A letter to the editor

This evening, I bought ".net" magazine. It's a British web design magazine; usually quite good, but this edition is, well, lacking. $16 for what is essentially filler. I was in tow minds: Racecar Engineering, a magazine I love and haven't bought for months (because it's expensive at around $10.50), or this one? Well, I have an immediate concern: the contact form of a website I'm building. .net said they had a section on contact forms. They had three designers doing whimsical stuff, some of which resembled a contact form.

I had to go on the strength of their reputation, and the "teasers" on the cover. Because some halfwit had figured it's a good idea to wrap a very expensive magazine in a sealed plastic envelope. But, based on what I know of the magazine, I decided to purchase it. More fool me.

So I decided to contact the editors. And to my annoyance - I found they insist on "Mr", "Mrs", "Miss". If you're a Dr, Prof, or whatever: tough luck. You just got demoted. If you're a modern girl and insist on "Ms", tough tiddlywinks: welcome to the 1960's. I was annoyed before. That got me steamed. As one might put it.

So, after registering, I wrote a little missive to the editor.

To whom it may concern:

Two points: you need to include "Ms" in your salutations. And perhaps "M.", for your transgendered readers - such as myself?

Only the antique insist on 'Miss' or 'Mrs'!

Onto the actual point of my email.

I want my damn money back! $15.99. For drivel.

I relied on your reputation in doing something I rarely do: buying a magazine, sight unseen. Sixteen bucks might not be a lot to you, but it is to me.

Here I am, putting together a website and, so far, valuing the information your magazine provides. It's expensive - more expensive than the other speciality British magazine I buy, Racecar Engineering (it comes in at $10.50, these days). I don't have a lot of money, so I weigh these purchases carefully. Because I felt your magazine would be more immediately useful than Racecar Engineering, I purchased it. Sight unseen. Because someone decided that putting it in a sealed plastic folder was a good idea.

Let me put it this way: if I had seen the contents, I wouldn't have bought the magazine. I'd have spent my money on Racecar Engineering, instead. And had enough left over for a good cup of coffee and a cream pastry.

It will be the last time I purchase your magazine sight unseen. I will also be thinking very hard about any subscription. You might say I was "disappointed". And you'd be right.

As I can't take the magazine back - thank you for wasting my money.

Here's hoping they don't have typical British service.

Carolyn Ann