Has anyone else here received their mail offer of 2/3’s off the cover price,making a yearly sub. $19.99 ?
Do those here who sub. to it feel it’s as good or better than FHB?
Thanks, Walter
Has anyone else here received their mail offer of 2/3’s off the cover price,making a yearly sub. $19.99 ?
Do those here who sub. to it feel it’s as good or better than FHB?
Thanks, Walter
Learn how to plan, fabricate, and install a chute to conveniently send your dirty clothes from an upstairs bathroom or hallway to your laundry room below.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
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Replies
For tradesmen and solid technical articles, it is far better than FHB. I had let my sub apse because it had gotten so expensive. Looks like a good time to re-up.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
Paul,
The offer came to me by mail, unsolicited. I've never had a subsription, so maybe it's for first timers?
Like Smitty says " hard tellin'- not knowin' "
Time to air the dirty laundry... :-)
I let my FHB sub expire for that very reason. It is still the most expensive monthly mag I've ever seen - not that I have gone looking, I'm sure there are plenty of others... Now they have their CDs. The price for a years worth is somewhere around the same as decades worth of JLC on CD.
My JLC sub is now up to $40 though. I liked it better when it was cheap. Somehow though they got me down for a free sub for Costal Contractor which I enjoy also, even though I'm a few hrs from the coast. I also enjoy the price on that one. If you don't get that you should, especially since it's free, and especially since you are even beyond the coast :-).
Matt,
Got a link or 800 number for that mag? Thanks, Walter
http://www.jlconline.com
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter WFR
"But when you're a kibbutzer and have no responsibility to decide the facts and apply the law, you can reach any conclusion you want because it doesn't matter." SHG
Bob,
Is that for the Coastal mag Matt spoke of?
Thanks, Walter
coastal is one of the hanley woods line of publications as is JLC. You can find them online.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I've sub'd to JLC for a very long time. Current offer to me is 39.95 by mail, 35.95 online. I think.
While I appreciate the enticement for new readers, be nice if once in a while a long time sub was rewarded.
Hey, at least a hat or something.
sorry paul, slipped.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Edited 1/16/2008 9:03 am ET by calvin
Calvin,
It's worth getting then I take it if you've had it for quite some time?
Walter
Walter, for that initial sub, why not. Give you a chance to see how it works for you. There's current localized news pertaining to bldg. Legal news that's geared the same. Every issue has business news that we all should be aware of whether large builder or small craftsperson. Shoot, 20 bucks.......that barely covers a round in the bar.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Calvin,
I'm definately getting it- $20 doesn't even move the needle on my gas gauge!
Walter
I agree that JLC is worth it - for me anyway. It's so worth the cost, that it's not a matter of money, it's a matter of whether you can make time to read it. Personally, I think if you only had time to read one magazine, it should be Fine Homebuilding. I know saying that is risky, it's like the whole Ford and Chevy thing.
Since I started reading FHB, I always liked to read it cover to cover. When I started also subscribing to JLC, at first I would only read the business and legal departments, as well as any articles on technology. Those are mainly the things that JLC address that FHB does not. The rest of the articles are rather the same as FHB, except JLC often suggests taking exceptions to some of the higher standards so as to 'get er done.' (You won't find that in Fine Homebuilding.) When JLC came out with it's 25th anniversary issue though, I wanted to read the whole thing. I found the articles in that issue to be outstanding! It was then that I decided to start reading JLC cover to cover as well.
FHB is more technical though, so I can read an FHB article about something I've never done before, and if I read it carefully, I find I can (believe it or not it's true) immediately take on that task the next day with no problems. I have not found the same to be true of JLC, but it is nice to get the supplementary information that JLC offers. The words in JLC are also nice and small though, so it makes me feel real intellectual when I read it. I also get to feel more like I'm part of the club when I read it because it's supposed to be for 'professionals only.'
The truth is, JLC is one of the best construction magazines in the world, second only to FHB. I'd say after that is Old House Journal. Old House Journal's format is more pleasurable to read than both FHB or JLC, but the articles of OHJ will not benefit the professional like FHB and JLC will. Old House Journal is also not worth subscribing to, simply because you can get it for free at just about any public library.
The 4 best construction magazines in the world in numerical order are:
#1: Fine Homebuilding
#2: The Journal of Light Construction
#3: Old House Journal
#4: The Carpenter
The first three are worth reading from cover to cover. The Carpenter though, only has three articles worth reading, because only three are regarding building. The articles on building ("The Big Job," "Trade Talk," and "Tooling Around") are among the best construction articles around, but the rest of the magazine is full of union politics. I don't waste my time reading about politics - union or otherwise.-T
"Since I started reading FHB, I always liked to read it cover to cover."I kind of felt that way back twenty years ago when the rag was better and I was less experienced. I do sense they have gotten out a better magazine ion the past few months though with articles for both the novice and the experienced tradesperson."JLC often suggests taking exceptions to some of the higher standards so as to 'get er done.' (You won't find that in Fine Homebuilding.) "Who you kidding?
