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[rob16584]

How do we tell you this?

Sometimes things simply do not go as planned, or as desired. That unfortunately is the case with our re-launch of Computer Pilot Magazine after having bought it from the previous owner and publisher, PC Aviator, in the US. Producing the magazine is NOT the problem; we have our first brand new issue printed and ready (for many weeks now already!), filled with great content from our many loyal existing and new writers.
But the administration of subscriber’s records, address label production, AND shipping, have unfortunately ALL gone wrong in varying degrees while changing suppliers and procedures.

So now what?

It is obvious that continuing along this route is senseless. We will only upset more current subscribers, lose money, and have increasingly frustrated readers and staff. In hindsight, it would probably have been better to re-launch AFTER the summer and AFTER everything in the new organization was back in place. Maui Artwork had a good operation already going with its German Flight! magazine and presumed that Computer Pilot could seamlessly fit in and be handled by the same companies for subscriptions, payments, printing, and shipping.

Also, there was the issue of money, or rather lack of it. Maui Artwork committed to continue to deliver all new magazines to ex-PC Aviator's subscribers, but in the short term without receiving any money from them. So, in a sense, it was of utmost importance to re-launch and start gathering new subscribers to pay the immediate bills and secure the future of Computer Pilot Magazine.

Let's pause - and get it right

Maui Artwork is STILL determined to deliver the goods and make good on its promises of continuing subscriptions, even though delivering subscriptions of more than two years will just be impossible. We'll have to share the loss in those cases, BUT we’ll first get the basics in place and working.
We're implementing our OWN subscription system with a proper Renewal Notice function instead of inadvertently sending foreign-language invoices to existing subscribers. Due to contractual obligations we're still 'stuck' with MZV Direkt however. We are implementing NEW payment modules on the CPM website, finding NEW shipment methods and partners and making CERTAIN it will all work. And we'll continue to cut costs where possible, with already quite a few writers now working for more sustainable fees, or even for FREE, committing their time, skills, and enthusiasm to our readers and our hobby. And yes, we hope to find some more advertisers too, although the current issue with very few ads in it looks very nice and clean.

ONLY when we have done all that will we continue to produce and print new issues!

The future

So even though the above means more delays in delivering new magazine issues, which is unfortunate and frustrating for both readers and producers, it is the best decision – one that makes sense and one that will ascertain continuation of the magazine. This, in turn, means less money lost to current subscribers, who would have lost ALL their money if Maui Artwork would not have bought the rights from the previous owner; and, of course, it means great articles written by the best in the business, brought to you IN PRINT and DIGITAL for what really is a very low price!
Most of all it will mean a continuation of a flight simulation community and source that is unique in the world and aimed at GROWING the wonderful hobby of flight simulation again, maybe against all odds.
WE still believe in it, and we hope you'll support us in this quest!

What will change

Moving the magazine ownership, management and production from the US to Europe obviously implies some major changes. What does NOT change is the depth and quality of the content of course !

Here's some things that change:
• Price will be based on Euros and resulting US$ price depends on weekly exchange rates changes
• Support will be provided from both Europe and the US (where we have an agency)
• Subscriptions will be 4 or 6 issues ONLY, at a sustainable and reasonable price. No kiosk sales for the immediate future. Single digital issues will be available from webshops.
• Payment is preferred via Paypal, but we also take credit cards, checks (via a US affiliate) and international bank transfer
• Subscription administration is partly handled by a specialized German publisher, MZV Direkt, with which we already had a running contract
• Printed issues will be shipped from Europe, digital issues will be available from a few webshops and will be FREE for active subscribers
• We will honor most of the existing PC Aviator subscriptions although there are certain limits to what we can do.
• Computer Pilot will be much more interactive in future, with a new website and forums and special additional content for subscribers
• While we have kept most of the old writers team, we also have recruited a large number of new people, so you will see new content, styles of writing and knowledge displayed in our articles.


Most sincerely,
Marc Goergen
CEO of Maui Artwork, Luxembourg
Publisher of Computer Pilot Magazine