National Geographic Adventure will cease operations, it was announced today, a victim of the down economy and systemic changes in publishing. The final issue is December/January, the Best of Adventure, which is on newsstands now.
The move follows a report by Folio on Tuesday that the National Geographic Society was trying to find a buyer for the struggling book, and rumors of a possible deal to sell NGA to Bonnier Corp. proved unfounded. Advertising pages were down 44 percent through the third quarter compared to last year, which was itself a tough year. It was no surprise that the magazine was struggling; all outdoor publications have suffered big drops in advertising and most have had layoffs. Like many, Adventure cut costs dramatically, including dropping from 10 issues a year to 8, but it wasn’t sufficient. Just a few issues after celebrating NGA’s 10th anniversary, the National Geographic Society decided enough was enough.
NGS released the following statement:
National Geographic is transitioning its Adventure brand from traditional print to a multi-platform model that will include newsstand editions, books, e-magazines, mobile applications and a robust Web site. National Geographic will also continue to honor the world’s great explorers and adventurers with the National Geographic Adventure Awards. “We’re tremendously proud of what John Rasmus and his team have accomplished over the last 10 years,” NG Publishing President John Q. Griffin said in making the announcement. “They have consistently delivered award-winning editorial to an enthusiastic audience of readers and advertisers. But given the current advertising environment and the opportunities we see in emerging digital platforms, we think the time is right to transition the Adventure brand.” Griffin shared the news at a staff meeting in New York today. A total of 17 staffers in New York and Washington are affected.
The New York office will remain open until December 18 while the business of shutting down goes on–returning photos to photographers, for example. Further details were not forthcoming and there was no word on exactly how Adventure would transition to a “multi-platform” model without a staff.
The sadness I feel at NGA’s passing is deep beyond words. Some of my dearest friends and most respected colleagues lost their jobs today, and though I have every confidence they will thrive in their new ventures, the dissolution of this amazing group of people has me heartsick. John Rasmus, the founding and only editor the magazine ever had, built a title that carried the National Geographic excellence into a world where people don’t just read about adventures, they create them for themselves. From nothing, he built a magazine that was sober, insightful, and wide-ranging, one that dwelt on the depths of the oceans and the heights of the tallest peaks, but that was intimately accessible to someone just venturing outdoors for the first time. The people he assembled over the years were and are some of the brightest and most gifted in publishing. It’s no small measure of his eye for talent that three of his past editors have gone on to make their mark as the top editors at Men’s Journal, Popular Mechanics, and Popular Science. The current staff is scary smart, deeply committed to the magazine, and fully connected to their pursuits they cover.
John called me about contributing to the magazine before it launched in 1999. At the time, I was freelancing for all the usual suspects-Outside, Men’s Journal, Backpacker-and I was intrigued by the concept of a National Geographic magazine about adventure. And it was funny, that first year or two. Whenever the staff in New York called on behalf of the magazine, they’d say, “Hi, I’m calling from Adventure magazine.” Those of us in the field would say, “Hi, I’m calling from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC…adventure.” They were so eager to stand on their own, separate from the mothership, but that gradually changed until they embraced NG fully and completely. I understood their desire to make their own mark, but was relieved when they pulled the yellow border closer. National Geographic is the most respected, influential magazine in the world. To travel under its banner is a blessing, an honor, and a gift. More important, it stands for a level of quality and striving for truth that is rare in the world of publishing. Oh, everybody tries hard at magazines, but working for a National Geographic title fills you with an imperative to uphold a century of journalistic heritage with great work. John set the bar high and never lost sight of it. Over the last 10 and a half years, I have been pushed, pulled, and challenged by my editors, in both editorial and photo, to live up to that, and I am better in every way for it.
For those of you who are just passing readers of the magazine, its demise might be a mere curiosity or random note of economic discord. But for those of us who care about good writing, great photography, insight and curiosity and advocacy for an engaged relationship with the world at large, it is a truly remorseful day. The outdoor culture is far emptier for this news. Magazines are, of course, businesses, and some of them are nakedly commercial. But some are built around an idea or a calling, and these, the best of them, can create an emotional bond with their readership based on shared philosophy, common passion, and mutual respect. National Geographic Adventure’s tagline, “Dream It. Plan It. Do It.”, is a powerful call to action. More critically, it puts the focus on the reader, where it should be, to get up, get out, and get going. If past experience is any guide, those of us who have been connected to National Geographic Adventure, either as readers, contributors, or both, will carry fragments of that DNA with us, whether we’re writing, shooting photos, or simply out in the world. The magazine might not have survived this economy, but its ideals will. And for that, we should be thankful.