Kissing up to FHB won't get you a discount on the price!;)"FHB is more technical though, so I can read an FHB article about something I've never done before, and if I read it carefully, I find I can (believe it or not it's true) immediately take on that task the next day with no problems. I have not found the same to be true of JLC,"you sure we're reading the same rags?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I was wondering the same things you were.
All,
You can also get a subscription and access to their library online. In my opinion, that is a necessity. Just look through the library and if there is one thing you learned that you didn't know before, your subscription is paid for.
http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront/EN/UserTemplate/26
it is a good deal. isigned up this weekend online for the first time for 39.95. i called and that rate is for previous customers. its a good mag. for the trade only. good online forum also.
theslateman
I wouldn't say it's better than FHB. The 1st half of the mag is geared toward the businsess end of running your business. Seems to be focused on bigger comapanies than mine.
Alot of the articles are for odd stuff than doesn't apply to my work. (Like using shotcrete for pouring a below grade pool.)
I enjoy FHB more. I find more articles that pertain to what I do daily.
Still get both, still like both, just a different flavor.
Rich
For $ 20 it's a no brainer.
Just wondering if others were getting the same offer or because I had never subscribed it was for " newbies"
Newbie here- I got the offer too.
kate,
you've been around here since 2003, how could you be a newbie?Expert since 10 am.
Meant newbie to JLC...I've never subscribed to it, so they are trying to recruit me - so nice to be wanted!
All that said, I think it would be too technical for my interests - I'm just a DIYHO, although I've been at it for more years than some members of this forum have been alive...
Kate,
Same here, never had a subscription- so they're trying to increase their readership.
figured...great deal for those who want it. Many, many years ago, I worked briefly in direct mail - a successful campaign was considered to be something like a 1 percent return rate.
I got the same offer a year or two ago and figured for $20 I could'nt lose. To resubscribe it costs me 34.95 which I'll happily pay. I like JLC every bit as much as FHB even though I'm only a DIY'er. I'm hooked on it now, which of course is why they sent me the discounted offer in the first place.
It's a fact of life in the publishing and in periodicals that it costs more initially to gain a new subscriber than the cost of putting out the rag that year.
and that advertising rates are based in large part on the number of paid subscribersWhile i agree with Cal that they should do something nice to reward long timers, I can see this come on to increase numbers as good business planning.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
i will repeat. i called jlc and was told by operator tjat this was the rate only for long timers. i don't know who is lying to me, but i bet it wasn't anyone here. hmmmmmmm,
not sure what you mean. Don't recall a mention of a liar...
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
not you. the idiots on the phone at jlc!
I've been a subscriber to JLC for 10-15 years. I got an offer for a free year of TOOLS OF THE TRADE the other day. Yours is probably in the mail.http://grantlogan.net/
"Because I really want to live in a country where the poor people are fat. "- Unidentified Indian Immigrant when asked why he wants to come to America
Well that's ok I guess.
Been getting that since it's maiden voyage.
I'm telling you man, a stink'n T-shirt or had would do it.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Tools is alwasy a freebee, but you need to reverify every so often.They have several oth freebees. REmodeling is one.Here is all of the their pubs.http://hanleywood.com/default.aspx?page=qlsubscribe.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
tools of the trade has always been a free sub
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I also got the $19.95 a year offer and sent in $100 and now I'm set for 5 years.
My script. expires in May... they sent me a $5 off early bird discount. (34.95)
I get JLC's Coastal Contractor for free due to my zip. So that makes it well worth it.
Did you see the article on Fla's required peel & stick and renailing sheathing on reroof jobs? Jan/Feb CC.
Seems like we follow what ever Dade Co. deems appropriate.
Ray
"All that said, I think it would be too technical for my interests - I'm just a DIYHO,"it will not be too technical for you. however as a DIY they may not give it to you at that price. Likely a trade price, likely want to charge you $69.99 or so.
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter WFR
"But when you're a kibbutzer and have no responsibility to decide the facts and apply the law, you can reach any conclusion you want because it doesn't matter." SHG
For $20 you should try it. To echo what was said above JLC is far more oriented toward tradesmen, than HOs. JLC: data. FHB: pretty pictures. Although I've noticed that FHB has been getting much better at supplying actual information as opposed to just the glossy photos with the rosy stories of the job.
