Start Spreading The News

Posted by Blueprint

We'll be honest: It's been a bumpy ride since the announcement of Blueprint magazine's cessation back in December. We've both rejoiced at and despaired in your insightful comments, laments, and occasional taunts. But, most of all, we've learned an awful lot about what you want (the magazine), what you don't (just another blog), and what it was that you liked so much about Blueprint (too much to list). See, we're listening.

That said, the decision that was made is final. And although we really do love the idea of a grassroots "Bring Back Blueprint" campaign (the alliteration would make it perfect for bumper stickers and pins), you'll have to consider us the Arrested Development of publishing -- without any hope of a movie deal.

However, we've concocted a new plan and we're excited to finally share some news with you, our most patient and understanding readers. We are relaunching the blog with a new panel of contributors -- some of whom you already know and love from Blueprint, and others we think you'll get along with swimmingly. The blog will become what you've been demanding all along: an inspiring, creative place to come and get the amazing DIY projects, decorating ideas, recipes, fashion, etiquette, and culture coverage that you loved in the magazine. We're excited to be collaborating with a talented roster of artists, bloggers, editors, and stylists who loved Blueprint as much as you. But we can't do it without you! So, please hang on for a little bit longer (we're relaunching in early March) and in the meantime, tell all of your friends!

Comments

[Katie]

Well I must say I really loved the Blueprint magazine and a blog is no replacement for that. I think it's too bad how you went along with your business and never let anyone know. I had been buying the magazine at the bookstores since the magazine came out and submitted my subscription last fall, received a couple magazines and then never got another. No one ever wrote to let me know that the magazine DIDN'T EXIST ANYMORE and when I sent an email inquiring about it, and my refund, no one ever responded. You guys really need to review your business practices and get more organized. It's no wonder the magazine went out of business if this is how you treated your clients and contacts.

[J. Arrowood]

I am really not happy with Blueprint or Marth Stewart right now. I sent in a subscription check on March 7 not knowing that the magazine was discontinued, and you CASHED THE CHECK.
Why would you do that?

[Jinx]

apparently the business plan sucked. sucks for us, i say! blueprint was the only mag i really looked forward to getting, esp. since they've axed the revamped, younger-skewing house and garden. domino is cheesy; martha stewart living is for my mom and grandma, not me. i lament a real missed opportunity here, and wish better minds had been behind the business end. a blog is not a magazine. we have designsponge for that.

[Rhiannon]

A "blog" seems to be selling yourself short. I hope to see Blueprint: The Online Magazine! No reason to loose the incredible content and high-end design that made the print version so superb. I can't wait.

---
p.s. Is there potential for a Blueprint-like section in Living? please?

[Laurie]

Can someone please tell me what is going to happen to my Blueprint subscription? I renewed it RIGHT before you announced it was kaput. So, am I getting my money back? Or just getting screwed? I haven't heard ANYTHING from Blueprint, or the Martha Stewart company about this. Please tell me....Thank you.

[Laurie]

Can someone please tell me what is going to happen to my Blueprint subscription? I renewed it RIGHT before you announced it was kaput. So, am I getting my money back? Or just getting screwed? I haven't heard ANYTHING from Blueprint, or the Martha Stewart company about this. Please tell me....Thank you.

[kristen]

Can't wait to see the new blog :) I too have every Blueprint issue since the beginning, and am still in therapy to get over the loss of the only magazine that ever felt like it was meant for ME. We'll be sure to link to you when the new blog is up and running.

[Cara]

I am tremendously disappointed with Martha Stewart Living for not supporting a magazine smartly geared toward a sassier and younger generation of readers. "Budget Living" bit the dust not too long ago and now Blueprint--why if all of my peers (20 to 30 something professional and crafty women) are hankering for a magazine that speaks to them can these publications not survive? I suppose we'll just have to launch our own magazine and stop waiting around for a corporate conglomerate to do it for us.

[Maggie]

I have to say, I am very saddened by the news of losing Blueprint Mag. As a designer, it was one of the freshest, most elegant and beautifully designed magazines out there. So much is all the same. This magazine broke the mold. I hope it will come back, in some form. And it does not compare to a blog. There is nothing like devouring your favorite magazine on a Sunday afternoon or in bed after a hard days work. Bring Blue Back!

[popsicles & lollipops]

So at least we won a consolation prize.

[popsicles & lollipops]

So at least we won a consolation prize.

[Jeannette]

i look forward to the blog's being as full of good ideas as my daily cruise through the craft bloggers' universe. you've been pretty disappointing in that department so far.

[Alexis]

I noticed that the blog sites you've listed don't include 'style me pretty.com'. You might take a look at it. One of the best wedding blogs around!

[Lisa]

How apt your comparison was of Blueprint to Arrested Development. Just when you realize, "Hey, this is a great show/magazine that's so unlike anything I've ever seen before! I'll never miss an episode/issue!", it is no more! Well, look at Jason Bateman-he seems to be doing well for himself, maybe there's hope yet!

[haileyjayne]

I am a immense Blueprint fan, I do however live in Scotland, so I only ever get to pick up a copy when I am on holiday. I ran to the first news agent I could find when I landed in JFK last weekend, and bought my coveted copy of my fav mag, only to find out it would be my last copy ever! I have the very first issue that came out, which I still dust off and leaf through quite happily...now my question is; where would one acquire all past published Blueprints? I would love to buy all of them...please someone help a foreigner with her Blueprint addiction!

xo

haileyjayne

[kelly]

I have every blueprint magazine since I was a first subscriber- and when I finally got the official notice no more blueprints even though I read about it everywhere. It was so damn depressing. Though a blog is better than nada- all I can say is, what was martha thinking???? And I love martha!

[jenn]

so i guess maybe i'll be the voice of dissent. maybe, in some small fashion, a blog is better than nothing. but a blog, even a retooled and relaunched one, is still just another blog and as such not really what i'm looking for from blueprint. sure you're already in my r.s.s. feed, but i've a suspicion that i'll skim the headlines and maybe read the occasional article ... as opposed to the magazine, of which i devoured every single word. i'm sticking with my original vow, made when the magazine was axed, that martha steward omnimedia gets no money from me ever again.

[Carrie]

You guys did a really great job with Blueprint. Makes me wish I had millions of dollars to start a new magazine, hire the staff and give you all free rein...ah, well. Hope the new format is inspiring for your contributors as well as us readers!

[kelly]

ha! so much for my grassroots campaign! and it's too bad...I was hoping to use the font and everything. Man, it would have made an awesome statement. Maybe I'll just do it for the heck of it anyway.

They said the cancellation of Jericho was "final" too, but fans kept sending nuts to the CEO of Fox, and she got it and renewed it for a season. What could we send in for Blueprint? What epitomizes the Blueprint experience?

Y'know, I still might make t-shirts! and the rebel yell: Bring Back Blueprint!

[jennifer in sf]

So I should stop sending bananas to Martha Stewart then?

I'm glad you're planning to keep and upgrade the blog!

[Patia]

Oh, okAY. sigh.

[Eloise]

I guess I'll go with the general consensus that something is better than nothing, and the bright side it that this should at least save some trees.

I want to make one request: keep providing those simple but essential recipes. I made the lasagna from a few issues back. It's delicious and (if you knew my level of experience you'd understand) totally fool-proof! So keep it up!

[Amelia]

O what happy news! I'm SO looking forward to your blog relaunch. P.S. Miss your mag dearly! It was my favorite!

[Abigail Percy - Designer Jewellery...]

Super news! Really delighted to see you back in this form...I shall look forward to it :)

[jenny v.]

well, you have my curiosity peaked!