NRA has pissed me off !

[jimbar]

I just got my new issue of American Rifleman, and as I turned the first page, there was a large page telling me this will be my "last" print issue. I can sign up to get the "digital" edition on line. I got a "digit" for you, NRA.
This totally rubs me wrong. I always enjoyed sitting in my recliner, flipping through the magazine while watching tv, or listening to the radio. I also have kept issues that had articles I was interested in, and would frequently go back and re-read one for some info I wasn't sure about, or to look at a comparison test they did between guns.
I'm not happy about doing that in front of my computer. I can usually just look at the cover of an issue, and know that's the one that had the info I wanted.
I sent them an e-mail, and wished them luck, but they would continue on without me.
Anybody else not OK with this ? :mad:

[Dietrich]

I don`t think I`ve seen what you`re talking about.Are they going to stop sending magazines and members get their "mags' on line from now on ? Hope not because I`ve never liked on line publications.Never could get the hang of turning the pages.

[mr surveyor]

I won't be "o.k." with it either. I do not like to sit in front of the computer to read for pleasure. My eyes can't follow the print on screen near as well as I can adjust the printed page to my vision needs. I also like the "slick pages".

If they are going 100% digital, then every NRA member should have access to all of the NRA mags on line, and maybe they need to add some cheesecake in the mix as well.

Nope, I ain't gonna be happy with it either, but the cost of printing and delivery is obviously overwhelming. Considering how much litigation costs, and the number of political/legal battles the NRA is fighting, we may just be on the losing end of the battle for the printed page.


surv

[CJB]

Well that sucks.

[jimbar]

I don`t think I`ve seen what you`re talking about.Are they going to stop sending magazines and members get their "mags' on line from now on ? Hope not because I`ve never liked on line publications.Never could get the hang of turning the pages.


Yeah, that's what it says. This is the Apr issue, just came in the mail on Saturday. The insert page says "This is your last print issue of AR", then says to receive New Premium Digitsl Edition, visit NRA.org/godigital

[CarlCyrus]

I'm a Life-Endowment member...they had better keep sending me the print version because I like to read it...at home...on the plane...on the crapper...wherever. I cut the address block off the front cover and leave them all over the place as teasers for other future NRA members. They had better get their heads out of rectal defilade.

Carl

[Bawanna]

Put me on the unhappy list also. Don't like to read magazines on the crystal ball. I do like to browse the free ones I don't got money to subscribe too but I rarely look at those either.

Besides what do we do to refill the outhouse?

[Ol'coot]

Well I guess I am in the minority on this issue as I really enjoy the digital magazines. I travel a lot for business and I can keep current and back issues of my favorite magazines stored on my laptop which I have to keep with me all the time anyway. One feature that really sold me on the digital version is that you can just double click the advertisements links and go directly to the websites for more information on a product or service. I now get all of the trade related magazines digital as well. Although I do still enjoy flipping through a printed magazine or catalog when I have the time to sit back and enjoy it when in the thrown room.

[500KV]

I received my A/R April issue Friday and it didn't have the notice.
I saw this subject being discussed on another forum and it appears that they are randomly testing the water to see what the response will be.

I'm also opposed to the digital only option, as apparently 99% of the members who responded are.

I think a phone call to NRA asking that you continue receiving the printed edition would probably get the job done.

[Southern Guy]

I received my A/R April issue Friday and it didn't have the notice.



Same here, I don't and want do digital. I take my mags to work and they don't care, but if I bring a laptop they would have a problem with that I'm sure. I don't see them completely doing away with the print mags...but I guess you never know.

[johnh]

Ouch, I did not pay attention to that. Need to check mine. I do not want digital only. I agree with the above comments entirely, despite being a "tech" guy I still like the paper magazine. Probably a sign of the times though. :(

[garyb]

I am not doubting this info is true, but I feel really surprised that the NRA would handle their publication this way. Seems like a communication issue to me. Perhaps some folks who renew on line were to check off a box on the renewal which stated mail of electronic magazine? The NRA may be trying to save some money, but if they did try to go electronic it seems they'd give the member an option of electronic or paper first. If the NRA simply eliminates the paper magazine without giving members a choice, they'd have to expect a loss in membership. It seems more likely they would give options (electronic vs paper) to avoid loss of membership. I'd call to verify before getting too excited. Just my opinion.

[Longitude Zero]

I am not a fan of that change either. However the costs of paper publication is high and if that money is put to a better use as in legislation and/or litigation then so be it.

It is a sign of the times.