Matt,
I was intent on getting it at 2/3 off. Wondering though if others got the offer and even how they got my name.
Walter
Walter,I received the same offer this week. I get Tools of the Trade (another of JLC's publications) and assumed that they were just cross-referencing their mailing lists in this solicitation.Next letter down in the mail stack was the same JLC offer, this time to my wife. She can break down and rebuild million dollar lasers, but feigns ignorance at replacing a light switch. (She has me well trained :) Best I can figure is that because she picks up the FHB subscription as a birthday gift to me each year, FHB and JLC must be sharing mailing lists. Either that or she's opened a construction business under my nose and I haven't realized it yet.Thanks for the timber frame thread! Looking forward to seeing more of it.Best,
Steve
'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
Steve,
Thanks for the response on JLC.
I'm in contact with the fellow who is going to set up my site. That thread the other day woke me up and got the juices flowing again. I think I can get more consulting jobs on slate issues once I have it functional- Thanks again.
I'm going down to the TF to take more shots today. I'm glad folks are looking in and enjoying it. The slates will arrive the first week of March.
Walter
Hi Walter
Hows it going, was it your knee , hows it healing? I got JLC for a few years got the low cost first then it doubled but Ive saved all my copys for reference. I opted to let it go and subscribe to Classic Toy Trains and O Gauge mags now,there both Toy Train Magazines. I felt I needed to take a break with the trades stuff for awhile. I was becoming an expert in my own mind about tools and how many ways can you nail a nail with out hitting your thumb. I was driving everyone crazy with all the tool talk too. I wish I was making a commission on Milwaukee tools that got sold on my advice to friends and some Bosch. Now im just having fun looking at all the trains I want for next Christmas. Took down my train layout last night and already getting a little tensed up.
Have a good one
my wife says I do
Carpentry and remodeling
Vic Vardamis
Bangor Me
yep, have the flyer right here that says $19.99 and reply before 3-15-08.
Had a subsription a while back and let lapse cause I burn enough time on here and the intro price wasnt proactive the next year as the price was upped
but still might do it if the suckin' guy pays me the $1,600.00 he owes me.
That and the insurance payments, oh and the RE tax is due. Let's see, the friggin' gas bill for the truck is way up too, and then...
Peace on.
Better than Vegas.
The bill they send to re-up-(have had the sub since it was a newpaper format) 39.95 What was it-new england builder.......
Email notice that paid by cc online- 35.95
And now you boys come up with 20 beans......
Ahh well, the wicked get wicked-er.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
A number of years back I recall being in a lumberyard in New England and saw a stack of copies on the counter for sale.
Can't recall the exact format except it wasn't a magazine and seemed skimpy for the dollars they wanted for a copy so I passed.
Got to be something I really want or need to shell out retail for a mag.
Peace on.
I had the same thing. I let my sub lapse and got the for cheep card and re upped...(cost/benefit ratio, or something esoteric like that)
Bud
I'm waiting for the $7 offer for TOH.
Still wouldn't be worth it unless you just like to get something in the mail.
Peace on.
I have never seen this magazine, Maybe they dont have it where i am, I have not seen it in Portland Or either
>> I have never seen this magazine, Maybe they dont have it where i am, I have not seen it in Portland Or either <<
Someone correct me if I'm wrong :-) but I don't think JLC is sold on news stands and the other regular places. I think it's subscription only...
I think it's subscription only...
I've seen it for sale in local lumber yards. Maybe they subscribe in bulk? Not sure but I have never seen it in any mag store.
Doug
As doug says, I have seen it in suppliers stores, but not lately.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Maybe they dont have it where i am,
You have to be in the secret club to receive it and have to have a double secret decoder ring to read it. http://grantlogan.net/
"Because I really want to live in a country where the poor people are fat. "- Unidentified Indian Immigrant when asked why he wants to come to America
You have to be in the secret club to receive it and have to have a double secret decoder ring to read it.<<<<<<<< i have about 8 cats paws, that should count for something
http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront/4792c25c00090e7027177f000001056a/Catalog/Archive2008JanuaryHere's your big chance
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
i look at the forum over there, its very good.
Thanks everyone for the feedback and reports.
I've never received so I've sent in my $20. The question was never about the cost- but did people find it had useful info.
Sometimes here at BT I've seen it mentioned that the other site was snobby - but that most likely doesn't hold for the mag.
I got the same offer as well. Reading this feedback, seems to be worth it. More data and less glossy pix may be hard to get used to. I always liked the books with pictures :)
Would someone that's not interested in receiving JLC please send in the deal card and ask them to send it to me next year for the deal on my continued subscription.
Thanks.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/