After a long day buying for the store at the Atlanta Gift Show I was checking my emails when I read in the subject line of one "Country Home Folds." The email was from a fellow freelancer letting me know that Country Home magazine was closing it's doors after 30 years. It all came as a big surprise to me and the staff. I had just received my field editor's newsletter. I was gearing up for a new year of projects and house scouting. At first I was in shock. I had been a reader of this magazine for close to 20 years myself so as a fan I was devastated. As a friend and colleague of some many at Meredith Publishing I was heart broken. What would all these people do? There were 40 people laid off at Country Home and an additional 210 throughout Meredith Publishing. The publishing world has taken quite a hit during these slow economic times. Cottage Living folded last month and Country Living is being re-organized so I don't think we have seen the last of it.And what of the void in my life? I had the good forturne to have projects published in Country Home and they photographed my home last year for a feature. I can only hope it will end up in another Meredith publication. I will hold on to the contacts I still have at in the hope that some work may come my way this year.
It is a sad day for those of us that were faithful followers of the magazine. I looked to it for constant inspiration and ideas for my home and shop. Matthew Mead, stylist supreme, was a source of delight for me in each issue. Maybe when all the dust settles and the economy makes a turn for the better we will see some new comers to the publishing world. I can only hope to see some familiar faces when it does.
9 comments:
How awful :( and I didn't know Cottage Living, one of my favorites, had folded as well.
this is so sad. I am a subscriber and avid reader of this magazine ........ hate to see it go
that breaks my heart..one of my most favorite magazines.
It is sad to see when anything like this, that has been around for so long and enjoyed by many, closes...looking forward to better days.
That is so sad to hear...
Oh man, another one bites the dust! I love this mag, look forward to it every month. I'm sorry, but the glowing screen will never take the place of a comfy chair and the feel of a favorite read in my hands.
Yikes! I just subscribed!
i was worried when the last issue was so small.....so, so sad
I just found this out from your blog ...and when I got the postcard from Home Companion a few days ago, I felt like a best friend had died! Since moving to Nebraska a few months ago so far from my Texas home, these magazines have been a big comfort to me. I think I have read them both since the very beginning. Please tell me there's still a Country Living?!?
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