Readers' Digest is one of those magazines that seems to be in the waiting room of every public service imaginable. It is one of those journals that you pick up, browse, occasionally read an article and put it back on the table. That's exactly how magazines should be treated but beware every consumer who opts to take a subscription out for this publication because the resultant deluge of mail is unbelievable and thoroughly irritating.
Don't get me wrong here - the journalistic features cover a diverse range of subject matter and are largely well-written and thoroughly researched. There is minimal advertising content with maximum input of human interest stories and related advances in the fields of technology, medecine and current affairs. It IS a good magazine attracting a wide age range but if you want to buy it on a regular basis stick to getting it from your local newsagents and never divulge your address and personal details to their company.
WHY, I hear you ask? Not because they aren't a thoroughly reputable and respected name in the field of publishing but simply because from the day of your initial subscription you will be bombarded with advertising and promotional literature urging you to buy their books, take part in their eternal (and infernal) prize draws and generally offering everything else under the sun that will encourage you to part with your money. Books, CDs, Videos, Holiday - the list is endless and so is the stream of unwanted mail through your letter box. We once made the grave error of ordering a trial copy of their condensed book series - after repeated calls to their customer service department and numerous invoices attached to the unwanted follow on books we received, we finally sorted the matter out after I had threatened to involve Trading Standards.
Their prize draw literature is cleverly marketed and very enticing - they customise a letter and ask you to respond to them with details of which prize option you will choose IF you win - if you return the literature within 7 days they will double your cash bonus IF you win - oh, and by the way the small print at the bottom highlights that by returning the literature you agree to view (on a trial basis, naturally) their latest book!!!!! The common factor here is IF you win and the likelihood of doing so is rather remote - there is only 1 prize draw per annum and they start the advertising and countdown 12 months before.
Reader's Digest is a monthly publication retailing at £2.25 which claims to print 25 million copies in 19 languages - no wonder we seem to be having general problems with our postal service. If you like this type of magazine, go ahead and purchase it from a local retail outlet but to avoid the constant frustration and irritation of junk mail arriving on a daily basis, AVOID ANY SORT OF SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS COMPANY!!!!!!
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Comments about this review »
pauljm 02.11.2001 13:47
Wrong category
kazziebears 07.08.2001 00:47
I've rated this VH cos it is, but its in the wrong category! Can you get Ciao to put it in he right one? Kazz!
eca99ajm 07.08.2001 00:06
A very well written op, but it's in totally the wrong category! Contact Ciao and ask them to move it the right place - if you do, contact me as well, and I'll re-rate! Thanks! Anna
Aug 7th, 2001
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