Steve Casimiro
West Coast Editor
National Geographic Adventure
UNSOLICITED READER EMAIL:
“Just got my physical copy and I wanted to let you know how impressed I am with it.
“For some time now, I’ve been reading selected articles online and decided I enjoyed your content enough to actually pay for it.. but was not prepared for the quality of what you’ve sent me. Reading online did not fully convey the amazing photos and long articles that fill this thick and sturdy journal.
You have every right to be proud of your work, and I’m pleased beyond measure with what I’m getting for my money. Well done.”
Your first copy ships same day. $$ back if you don’t love it.
I am very sorry to see it go. I was (and will remain) a fan.
I too am sad to see you go. Can’t you close “Travel” instead? 😉
I totally agree. Adventure was excellent.
i’m truly sorry, both for you guys and for the outdoor community. we are less without you. my deepest sympathies and sincere hope for the future.
This is indeed a loss. National Geographic Adventure brought a unique light to experiences we enjoy and those we would like to. My best wishes go out to the incredibly talented staff in that they will find new venues to showcase their skills and continue to inspire us with words, photography and vicarious adventures.
you guys put out a great mag – i looked forward to reading it each issue. I have a notebook full of ripped out pages of ‘to dos’. Good luck with new adventures!
Me, too. My file cabinet is overflowing with Adventure articles and travel blurbs. The magazine has informed my trips to many great places and my dreams to explore new destinations. I really hope the Adventure content somehow gets folded into Traveler…
Thank you so much, NGA team, for taking us to amazing places and telling stories of adventure that kept us wanting more. We miss you already.
I am sad to see the magazine go. While I certainly spend my time on “multi-platform” media, nothing will ever beat leafing through the pages of a glossy.
Hardcopy memoirs of our various adventure experiences are a significant part of how I experience the adventure culture and NG Adventure did/does an excellent job at capturing it.
I couldn’t say it better: “The outdoor culture is far emptier for this news.”
I’m very sorry to be reading about this. Steve, your words have honored the book and its staffers well.
To the 17, your work is admirable and epic and as Steve says, you will thrive in your new ventures. Go forward confidently.
To you Steve and the staff at NG Adventure, your work will be gravely missed. I’ve enjoyed contributing to NG Adventure over the years and have always admired your photography and writing contributions as the West Coast Editor. You and the rest of the staff will be in my thoughts and prayers.
A product so good cannot stay under for so long. It may require a change of name and probably approach, but such talent and abilities will surface in time and reach its loyal fans. Please keep me posted. You have done a great job and continue to inspire…
This is definitely a tragic loss. I loved those magazine. The images were spectacular and only made me want to visit every place I saw and dream of being both a NG photographer and writer. NGA will surely be missed =(
Very sad. As a charter subscriber I will not have NGA to look forward to every month now. As a freelance outdoor writer, my dream of one day getting published in NGA will never be fulfilled.
Thanks for the great words and images and all the best for the future.
Steve – I’m so sorry to hear NGA will no longer be in print. Here’s to bigger and better projects for you!
Steve! This is a sad announcement, indeed! 🙁
Wow. You guys were doing strong work. I’ll miss the magazine. It’s a dark day for adventure.
wow – i am shocked and saddened. nat geo adventure filled an important niche in the industry. and…got me stoked for activities and events outside of my normal routine. i really an bummed to hear this. i hope someone picks it up and keeps the writers and editors on board.
It has been a pleasure working with all of you over the years. Thanks for putting out such a great publication. Best of luck to all of you.
Such a bummer to hear this, Steve. I’m going to miss the magazine and going on adventures every month through your eyes! I wish the best of luck to you and all the staff – you created a great thing together and I hope it does continue to carry on, as the release states.
So sad to see it go. Perhaps NGA editor/writers can ban to create an independent online news site that models NGA.
Terrible news! NGA was the only good outdoor magazine that I could turn to ever since Outside turned into a magazine more concerned with fashion and men’s health than outdoor adventure.
This is a huge loss to the outdoor community.