[wyntrout]

Unless it was a loose page, I didn't get the notice, either. When I renewed the last time, I requested the digital version, but didn't get any notice it was available, like I do with the other magazines.
I get digital versions when I can and subscribe to some that way online. I get months behind, too, forgetting about them. I do check out the free digital gun magazines, though.

Wynn

[earle8888]

Checked my "American Hunter" April 2011, couldn't find anything like that.

[TheTman]

I had it with the NRA several years ago. Got tired of all the phone calls and letters wanting money for this and that, when I barely have enough to get by as it is.

I personally feel Gun Owners of America, (GOA.com I think), personally represesents me much better than the NRA. The are much less willing to compromise and seem to be much more aggresive in standing up for our gun rights. And they don't ask for money every week. They are a good bunch of people, and I hope some of you check them out. Unfortunately, they don't produce a nice magazine like American Hunter, but with the money you save from all the donations NRA asks for, you can subscribe to your favorite gun publication.

[aray]

I just went to the NRA member services site and checked my account: https://www.nramemberservices.org

They still offer the option to select American Rifleman in a Print Edition.

Maybe someone goofed and an operator changed your magazine vs. someone else who requested it? I'd either call the NRA, or change it yourself online. Should be simple to resolve.

[garyb]

I personally feel Gun Owners of America, (GOA.com I think), personally represesents me much better than the NRA.

I will check them out themanski. I was not aware of this group. I have been an NRA member for over 30 yrs and in spite of their faults, I would not think of dropping my membership. I do get tired of their solicitation for various things, including renewing my membership after I just renewed it. But any group who supports gun ownership, is a group I will support. Themanski, Thanks for sharing this info on Gun Owners of America.

PS - I did not get any notice of the electronic magazine in my American Hunter either.

[Bawanna]

I just visited their website, trying to figure out why my membership that I sent in 2nd of February has not created a full mail box. I've not received any confirmation which is totally unusual. I think there was even a free knife in the deal. I never win........

While there I saw where you can go on line and change your address or your email or change your magazine subscription including Paper or Electronic.

If you have your membership number you can go in and fix whatever ails ya.

I couldn't get in cause I don't have my membership number but I did go thru a contact link to see if in fact they got my money and renewal paperwork.

[crazymailman]

Got my AR on Sat as well, and no notice either. Have you been to the website lately to change anything? Cause, everytime I go there I see a place where they are trying to get you to go digital.

[O'Dell]

Mine didn't say anything either. If we want to keep our paper issues, we'd better complain loud and long. I can't see lugging my 20 pound desk top and stretching my cable the two miles to the Diner so I can sit on the patio and read. I've always been disappointed in the choice of mags anyway. I don't hunt and never will, and I don't give a whit for long guns, so why don't they have a mag for pistol shooters anyway. I'll bet I'm not in a small minority.

[Bawanna]

Yeah, I didn't figure it was gonna be a Randall knife or anything. I'm gonna look for that don't send me postal mail button. That was one of the things I didn't like, sorting thru all that junk. And the request for renewal when you just renewed.

I did already get an email response to my inquiry. They are checking.

[deadhead1971]

Sorry. I am not a member of the NRA. I respect and appreciate what they do. I am a member of other "groups" that have dues. I just can't join now. I ordered a subscription to a gun magazine (one of the Harris Publishing mags), and they must have sold or given out my info, because I have been bombarded with all sorts of gun related solicitations including the NRA. One group sent me a "free" DVD, and now they want it back (I can't find now), and have sent harassing notices over the past 8 months. I cancelled my magazine subscription and just buy it at the grocery store. I have caller-ID, and the NRA has called my house about 20 times over the past 2 months. They stopped for about 2 weeks, and they have started calling every day. That ticks me off, but I blame Harris Publishing for passing my info on.

[deadhead1971]

Thanks. I will, and it's going in their "no postage paid" business reply envelope.

[Bawanna]

I've done that in the past as well. Use to have a little shelf to store appropriate junk mail to forward to others who deserve it and of course provide the paid envelope.

[jocko]

If u didn't order that dvd and they sent it to you, u are under no obligation to return it, actually unless you signed for it even they can't even prove you got the damn thing. These companies do sell mailing lists. That how we got this sh-t mail all the time..

[mr surveyor]

my NRA AR mag was in the mail today and had no "insert" in it. Probably is a user's choice and/or testing the waters thing.

As for getting incentive freebies... I haven't gotten anything for renewals in 15 years or more, but I went to annual renewal about 10 years ago. Also called them about 10 years ago and requested they NOT send the monthly solicitation mail... save the damn money, I will contribute to the PAC when and if funds are available. Still get 3-4 requests for early renewal every year. What a waste of membership money!

