great stash of back issues - all PRIOR to the snooze that MSL of the last 6 or so years has become.

MS Kids & BP have the look,crafts & ideas that I am downwith and inspired by. MSL is too advertising heavy (literally -I don't want to receive/store/keep a magazine that has DOUBLED in thickness due to increased adverts). Glad everyone wants space there, but BORING.

Please don't kill Bleuprint - bring it back, and bring back KIDS please please please!

[Kate]

WHAATTTT? BP is the best part of the MSL empire. I will miss it! Don't get my wrong, I love MS, but two of my favorite magazine (MS Kids and BP) are now gone and we still have the same ol' articles in Living. Maybe y'all could freshen up Living now. Bye BluePrint...I'll miss you!

[Julie]

I can tell Karen S. that the font you have your eye on is called Fling. I bought it for $30 or $40 online and used it for my wedding invitations and programs, signs,etc. It was WELL worth the purchase!!! Young and old, designer and not, SO many people asked me about the font that I used and raved about how perfect my print pieces were. That is my small piece of sadness to share with the group- I loved the magazine so much I tied it into my wedding (: I'll miss Blueprint!

[lindsey]

just curious...
if you guys really are reading this, what is going on? any mind changing going on at MS headquarters? the cancellation was announced what 2 months ago and people are still leaving comments of sadness and upset! doesn't that mean something?

[Maggie]

Just like so many other respondants, I'm heartbroken about the ending of hardcopy Blueprint. I had just discovered the mag, and after just one issue I was already signing up for a subscription. I'm not aware of another magazine like it; I love the fresh, do-it-yourself perspective. And I have to say, an electronic version is not nearly as satisfying and enticing as leafing through a shiny paper copy. Plus, it's useful that way because I can just take the mag with me to the grocery store or craft store when making one of its yummy recipes or creating a project! Anyway--I love the magazine and hope it can come back. In the meantime, I'm willing to give MSL a try.

[Shelley]

I too am sad that Blueprint is ending. I got subscriptions of my favorite magazine for all my friends for Christmas. Now they don't even get see it! And neither will I...I don't do much on-line reading. I love magazines - getting a new issue in the mail, flipping through the pages. I can read them at my leisure, I don't have to be hooked up to the internet! I'm very sad!

[Traci]

I heard the news on the TODAY show when they highlighted Blueprint but advised that the magazine was going strictly online. I am just SHOCKED...the magazine was so FANTASTIC...for only getting it every other month, I most certainly enjoyed the times when I did receive it. Once again another good mag. bites the dust. LIVING certainly doesn't cut it when it comes to be savy and hip. I want different and unique!!!!

[Anne]

Sounded like a great magazine - I just learned about it, and now I won't have a chance to read.

[Rob]

I really saw Blueprint as the evolution of Martha Stewart Living...it felt modern, fresh and more current. I have been a subscriber to MSL since it came out in the early 90's and feel that it has become very derivative of itself and stale. The ideas/concepts being presented in recent years have often felt stretched and not very accessible or realistic. Real Simple is now more "Martha Stewart" than MSL. So is Country Living for that matter. So, if Blueprint is not coming back, evolve MSL to become more like it...in content (except for the make up tips, thank you very much), design (which was truly excellent by the way) embracing more of a modern sensibility. I was all set to not renew my subscription to MSL and only get Blueprint. You have something special going on with this magazine...don't loose it!

[Amanda]

I can't believe this is happening. As a graphic designer, I look towards Blueprint with awe and admiration, but also for inspiration. Yeah, yeah, they say everything is going digital, but I refuse to submit to that. Getting my BP in the mail was like Christmas all over again, and I couldn't wait to open it up and see what was inside! Isn't there something that can be done to save this beautiful, innovative and inspiring magazine? A blog, newsletter or anything digital just won't be the same for this magazine.

[Christy]

I just heard the news last night, and I am utterly heart broken! As a graphic designer, I appreciated the gorgeous layouts and the beautiful typography just as much as I loved each and every article. I have every issue to date and even though I subscribe to many magazines, I must say this was my favorite...combining fashion, home, crafty-ish ideas (without being toooo granny), and cooking...it was everything that a girl wants...and it was down to earth at the same time for those of us on budgets. I'm super dissapointed, and I second the opinion that a blog isn't going to cut it. I'm on the computer all day and the last thing I want to do for fun is stare at one any longer than I have to. I understand the challenges of the print world, but I really think you guys have to keep searching for a solution. And if other small mags manage to do it - I feel like MSLO should be able to find a way. Seriously, a huge diservice to my generation! :( Not to be a drama queen, but I'm so sad!

[carrie]

I am utterly disappointed with the ending of the Blueprint.

Yes I understand that there is a blog but I would rather receive a pretty glossy print magazine in the mail instead of glazing over my monitor like I already do at work 9 hours a day, ARgh!

I seriously hope that professionals are writing for this blog, "bluelines" than "wanna be" writers who do not get paid but brag that their so-called blog entries are posted on the web. Not impressive at all. But I hope that is not the case?!!

Long live print media!!!!!

[stephanie]

this was the best thing to come out for my generation! i love martha in general...but as a 23 year old blueprint had a fresh appeal to it and i shared it with all of my friends and i think that if you ever have the opportunity you should bring that one back to life!

[Caroline]

I was not a magazine person until I came across Blueprint. It was a breath of fresh air -- finally a magazine that was all about the life I wanted to lead -- stylish, smart, creative, and budget-conscious. Now I don't know where else to turn. Sorry, Martha Stewart Living is just not for me. That's my mom's magazine.

[R Allen]

Apparently I am a couple of months behind, but I too received my "Dear Subscriber" postcard today. WHAT A HUGE AND ENORMOUS DISAPPOINTMENT. I most certainly look forward to my bi-monthly magazine subscription to come in. I can't believe that after only one year, the one and only magazine I truly love is gone. This magazine had a GREAT design layout and I really enjoyed reading about the editors and each story. I just cannot believe it is leaving.

How does this happen?!?!?!?

[Capucine]

I feel so clueless. I too just received my "dear jane" letter regarding my Blueprint subscription - i feel so behind - who knew? Honestly I am total Martha believer - have been since early nineties and have subscribed to MSL from time to time over the years. And when I am not a subscriber, I purchase Weddings issues, Baby issues, Body & Soul issues, you get the idea, but BP was finally what I adored. So sorry to hear it didn't make it. Just hoping if viewers can save shows like 7th Heaven & Jericho, then perhaps we can save this creative delight.

[Suzanne]

I also received a card today saying Blueprint has folded. Never even got my first issue. Everyone's saying this is geared towards the younger crowd. I'm 62 years old, and I found it a great magazine. I just found it in January. The name might be a bit misleading for some. Great magazine. Try to save it.

[Tracey]

I sent in a subscription card from the Jan/Feb issue along with a check. My check was cashed several weeks ago, and now today I received a postcard stating that Blueprint has ceased publication. No mention of what they did with my money, of course. Very disappointing. I'll think twice before renewing my subscriptions to other Martha Stewart publications.