I’m also sorry to see it go. Just last week we were talking about the dire state of travel publishing (on paper) and someone said, “I don’t think National Geographic is going away anytime soon”. Adventure was certainly my favourite NG title and I wish all staff and freelancers the best of luck in finding new, fulfilling and well-paid gigs.
Agree with all the “wows” – surprising to hear it is really happening and also saddened by the loss of such a great publication. But the spirit will live on both in those who built the magazine and those who were impacted by it – that’s a powerful legacy to leave.
I’m gutted. I too was a charter subscriber, and NGA was a critically-important part of not only the media landscape, but my job as well. Thanks for the eloquent requiem, Steve.
Not sure what to say other than…WTF?????
Very sad news indeed. I hope the talented editors land on their feet with promising opportunities they deserve. Sabine was a great Photo Editor.
I am truly saddened by this news. As someone who works in the outdoor industry (and lives an outdoor life), National Geographic Adventure was my monthly in-depth guide of places I aspire to go. I will miss this world-class publication and my monthly temporary vacation to far away places.
I looked At NGA as a multiple-disciplined doers book with unrivaled pedigree. Certainly the economy and media trends are predictable factors in the demise of any magazine, but one with this readership? I’m saddened. NGA had the journalism, photography and distribution to make any editor drool. All the best to this amazing staff.
Wow. I am saddened to hear this. – my favorite magazine is gone. Many, many thanks to all of those who poured their creative talent into this magazine. I thoroughly enjoyed every single issue. The thought never occurred to me that it may not always be around. I’m thankful that I was able to enjoy it from the beginning of it’s run all the way to the end.
Nat Geo Adv was something I looked forward to each month. Its a crying shame to lose you guys.
THANK YOU NGA staff & contributors for putting such an amazing publication together for so many years. As a subscriber in the most unadventurous state, I will miss the magazine very much.
Great words Steve, thanks for putting this together. “those of us who have been connected to National Geographic Adventure, either as readers, contributors, or both, will carry fragments of that DNA with us, whether we’re writing, shooting photos, or simply out in the world.” Best of luck to those affected by this loss.
Bad news in many regards.
A fine publication that I enjoyed reading, pitching and using to plan my own adventures.
Sad news. I wish the best to all the great people whom I worked with there. I hope it at least opens up new opportunities.
From all of us at Wend, our thoughts are with you. The Outdoor industry is a family, and you guys are a big part of it.
To the Adventure staff: I’m terribly sorry to hear this news, its rather shocking. I wish everyone the very best, and I feel very fortunate and proud to have been an intern and worked with you all.
shit!
Sorry to see it go, I just about to renew my subscription too
You said it so well Steve. Sad day for sure. And BTW, your contribution to the magazine was also so incredibly integral to the quality of the content.
Wow, so sad to see this happen. Praying that everyone finds work.
Thanks for a decade of amazing adventure, inspirational photography and helpful tips. You are all very talented and we will, as we always do, reconnect in the tribe of the open skies, crackling fire and raw adrenaline.
Thinking of all of you….
Adventure magazine has long been a benchmark for my own aspirations and I am deeply saddened to see it go. I wish the best to all of its talented staff.
So saddened the more I think about this and about all the amazing, and as you said Steve, the scary smart people who have been so dedicated. The magic you all created working together is undeniable. I will miss the mag because I will miss your alchemy. May you all find a new adventure that fills your sails and is enjoyable as a perfect fall line.
I am saddened to read this, it’s a huge blow for the outdoor industry, the writing community and adventure in general. It’s been an honor being a small part of the mag., and I will miss reading it — and dreaming up pitches for it!
sad news idead.
best luck to the staff.
what are you gonna do Steve?
😉
Keep on inspiring us all.
best,
Thanks for asking. It’s premature to talk about what’s next for me. We’re all just trying to wrap our heads around it. As any of you who’ve been through something like this have learned, it’s one thing to know that closure is a possibility, but it’s another to have it happen. But if I do have something appropriate to share, I’ll do it here on the Adventure Life.
Also, I think I can speak for everyone at the magazine when I say that your good wishes and condolences mean a lot. Thank you.
This is very sad news. Everyone who works and writes in the outdoors looked to NGA as the gold standard.
Very sad news, indeed. Since I started working with outdoor and fitness products at Garmin, I’ve been able to get to know many of the NGA staff. It’s been a pleasure to work with each of you, and I found myself enjoying the magazine’s unique blend of education and inspiration. I’ll miss living vicariously through your stories and photos. Trade shows, trips to New York and my inbox won’t be the same.