[jimbar]

I have been a "life member " for over 25 years. I don't have to renew anything, and no I haven't been to the website to change anything.
Apparently, I'm the only member in the country who received this notice, since everyone else on the forum, so far, hasn't.
Here's my only evidence, unless some think I'm hallucinating, :confused: It's not a "loose" sheet, it's attached with info on the back about how great the digital edition will be.
Oh, well, if I'm the test market, I failed the test,....

[Bawanna]

I'd just go to their website, you can log in with your membership number and just switch it back to hard copy.

If they give you any static tell em your sending Sarah Brady, and Pelosi over to the home office with a box of stale donuts, wearing the lastest fashions from Victoria's Secret.

Dang, I'm evil this afternoon. That would be enough to make you become a democrat to stop the pain.

[jimbar]

I'd just go to their website, you can log in with your membership number and just switch it back to hard copy.

If they give you any static tell em your sending Sarah Brady, and Pelosi over to the home office with a box of stale donuts, wearing the lastest fashions from Victoria's Secret.

Dang, I'm evil this afternoon. That would be enough to make you become a democrat to stop the pain.

Thanks, Bawanna, probably gonna have to have a big shot of Jack Daniels to get that image outta my head! :eek:

[Bawanna]

Thanks, Bawanna, probably gonna have to have a big shot of Jack Daniels to get that image outta my head! :eek:

I'm sorry, the very thought I created made me throw up a little in my mouth.

Theres cruel and then theres cruel, but that was extremely cruel.

I hate myself for my actions.

[.45fan]

The April issue arrived today, mine does not have the notice. I will be mad if they do that.

[aray]

I've always been disappointed in the choice of mags anyway. I don't hunt and never will, and I don't give a whit for long guns, so why don't they have a mag for pistol shooters anyway. I'll bet I'm not in a small minority.

I used to hunt a bit but it has been many decades since then. I get "America's 1st Freedom" (print edition). You might want to try that out instead.

[johnh]

No notice in mine. Bad idea for whoever thought a trial like that was a good idea. Seems a good way to anger members. :(

[jeepster09]

Maybe it's an evil APRIL FOOLS joke....

[Bawanna]

Aah, April Fools. My anniversary date here at the PD. I was officially hired that day. Now thats an April Fools joke right there.

[Bawanna]

Well drop my pantaloons and call me baby.

Yesterday I received a response from the NRA from when I inquired as to my status since I sent a renewal 2-2-11. Hadn't received any membership information, card, or my new free drawer knife.
They said their records indictated that it had all been sent and I should have it but it apparently was lost in the mail. They would resend after verifying my address etc.

Soooo, just now I get an email that says my new copy of American Rifleman is available, guess what??? Electronically!

So I guess when/if my membership card ever actually gets here I'll be taking my own advice and switching back to paper.

First they take away the Sears Roebuck catalog, now this. Whats an outhouse to do?

[jeepster09]

I got my issue today, it DOES HAVE THE NOTICE!

[WMD]

I did not get the notice in my April edition of AR as well.

Maybe they put the notice in a few magazines to test reactions from subscribers?

It would be a big mistake for NRA to take their magazines digital. There are a HUGE number of gun guys (and gals) who are NRA members that do not do computers (let alone internet) very well.

[Willieboy]

Me thinks it's a sign of the times. I think it has become really expensive to produce and ship magazine these days. Just look at the price of an issue of Combat Handguns if purchased atthe newsstand. Most of the books I read now I read on a Nook.

I guess I will miss the paper magazine as well but will be okay with it if the NRA uses the savings to better protect the 2nd. Also, membership in the NRA is something I would do even if there was o magazine. I always considered the magazine as a bonus.

[zx5go]

From the link it appears you can opt back into the paper version if you so desire.

nra.org/godigital

It states, "To switch your magazine subscription, cancel your magazine or maintain your print subscription, please fill in your NRA Member ID and name below or call 1-877-NRA-2000. "

[jeepster09]

Well I contacted NRA and here is the response I received:

Thank you for contacting us.

I will ensure that you continue to receive the print edition.

Best Regards,

Andrew

NRA Member Communications
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
www.nra.org
E-mail: membership@nrahq.org
Phone: 1(800)672-3888

[Bawanna]

Thats the same guy that handled my lost membership information. Must be a busy fellow.

[jimbar]

Well I contacted NRA and here is the response I received:

Thank you for contacting us.

I will ensure that you continue to receive the print edition.

