I AM SORRY! Sorry that some of the magazines have been reaching you in ripped, torn and distressed conditions. This part of the magazine process is new for me and although we have had very good advice along the way, we could not see or anticipate every pitfall. I am working against a large learning curve... please stick with me as we assess how to get our beautiful content to you in the best possible way but also keep it cost effective and reasonable to even produce the magazine.
I know a great many people have received their issues in the last two days and a handful so far have had damaged pieces. We are happy to get new issues in your hands as soon as we can as we have nothing but the best intentions in sharing something new, fresh and beautiful... that will be lasting and enduring. WE WILL TRIUMPH OVER THE POSTAL SERVICE; just please know it may take a bit of time.I love envelopes and beautiful packaging, but the downfall of this first issue is that the paper and ink weighed more than a pound which completely affected the mailing price. If we are able to publish a summer issue we will indeed take all of our new knowledge and revise our size and distribution.I apologize to each and every one of you for decisions that might have led to your damaged copy of HOLIDAY. We will happily make it right... just email us... and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting the creation of HOLIDAY WITH MATTHEW MEAD.
Warmly,
Matthew
***********************************************************
Holiday with Matthew Mead is sold only via this website.
Have you ordered your copy yet?
Oh the pain of the learning curve! So sorry to hear about it but you will figure it out, dont worry.
ReplyDeleteI received mine today in mint condition! Simply beautiful! I love everything about it!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Lou Cinda
I can't wait to have it in my hands, damaged or not. If this were your tenth issue, I could understand some disappointments. But really, who can say they haven't had a learning curve? Tis the season for peace and goodwill toward men... Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI have not received mine yet. One suggestion. The magazines I get in plastic covers/bags are always in good condition. Maybe you could look into mailing the magazine in plastic. Just a thought. Love & blessings from NC!
ReplyDeleteMine got here to FL today - in perfect condition! And is it BEAUTIFUL!!! Loving it!
ReplyDeleteJane-Jacksonville
I got mine today in Texas - it's so beautiful, well worth the wait!! Thanks, Matthew, for such a wonderful book-a-zine!
ReplyDeleteKristine - Dallas, TX
I haven't received mine yet. Anxiously waiting!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteMine arrived safely today.
ReplyDeleteI LOOOOOOVE IT!
Every page, full of heart.
I haven't gotten mine yet, but I suspect the apartment dwellers among us are the ones who run the most risk of this happening...I fully expect mine to be mucked up, but that is hardly YOUR fault!
ReplyDeleteA dear friend in Michigan got hers today, and she reported that it was pretty tore up, but that it looked GOOD!!!
I can't wait...hopefully tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI haven't rec'd my copy yet (FL). Every day I expect to find it in my mailbox, but...no. :(
ReplyDeleteI rec'd my copy in Central FL today and could not be happier. The front page has a small tear, but nothing to fret over. I hope tomorrow I have time to sit with my copy and coffee and browse every page.
ReplyDeleteMine arrived perfectly: )
ReplyDeleteLove every page of it!!
Thank you again for picking my biscotti recipe I am honored to be a tiny part of a wonderful publication
Yes this dear friend in Michigan indeed received a tattered copy. But see I knew that Matthew would handle this with class. Let me tell you the binding of the bookazine is beautifully bound. As another reader mentioned plastic (as I was going to suggest) just might be the answer. Or an envelope---but Matthew you already commented on the pitfalls of that. The book/mag is beautiful and the baking section (just a quick glance so far) looks to die for.
ReplyDeleteAs promised a TRUE MASTERPIECE. Thank you Matthew. Your hard and heartfelt work has paid off. BRAVO!
I just got my copy today and I've painfully had to tuck it away from the kids so as to not get it ruined. I can't wait to have the quiet night to peruse the pages and take in it's beauty. Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteI am patiently waiting for mine....I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI got mine today (Portland, Oregon) and it was in pristine condition. Have not cracked the cover tho yet...my pjs are on and my electric blanket is warming my bed...ready to snuggle down and cozy up with your new magazine. A perfect night for me!
ReplyDeleteHaven't gotten mine yet! I shiver with anticipation....
ReplyDeleteHi! The P.O. is still does an amazing job getting the mail to us. I sent a package to a friend in the Netherlands and it arrived in three days! Remarkable...
ReplyDeleteSometimes, a letter going to my father, a couple of hours away, gets there looking like it walked by itself the whole way LOL
Does the P.O. take any financial responsibility for damage?
curious about that...
Looking forward to my copy... and to hear from my sister that she received hers. ~ Thank you for all you did this year {and all the time before that too} ... to bring us such HOLIDAY joy!
*Maria
I can't wait for mine to arrive! Damaged or pristine, I am looking forward to it! I think plastic is the answer to keep it looking good.
ReplyDeletehaven't received mine yet........
ReplyDeleteWOW--I received my magazine Friday (Southern California) in perfect condition. It is wonderful--thank you so much!!