Wishing each of you the best,
— Jake
Sad, sad news. Hooked from the first time I came across a copy in a hotel library in Belize, I’ve seldom seen Adventure on newsstands in Europe, but have been a subscriber for the last 4 years – one of the very few magazines to maintain my interest, I carry the latest edition wherever I go.
Good job guys.
this mag kicked ass. but all is not lost is it—not to make light of the people who are losing jobs and such. can’t the spirit of ‘adventure’ be kept alive in the online and other platforms discussed at the opening? can’t journalists and photogs still contribute there? or does losing the physical mag mean a lot of that disappears? only asking as i know a lot of traditionally print-only formats are facing these challenges. as a tangent, am impressed with what natl geo has done on their youtube channel; the footage in there is mind boggling—similar effect to what used to happen when there was only the print version to communicate that…
What a sad day! I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work for such a stellar publication. Some of my best memories to date came from those incredible adventures with Steve, Caroline and crew. I’m hopeful that such talented people will continue to thrive elsewhere.
I’ve seen far too many great magazines disappear over the years, but the loss of National Geographic Adventure is particularly saddening. As you said, Steve, NGA helped bridge the gap of reading about adventure, to living a life of adventure. It will be missed.
So sad! I have always been inspired by reading Adventure and consider the writers and editors friends. I feel privileged to have worked with you all and am hopeful of your next adventures!
For years I’ve looked forward to the latest issues of NGA and a similiar magazine (O**side ;). Originally I favored the other one but as of late have found myself more drawn to the editorial content of NGA.
You and your work will be missed. Thank you for informing and inspiring the adventurers in all of us.
Very nice post, Steve–bummer it had to be on such a sad subject. I’m excited to see what the future holds for you, though…this economy isn’t pretty, but I have faith that we’ll all figure out fresh, challenging paths sooner than later.
–Dimity
I have been a subscriber since the first issue of adventure and I want to take a view of this situation through a different lens.(No pun intended) As great a magazine this is and has been in every aspect from, photography, writing, articles, everything, hell I even liked the ads, it appears that as a business, some things may have been missed.
Communication with its subscribers is a key one. As a long time subscriber I had no idea Adventure was in trouble financially. Without lecturing on running a business, If Adventure had corresponded with me about this situation (like some other orgs. I subscribe to) I would have gladly paid 3 times (or more) my current subscription rate (17.95)to help them during this economic downturn, but I was never ask. I understand the drastic fall in ad revenue but you can’t always cost cut your way into the black, sometimes you have to raise price.
Now, Adventure may have looked at this and determined the subscription price increase needed to offset the (hefty) ad revenue shortfall would be untenable for subscribers. However, given the reader demographic of adventure and their median income I would have explained the situation and ask the customer. Based on all the comments here they may have been surprised by the response.
This would not have been the first subscription I had heard from.
While it may not have been enough to offset the ad revenue decline it could have staved off the demise until the consumer starts spending again.
This will be my recommendation on the adventure site as well.
Steve, best of luck to you, you do great work! Maybe post a quick poll asking who would be will to take rate increase to offset the ad revenue shortfall. (which I am assuming was the issue)
Thoughts anyone?
Just got the news.
Only today I was doing some cleaning and when issues of Adventure came up, i’d decide to stash them away instead each and every time.
Your format, impressive photo layouts, and inspirational stories will be hard to replicate.
Good luck to all. Endure!
Sad news indeed. Getting my NGA mag in the mail always made for a better day. I will miss it greatly. I feel very honored to have had a photo published in the mag. It was a dream come true.
To the NGA staff, its hard to keep good people down. I know you all will prosper in your future endeavors.
This makes me really sad, This just seemed like my national geographic. Sometimes the Original just seemed like it was for my parents and Adventure felt new, fancy and not for a 58 year old.
sorry to hear the news today! you created a fantastic publication and will be greatly missed. best of luck to you all…
Those of us with an adventurous spirit have lost a true resource that has always been inspiring, interesting and spot on. I read nearly every book recommendation NatGeo Adv gave – and can’t imagine my bookshelf without the gems they highlighted.
There are those magazines you feel bad about going away, and then there are those that you just know, by going away, will leave your life a little less rich, a little less informed.
To the staff — here’s to the next grand adventure — get out there, live life, and report back. We’ll be waiting!