Best Regards,

Andrew

NRA Member Communications
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
www.nra.org (http://www.nra.org)
E-mail: membership@nrahq.org
Phone: 1(800)672-3888


UPDATE !
Seems you are correct, Jeepster.
I found out on another gun forum I frequent, that the insert was only in "life members" magazines. One member called NRA, and was told this was their way of checking to see if the member was in fact, still alive, and receiving the mag. Seems a lame way to do that to me, but what do I know, I've never been "corporate-minded". Anyway, he was told the mag would continue as always, in print form.
I tried to call today, but aparrently those folks close up shop early, as it was only 5:15 pm east coast time, so I'll have to try tomorrow, to verify I'm still on this side of the grave. :rolleyes:

[zx5go]

I am a Life Member and I did not have the insert. So maybe it was a test of only "some" Life Members.

[ltxi]

I am not a fan of that change either. However the costs of paper publication is high and if that money is put to a better use as in legislation and/or litigation then so be it.

It is a sign of the times.

Nail on the head.

I've been an NRA member for over 50 years...currently Endowment and my wife is Life. NRA sends both of us mags monthly. Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away I read the Rifleman religiously. Today...and I know I'll catch flak for this...I find it pretty much useless and it goes straight to the trash with my every time conscious wish that they wouldn't waste the money. Better to spend it on real 2nd Amendment defense use.

I don't even know if I got the insert.

[aray]

I was in Florida for over a week & so am just now going through my backlogged mail. Last night I got down to my NRA magazine I chose: America's 1st Freedom. No insert in my copy, but if there had been I would have scampered over to their web site (https://www.nramemberservices.org) and fixed it myself. What they did have was an ad for the digital version. It is free to try for now. Those of you unhappy with your current magazine might want to check out that one instead - you can kick the tires at: http://home.nra.org/aff/

For those of you who don't like any of the magazines, if you call the NRA they will stop your magazine at your request. Or, just switch to the digital version and then don't read it. Either way it saves the NRA some bucks I guess, if your hardcopy magazine is just going to go to waste anyway.

[ltxi]

good point...thanks.

[.45fan]

I was in Florida for over a week & so am just now going through my backlogged mail. Last night I got down to my NRA magazine I chose: America's 1st Freedom. No insert in my copy, but if there had been I would have scampered over to their web site (https://www.nramemberservices.org) and fixed it myself. What they did have was an ad for the digital version. It is free to try for now. Those of you unhappy with your current magazine might want to check out that one instead - you can kick the tires at: http://home.nra.org/aff/

For those of you who don't like any of the magazines, if you call the NRA they will stop your magazine at your request. Or, just switch to the digital version and then don't read it. Either way it saves the NRA some bucks I guess, if your hardcopy magazine is just going to go to waste anyway.

I am wondering if because you and I recently upgraded our memberships to endowment life, maybe that is why we didn't get the insert? They knew we were alive because they just ran our credit cards.

[deuce]

I get America's 1st Freedom and can't find anything in there about it. I know when you renew your membership they try to push for the digital to save them money but it is still a choice. I'd really hate to see them take that choice away from us as I too enjoy having the real thing in my library.

[aray]

Although I'm a computer geek by profession as long as there is a print edition that's the way I'm going. I just prefer to read magazines that way. I'm sure I'm not alone, so I doubt the NRA will be killing off print anytime soon. That's not to say they won't push the digital version - I'm sure it saves them money the more folks who select that option.

[kpm9]

I just got an email from the NRA with the link to the mag and interactive content.
I like it and can download the mag and view it on my iPad.

I've switched to digital.

[500KV]

I previously stated that I didn't like the digital only option but, after rethinking my position, I'm inclined to forgo the printed copy if it will help put more money where it's really needed. i.e. fighting anti-gun legislation and the like. I suppose that remains to be seen though, right?

I too received an email from NRA this morning with the digital edition included and, quite frankly, find that I can live with it if it'll help the cause.

I can certainly understand some folks still wanting the hard copy though.

[Kahrson]

I get the 1st Freedom mag and did not receive any notice on it going digital only. What did irritate me was last summer they sent me this self defense dvd which I never ordered it just showed up.
Then I kept getting invoice after invoice to which I just ignored. I'm well aware I do not have to pay for anything I get in the mail that I did not order. I do not appreciate the NRA using this sort of tactic to try to seperate me and my money. I was hoping they would be above this sort of thing.

Not sure what happened but I have not received any solicitation or invoice for the dvd from the NRA in months. However I continue to get the mag.

[Fishjager]

I had a 5 year membership and they did not send me one magazine, even after I called them. Never did renew after that. These guys are claiming to be professionals. Not with me. Enough said.