ReplyDeleteHow kind of you to worry about this. As I have come to expect from Matthew Mead, if there is a concern, reasonable people will figure it out.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I am still awaiting world peace or even my little lost barn cat, Shadow, to arrive home -- I will take any however it arrives. It is all in the perspective.
Kari
Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen it yet. But, there has been alot of rumors about it. I'm sure everything will turn out fine. Happy Holidays! Hugs, Liz
Hi Matthew! I just wanted to say that mine got to me yesterday and it was in perfect condition. And it is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post! I ordered three copies - two that I intended to give as gifts. Two of the three were tattered and not as presentable as I would like for gifts. The issue is beautiful. Thanks....again for offering replacements.
ReplyDeleteI am so sa to hear that - BUT I got mine in the mail yesterday - and it is PERFECT!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Just got my PERFECT copy this morning!!
ReplyDeletehttp://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-heeeeere.html
I JUST WISH MINE WOULD COME !!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteReceived mine yesterday. Sad to say that all the hype over this was overrated. I will not spend the money again.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteWhy would you say that? What didn't you like about it... how could we have done a better job? Holiday has more content then any other magazine on the news stand with no reprints, nearly zero advertising and over 10 different design styles. Please... tell us what didn't work for you? Thanks, Matthew Mead
JUST got mine, in PERFECT condition,and can I just say how I LOVE the address label on the BACK, so it doesn't honk up the beautiful cover??
ReplyDeleteMatthew, it's AMAZING. More like a book than a magazine!
Thank you sooooooooo much!
Still anxiously awaiting my copy in Ohio. I am staqlking the mail truck.
ReplyDeleteStalking, sorry
ReplyDeleteI have received my copy in Columbia,S.C.. It arrived in great shape. It is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
At the risk of sounding like Scrooge, I have to agree with 'Anonymous' about the magazine. I was disappointed because there was more about food/baking than anything else. Too many photos are blurry, & not enough features on original ideas for decorating. On top of that, the front cover is torn all around the bottom. Disappointed but don't blame you. Just wish it was what it was advertised to be. :(
ReplyDeleteMatthew: In reply to your questions. While I love the Bookazine concept I was expecting the content to be more about Holiday style, decorating and food presentation rather than more about baking. I do agree that almost zero advertising is a plus to your magazine. It just did not fulfill what I thought it would be.
ReplyDeleteAnd if there were more decorating, someone would have been fussing about a lack of food/baking/entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI don't cook or entertain, but I get that it's a big part of most peoples' holiday, and I enjoy reading about it.
I find the photography beautifully done......
Mine hasn't come,either. I know I'm being silly,but I ordered mine so long ago(last March) that I was afraid I was no longer on the list.
ReplyDeleteStill waiting in Kansas....I haven't looked forward to my mail delivery this much since my annulment...... :) I've been remarried for 20 years.
ReplyDeleteWasn't there a certain Beatles album cover that was a 'goof' that's now worth gazillions?! It's all about the journey, Matthew, and a few bumps will arise.
ReplyDeleteJsut sorry you're having to expend energy on damage control and not on creative things, for your sake.
Best wishes and looking forward to savoring mine over the Thanksgiving holiday. Susan Young
I'm still waiting for mine...hopefully Monday :) So nice of you to make good the damaged copies, when clearly the rough handling of the post office is not your fault. Another thought re: damage control. I've received some magazines with a protective cover page on top of the "real" cover. I wonder if that might be cost efficient. At any rate, I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of my copy and and quite sure that I'll throughly enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteYou are a class act, Matthew, to offer to replace damaged issues. I'm still waiting for mine here in Maryland. Like a previous commenter I ordered my copy so long ago I hope I'm not forgotten. I do have my receipt filed somewhere, though!
ReplyDeleteGot mine yesterday. It was perfect, inside and out!
ReplyDeleteChris
I'm still waiting...
ReplyDeleteMatthew---just wanted to let you know I sent an email for a replacement copy. The link at the top of your page where it says (CONTACT US) did not open so I copy and pasted and sent via yahoo email. Did not hear back so don't know if you received it. I realize this was only 2 days ago, but am hoping to get the replacement ASAP. Thanking you in advance.
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteNot sure if this came through as I don't think I have seen it... please email, holidaymag@gmail.com with your address and I will send you a new copy in a flat rate envelope. Thanks for your patience as we navigate some of this uncharted territory. I like to have HAPPY readers. Best, Matthew
Haven't received mine in Northwest Florida :( can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteMy copy arrived yesterday in perfect condition!(S. Floridia) I flipped through it quickly, and it is beautiful. Can't wait till I have the time for a glass of wine, and really devour it, and give it the attention it deserves.
ReplyDeleteThank-you Matthew.
ReplyDeleteMine was slightly damaged but it didn't stop me from diving in. With the grandkids and dog it would have been damaged in a day or two anyway.
