IFS Hostile Takeover

[Isk8NYC]

I received this link, by e-mail, from International Figure Skating magazine. It seems to be a letter from Mark Lund, the founder/president of Ashton Media (IFS's parent company) to the president of a venture capital/publishing group.

It seems that another organization is trying to buy out IFS and the letter is part of the defense strategy. Interesting read.

http://www.ashtoninternationalmedia.com/position/

[CarolA0923]

Bizarre!

Why would he send this out? And is there a point?

On the other hand, I noiticed in the most recent edition that the letters to the editors indicated that at least 4 skaters have declined to be interviewed by IFS. Some were major stars and some were not.... The letter indicates that IFS has been "weakened" by attention to the other magazines. I think you can see this in the magazine.

Overall, I will not renew. Too expensive and the above item with failure to get good stories is a factor. Plus I am always curious when you start sending me renewal notices 12 months in advance!

[CanadianSkater]

What other magazines are getting the attention?

[CarolA0923]

Mr. Lund over the past few years purchased several other magazines. (Doll World, Teddy Bear.... I am not sure what these great ideas were!) Anyway, with the possible exception of IFS and the Women's Basketball magazine rumor is that he is losing his shirt on all the other great ventures. Basically, that means the profits from IFS have to go to prop up the losers!

[Isk8NYC]

Plus I am always curious when you start sending me renewal notices 12 months in advance!
I agree! I purchased this magazine through a school fundraising drive, and began immediately receiving persistent renewal notices. Some of them were offensive and confrontational, as if I owed them advance renewals.

[blades]

8-)

i had a two year subscription...prior to my first issue, i recieved a renewal notice!!!

in two years, the issues were always at least a month late (compared to others here on the board) and i recieved as many renewal notices as issues...

customer service's attitude was basically: "so?"...

i would never subscribe to that rag ever again!!!

[Snowflake3939]

I keep saying that I'm going to get a subscription to IFS. Now I'm glad I didn't. I don't have much luck with magazines, everytime I get a subscription, the magazine goes under. I'll just keep buying IFS at the drug store until it disappears. Spotlight On Skating is still my favourite magazine but hard to find where I live - but based on my past experience with subscriptions, I'm afraid that it too will disappear if I get a subscription.

[Stormy]

I actually interviewed with Mark and another of his associates a few months ago, for a position that would be working with IFS and another magazine. I had thought the interview went very well, but then I never heard anything EVER back from them. I was extremely dissapointed to say the least. Now I know why at least!

IFS is in the same city I live in, and there was an article in our local paper about this a few days ago. I will double check it to make sure I have the story straight, but there is definitely a lot of stuff going on with this company!! Will post again when I get home the gist of the article.

[Stormy]

http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

Scroll down a bit to find the story. You have to register to read it, but it is a must read! Ashton has shut down and all employees were laid off with three weeks severance pay, including Mr. Lund. Very sad for the company and the magazine.

[Mikea]

So, the latest news is this: IFS is still alive, but will now forever be minus the gratuitous photos of Miss Mark Lund! I heard from a friend that all the magazines were bought by a company called Madavor Media. I guess there was some court battle where Miss Lund pulled all sorts of lame legal stunts to try and keep the magazines, but Madavor prevailed and now they are finishing up the July/August issue, but it will be VERY late because of the court delays. My friend (a subscriber) called the magazine (I guess they're still in the same offices?) and he said the two people he spoke with were very nice and helpful, which is a HUGE difference from when I once had a problem with my subscription and had to call there!! I'm glad to hear it's alive and kicking, although I read elsewhere that they are still looking for a good editor (not that the magazine had a good one before LOL)... maybe the articles and phots will improve!

[stogba]

what happens to the cruise?

[blades]

what happens to the cruise?

8-)

ahhhhh!...the cruise!!!...which brings to mind the one liner: "didja ya hear about the polish cruise ship that makes it's own iceberg???!!!"