I’m really sad to hear NGA is closing down. Good luck to all the staff, and good luck with the digital transformation.
There is no eloquent way to say this so I’m just going to blurt it out, “This friggin’ sucks.” NGA has been my favorite outdoor magazine since its inception. I’m really bummed by this news.
My best wishes to the staff. May this be an opportunity for you to grow and pursue other interests.
I was sorry to receive a link to this information. I don’t have every issue but I believe I have the first one somewhere. I met a photographer that had several NGA covers to his name. We were both working for the same regional magazine at the time. I decided that a measure of success for my career would be landing an assignment for National Geographic Adventure. I hate that I missed out on that one.
Such a shame that a magazine that was not afraid to challenge those in positions of power and influence has folded. Twelve months ago I was lucky enough to photograph in India alongside National Geographic Adventure contributing editor Paul Kvinta. We were investigating the alarming reduction in Rajasthan’s tiger population. Paul’s article argued that those in charge needed to be held to account for the loss of tigers. By the tone of his angry response to Adventure’s editors, the Chief Warden of Rajasthan’s parks service clearly demonstrated that our feature had hit the mark. Photo editor Sabine Meyer and her colleague Mike Benoist quite rightly regarded the Chief Warden’s letter as confirmation that they were doing the right thing. Its a sorry day when a magazine brave enough to provoke official outrage – and in the process contribute to positive change – closes down. It was a pleasure working with Sabine and her talented colleagues. I hope it isn’t long before they find exciting new avenues to explore.
Sad to see it go – it was definitely a unique Adventure mag. All the others have transformed themselves into something less than what they started as (Outside, Backpacker, etc) while NGA remained exactly what it always was. That consistency was what made it great…hope you all do well in the unfortunate aftermath.
Nicely said, Steve. Couldn’t agree more about the DNA and tagline. Sincere condolences.
Very well said, Casimiro. Hopefully their digital rebirth will continue in the traditions they created.
Steve: I am so proud to have had you and NGA visiting us in Molde Norway! A milestone! The adventures in the November 2009 issue will forever be a big “fragment of my DNA”. I am confident that your work and visions still will be available to us through other “channels”. Please tell us your plans when ready. I am still here…planning your next adventure in Molde! Did
I credit NGA for my own adventure stylings across the last decade. My brother in law are section hiking the AT and I was inspired by the magazine to start. You all have done great work and I know it will continue in various formats, but I will very much miss seeing Adventure in my mailbox each month.
Thank you all for your very kind words – it has been amazing working with and knowing many of you…
this particular “Adventure” might be over, but I look forward to all our continued adventures!
open eyes
open mind
open heart
and go!
There is nothing that COMPARES to NG
What a devastation
Thank you Steve, for expressing yourself and giving us a place to come together and pay our respects. I’ve enjoyed working with you, Cliff and Caroline the past few years – and am looking forward to hearing about your continued adventures.
Steve, very well said. Thanks for your thoughts. It’s hard for me to express how sad I am. Adventure was a great magazine, and the people who put it together are outstanding, creative, and, you said it, scary smart. Thanks to them (and on a self-serving note), it was one of my all-time favorite magazines to write for. I only hope everyone finds a wonderful new endeavor, including yourself! (I have no doubts.)
Hey Steve, Holy crap! I’m shocked with the news and very bummed! It was great getting to know you back when I was at NGA. I always look forward to your stories, photography and gear reviews.
Best of luck in your pursuits. No doubt it will be interesting and fun, whatevr you do! And look me up if your travels ever include Costa Rica. –Jane
Carry on Steve! I’m so sorry for the loss, I’m glad we were on the receiving end of 10 fine years of NGA. I look forward to seeing it live on via you, Cliff, Catharine and the rest of the team…
boo
Does anyone know what National Geographic’s going to do for Adv. subscribers who are paid through next year or beyond?
I am sad to see the end of NGA. I read from issue one and loved getting the magazine in the mail. It was what Outside now is not. So Sad.
My sub still has 18 months on it. Read on NY Times website that current subscribers will be able to get either NG or NG Traveler. If that is true guess I’ll opt for NG until my sub expires
Honestly, this feels like a death in the family. I really do hope NGS devotes resources to figuring out what a successful “multi-platform” model looks like and then re-enlists its deeply talented bench of writers, photographers, editors and behind the scenes staff to bring to the world a new vision of 21st century storytelling in a way befitting a brand that personifies intelligent exploration.