ReplyDeleteHaven't received mine yet in So. CA. Maybe the mailman's reading it first :)
ReplyDeleteDear Matthew,
ReplyDeleteMy beautiful copy arrived in Washington State yesterday. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and for sharing the fruits of your (and your friends) creativity with us! In regard to the damaged items, do you know if the recipients names are in the beginning of the alphabet? Years ago, a publisher suggested that perhaps my various magazines arrived damaged because, due to my last name, they were at the top of the bound batch. So, we added my middle initial to my last name and it fixed the issue...waha...at least for me! Only the last few pages of my Holiday issue are a little scruffed around the edges..but that's fine...I'm not asking for a replacement . I'm so happy to add your inspiring bookazine to my library.
Happy Holidays!
: )
Julie M.
I've finally had the chance to give "Holiday" the attention it deserves. It absolutely pains me to criticize something you and your staff have obviously thrown your collective hearts and souls into. While I loved the content and "feel" of "Holiday", the extreme over-use of the photographic tool of pinpoint(clear) focus and soft(blurry) focus, lost its artistic impact after about 50 pages worth. Too much of a good thing! I found myself wondering, not what treasures awaited the turn of the page, but whether or not it would be in focus. Sadly, for the most part, it was not. It reminded me of '80's soft focus wedding photography. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
ReplyDeleteReceived my copy in fine condition, and I have to say that is is the most beautiful magazine I have ever held!!! Thank you so much for all your hard work, and for sharing your talents with us. :)
ReplyDeleteStill waiting in Kansas . . .
ReplyDeleteStill waiting in Santa Barbara!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm in Australia, so I will be happy if my issue arrives before Christmas! My fingers are crossed that it will reach my letterbox in perfect condition!
ReplyDeleteHello Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI just ordered and I am so excited!!!!
Janet xox
http://theemptynest.etsy.com
I live in Washington state and just received my copy. I must say...for 15 dollars I was NOT expecting to get my bookazine in the mail tattered, torn, and a bit damp. It looks like it's on its way to the recycle bin. I would expect to keep this for many years to reference back to each season...and I will...it just looks very "shabby chic." I don't expect a replacement, that seams wasteful of resources, but you obviously already have answers in mind for this problem in the future. Best of luck with future projects.
ReplyDeleteI will Valley Girl... just send me your address via our gmail account... love it when everyone is happy... Best, Matthew
ReplyDeleteI've read all the comments and have to agree with those who are disappointed. I looked through it once & that was it. I have no more interest in any of the articles. One question: what is the purpose of the photos on pages 114 & 115? No argument that the child is adorable, but does this deserve a full page? Page 114, nothing but lollipops? Might as well mention the cover too. At first glance, I thought I had rec'd a Target catalog.
ReplyDeleteFYI---received replacement copy today in tip-top condition. Thank for such speediness Matthew.
ReplyDelete***BTW---I don't feel 10 pages of baking is OVERLOAD!
I do like the feel of the book, and the matte paper and the binding are beautiful. I am disappointed with the content; I was expecting more how-to projects, things along the line of the front cover wreath, maybe ornaments, garland, centerpieces, greeting cards, inexpensive holiday framed art projects, more gift wrapping ideas . . . I did get excited when I saw the photo of the Christmas Santa cracker; not so much when I realized that it was a candy-filled tube and not an actual cracker that 'pops.' The home photos are pretty to look at, but I didn't feel as if they were teaching me anything other than 'buy this kind of antique/accessory to make your house look like this one.'
ReplyDeleteI'm also in Kansas, still waiting on my copy but I have no doubts that it'll be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see it.
Matthew,
ReplyDeleteThe magazine is beautiful! Nice quality paper. I will enjoy displaying it on my table this season. Best wishes.
I would like to just RECEIVE my copy... in any condition... Still waiting...
ReplyDeleteMe,too!No joy in Montana.
ReplyDeleteStill waiting for mine in NV also. Very disappointed to see it on blogs but not here.
ReplyDeleteSRS
I am one who received a copy in less then perfect condition. The cover has several tears, and all the corners were bent. It looked like something that had been stuffed at the bottom of a book bag for several months. Unfortunately, there is no control over the USPS.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to report that upon emailing Matthew Mead, I received a prompt and courteous email back and am looking forward to the replacement copy.
Thank you,
Suzanne
I received my copy of Holiday in perfect shape. I am savoring evert bit of it. I just wanted to pass on another FYI... from a former Postal Worker... If someone has moved since they ordered the magazine, the Post Office will not forward standard mail. That may be why some copies have not arrived to the recipients.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for a lovely issue. I hope you do another in the Spring / Summer.
Still waiting for mine in Oregon. Hope it arrives soon!
ReplyDeleteI received mine a few days ago (Seattle) and I was really bumbed about the condition of the torn cover/pages--but I thought the magazine was lovely anyway. I have to agree that I thought more how-to or ideas would come with it. I wasn't disappointed, I just decided to look at it like it was a different concept than I had expected. Good still;)
ReplyDelete