Dear Friends of Memory Makers Magazine,

After much analysis, we have made the determination to cease publication of  Memory Makers magazine with the September/October 2009 issue and cancel the annual Memory Makers Masters competition. Since its inception in 1996, Memory Makers has been one of the leading magazines for scrapbooking enthusiasts. Likewise, the Memory Makers Masters program has provided an exciting outlet for scrapbookers to gain national recognition for theirinspirational and creative approach to the craft who went on to publish fabulous books and teach hundreds of classes and workshops.

The passion and dedication of the Memory Makers contributors, advertisers,vendors, staff, and readers these past 13 years is what has made this business so rewarding for those of us fortunate enough to publish the magazine. Sadly, in light of increased industry consolidation, severe advertising cut backs, poor economic conditions, and lack of new consumers coming to the hobby, we cannot continue to profitably publish the magazine on- or offline.

As we work to bring this last issue to closure, however, I want to take a moment and thank you for your role in crafting the Memory Makers story. The beautiful thing about this magazine is that it has memorialized the scrapbookers and scrapbooking companies forever that really launched this exciting hobby. We are proud and thankful for that heritage.

If you have any specific questions regarding this closure, please contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Teri Mollison

Vice President

Crafts/Genealogy & Specialty Sales

F+W Media, Inc.

P.S. Note: This announcement does not impact any of F+W Media, Inc.’s other businesses within the scrapbooking market. The company will continue to operate our Web presence at www.memorymakersmagazine.com and publish inspirational scrapbooking books under the Memory Makers Books imprint and produce the Great American Scrapbook Conventions (www.greatamericanscrapbook.com)

I saw this announcement  and I knew I had to post it. They had a great line.

Thank you for your patronage. Imagination Project has left the scrapbook industry. We really enjoyed our time in the industry and all the friends we’ve made, but the slowing economy and huge quantities of product being released so often caused us great concern.

I’m sad to announce that, Simple Scrapbooking will cease to publish in May; and so will it’s sister, Digital Scrapbooking Magazine. According to the publishers, as much as they tried so hard to save these 2 mags just did not have enough advertisers to keep it afloat. But it’s not all bad news. SS will somehow be folded into CK mag, so we do not completely lose the learning that we get from this mag. Unfortunately, It still won’t be the same.

Here is the Official Announcement of Lin Sorenson VP/Editorial Direct for CK Media.

I am saddened to share that, due to difficult conditions in both the economy and the publishing market, the May/June 2009 issue of Simple Scrapbooks magazine (on sale April 14) will be its last.

Since its founding in 2002, Simple Scrapbooks has been simplifying the process of scrapbooking for tens of thousands of scrapbookers worldwide, providing solutions that keep them engaged in and passionate about sharing their stories and memories. The end of Simple Scrapbooks as a magazine is not the end of this message. It will continue as part of Creating Keepsakes magazine, where, starting with the July 2009 issue, we will integrate Simple concepts and personalities into our editorial mix, and continue providing ideas and inspiration to help beginning and experienced scrapbookers alike fit scrapbooking into their busy lives.

Implementing these editorial changes does not mean Creating Keepsakes readers will lose the content they know and love. It only means that the magazine will be further enriched by the Simple Scrapbooks approach—the best of both worlds in one publication! With 75% of readers subscribing to both publications, CK Media feels this change will also benefit subscribers who are feeling the current economic hardships.

All current Simple Scrapbooks subscriptions will be honored through the May/June 2009 issue, at which point any remaining issues will be fulfilled by Creating Keepsakes magazine, beginning with the July 2009 issue. If you are already a subscriber to Creating Keepsakes, your subscription will be extended accordingly. Any questions regarding submissions can be directed to simplescrapbooks@emailcustomerservice.com or by calling 866/334-8149.

Thank you for your loyalty and support. We have enjoyed our association with you, our loyal readers, and look forward to continuing it as part of the Creating Keepsakes family.

Sincerely,

Lin Sorenson

VP/Editorial Direct

CK Media