Tue 2008/08/19 06:24
Before I begin, I want to be very honest on something: Newtype-JP, I love you to death, always have and always will. This is solely about PiQ and I berate Newtype-JP none with this post. D: Some of you folks that are familiar with me know that PiQ magazine and I don't see eye to eye. We had quite the INTERNET BATTLE over my money after Newtype USA closed its doors and everyone with subscriptions to that magazine were forced to take PiQ subscriptions. There was lots of friction when the transition happened because PiQ was not all anime-manga-J-stuff like Newtype was and it didn't have the value, size or added goodies Newtype liked to bring in... Not only that, but no one had a 'choice'. Well, that was in March-April, as of today they are officially closed and they have vacated their offices. So that leaves many many otaku types short on a mag and even more short on the cash they've just been screwed out of. In any case, I successfully battled PiQ and won my cash back for the bait-and-switch they did, and now that they're in the process of vacating their offices, Otaku types that still have outstanding subscriptions should start going through the motions of getting their remaining value back. Not 100%, but prorated against the issues received. Here's some history, brief ranting, and also suggestions on how to contact your credit card for reimbursment at this post on Fuwablog.
Posted on Tue 2008/08/19 06:24 by
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Student & Authorized Chicken Slapper
That does suck. If you are going to close down, you should definitely refund at least a portion of the money back to the subscriber. Taking someones money and not giving the service, which is stealing.
(ID #269632) Posted on 2008/08/19 06:40
Medical Research and Design
You should see the way the handled the newtype-to-piq transition in the first place. You'd not be surprised at all. Differnet mag, smaller value, smaller size not even as anime-otaku-centric as Newtype was, but they forced it down everyone's throat. I really dislike that gang of people. I really do!
(ID #269635) Posted on 2008/08/19 06:44
PiQ announced their end months ago. But yeah, the magazine sucked big time. I'm one those unfortunate subscribers that got screwed out of my money. I literally just resubscribed to NewType USA only about a month before they closed down, and switched to PiQ. Needless to say, PiQ sucked, and now I'm out all that money.
(ID #269634) Posted on 2008/08/19 06:44
Medical Research and Design
Beg to differ, MARl0, but PiQ announced its closing last night at 8pm. It was Newtype USA that was announced closed months ago, which is what gave birth to the PiQ stuff in the first place. Like you, I was also one month into my initial subscription when all that happened as well. I fought and won through VISA, getting my cash back. You still have a chance if you used a credit card.
(ID #269636) Posted on 2008/08/19 06:47
Nope, this was announced back in June. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-14/freelancers-report-that-piq-july-issue-is-its-last http://www.mania.com/piq-closes-doors_article_73130.html Thanks for the advice though about getting my money back.
(ID #269639) Posted on 2008/08/19 07:00
Medical Research and Design
I stand corrected o_o I will also correct the source of the information as well. Thank you for the heads up D:
(ID #269640) Posted on 2008/08/19 07:05
Medical Research and Design
Ahh I see what happened now. The offices were officially vacated last night and they made their final arrangements with the freelancers. Still it should be clarified with the people that poked me with it. Thank you again for the correction!
(ID #269642) Posted on 2008/08/19 07:10
No problem! -_^
(ID #269644) Posted on 2008/08/19 07:13
I heard a rumor from my local newsagents that they may have gone bust but I guess this now confirms it. Pity really, I rather enjoyed the different articles along with the otaku ones.
(ID #269679) Posted on 2008/08/19 08:28
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
I was seriously gutted when Newtype USA went down... and just as I was getting used to PiQ.....they go down too.... it sucks...
(ID #269692) Posted on 2008/08/19 08:41
Programmer/IT/Student
Yep. Len, I have this same problem. My mom is actually getting ready to post a comment here right now about this. xD We're also trying to get our money back.
(ID #269737) Posted on 2008/08/19 09:47
Housewife, mom, dance instructor (used to b)
Hi everyone: Hope all are having a great day.!!! I am posting here because wickedclown knows I reported PiQ to BBB in Houston, Texas. Wick advised me I was not the only one that has had problems with them. My daughter Amereyana paid for a year's subscription last year which was her allowance money saved up to $89.95. In February/March they just sent a PiQ Magazine which here is against the law. They were supposed to advise of the change ahead of time and give you an opportunity to keep it or cancel it. We did cancel and went through the channels (mainly me calling and leaving a message, no return call or response), Finally, last week I got really inventive and started dialing all combo of numbers, and walla! Got someone left a message but they said to go ahead and report to BBB. I will keep you updated on the outcome. They do owe her about $75.00. She hated PiQ!
(ID #269740) Posted on 2008/08/19 09:53
Housewife, mom, dance instructor (used to b)
Help!!!! My two kids are trying to make me learn all about Anime all at once!!!!
(ID #269746) Posted on 2008/08/19 09:57
wow, I wish my mom were as cool at you, I don't think she'd spend the time to learn about anime
(ID #269753) Posted on 2008/08/19 10:07
Housewife, mom, dance instructor (used to b)
Thanks Nopy, But I insist the duties be done before all, so I would say they might not think I am that cool. I am just my age and like a few of the same things you guys like as you can see from the pic, I like Anju<--she is cool. I am not trying to be cool. Just an afficionado of Sci-fi/Cartoons and a few other things too. :)
(ID #269771) Posted on 2008/08/19 10:29
Programmer/IT/Student
Don't listen to her. xD She is a cool mom. She even plays MMOs.
(ID #269783) Posted on 2008/08/19 10:43
Medical Research and Design
She also has one of the most awesome icons ever... I must see the SOURCE. It looks EGL! MUST... GET. @_@
(ID #269821) Posted on 2008/08/19 11:54
Housewife, mom, dance instructor (used to b)
My favorite character Anju, here is the original :) http://www.flickr.com/photos/29689377@N04/2777686054/sizes/o/ I have some more if you would like. I will check tomorrow, for now good night.
(ID #270078) Posted on 2008/08/19 18:21
Student and Computer tech
Please excuse my ignorance, but I would like to know from what anime this Anju comes from? ^_^' Thanks! (En passant, le monde est petit, je t'ai croisé à la journée cosplay de l'imaginaire et je crois que tu travail pas très loin d'où je travail moi-même puisque, si je ne me trompe pas, je t'ai vu sur Charest en face de l'édifice du Soleil/CGI ce matin! ;))
(ID #273924) Posted on 2008/08/22 12:49
What's the reason of their fall? Though I bought one issue as sample.. I think they were trying to hit 4 birds in one pebble.. They had lots of stuff not in my frequency. Even if i did, it would be pretty much useless since i'm don't live in the USA. Me looking for an Anime Mag, it wasn't worth it.. Maybe i'll stick to our local thought Smaller Anime Magazine :)
(ID #269976) Posted on 2008/08/19 15:11
With seeing what happened and how they handled it, I'm happy I never subscribed to Newtype-USA. Was interested in it at first, bought a few mag but then noticed that almost each one was about Gundam and since I'm not really a Gundam fan, it kinda killed my interest. ^^;
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