Like Cas, I’ve been with John and Adventure since before the premiere issue. Had the second cover story back in 1999, when I managed to convince Rasmus that a story on summer in Death Valley would be a good thing. It was.
The voice and thrust of NGA was adventure for all of us, without the cynicism and hipper-than-thou tone that some other magazines regard as their lifeblood.
I’ll miss it as a reader, not just as editor at large. (Hey, now I’m REALLY an editor at large!) John Rasmus, his stellar staff, Steve Casimiro… all us involved in a great adventure…can hold heads high. And know there’s a lot more adventure out there.
John Rasmus and in particular Michael Benoist always treated us well – like honored guests each time we visited them in the city. We always left feeling energized, exploding with ideas, impatient to climb something, curious to poke into the far reaches of the world. Indeed, them made us feel as if crossing the street outside their office in NYC was now going to be as challenging as fording the Amazon – and during rush hour it was.
We will miss the great coverage, the guides, the gear, and the genuine love for nature that was the hall mark of each issue.
Don’t stop exploring guys – and don’t stop telling the story. We need more not less voices in the battle for planet earth.
Good luck – and with many many thanks –
M. Sanjayan
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
Well I’ll treasure my stack of NGADV even more.
Thanks NGADV for a great run, good luck to all of you in your futures.
RIP NGA. Stand up ovation for all accomplished over the last ten years.
This is sad news. I read many outdoor and adventure magazines, but Adventure was my favorite. It will be mised.
Steve: your comment about scary smart people getting the ax hit me where it hurts — I can’t count the number of incredibly good people I worked with in two decades of newspapering who are either out of work or out of the industry.
I’m sure you’ll bounce back quick (even sooner than you may suspect). We’re all reinventing ourselves these days.
Living in a place(India) where the magazine can’t be obtained from news-stands and where ordering it would probably mean paying a lot of delivery, I can still feel some sadness. I haven’t read NGA, but I am sure it would confirm to the standards set by NG. It is a sign of future to come where most publications will have to be entirely online.
I am truly saddened by this news. The loss of NGA is a big blow to the outdoor industry and to all of us who were inspired by its riveting photographs and stories of adventure over the years. You all are so talented and I look forward to seeing where you go from here. Best wishes and thanks for a great magazine!
I agree with what the commenter, Jack Copeland, said above. Why didnt they simply start raising the subscription rates? I would have been glad to have paid 3-5 times what I was presently paying for a subscription.
I consider this a tragic loss. I am a long time reader and had hope that NGA would be inspiring me for years to come.
Steve, I look forward to seeing your new online venture. As a charter subscriber I’ve really enjoyed Nat Geo Adventure and hate to see it go like this. You and your staff are a credit to yourselves and Nat’l Geographic.
Extremely sad news that has not been easy to fully wrap my head around. I fortunately had the pleasure of working with some of the staff at NGA who were some of the most passionate, hard working & dedicated folks in the industry. NGA always helped motivate all of us to stay true to our passions and enjoy what we love: adventure & the outdoors. Amazing content month after month but most importantly just an amazing group of people that made it happen.
Best of luck and thank you.
Eloquent as always, Steve. Nat Geo Adventure was of the few magazines that still believed in actual reporting and real editing.
It kills me when a great magazine folds. But what bothers me even more are all the shitty ones that don’t. Stand in front of any 7-11 magazine rack and try to find something worth reading.
Sadly, Adventure goes under, but a dozen US Weekly knockoffs remain.
I’m very sorry to be reading about this. Another great magazine goes away… I am a long time reader also in Italy. Best of luck for all the team.
The staff- leader and quality of work was first class, life is an adventure and the path is unknown, i wish everybody great new futures.thanks. Skip Yowell
Yeah, yeah, but I just renewed my overseas subscription (not cheap at all) and I haven’t heard a single word from these people…. Bad, bad policy towards customers.
Two things to consider. First, it’s been a week since National Geographic made this announcement and I don’t think anybody can expect a change of this magnitude to be addressed overnight. Also, the circulation is over 600,000. You won’t be hearing from the magazine.
Second, when a magazine shuts down, publishers typically transfer the remainder of your subscription to the next closest title they own. Rodale’s Best Life folded earlier this year and they switched my subscription to Men’s Health. I’m not happy about it, but that’s how it works. And maybe I’ll learn how to get six-pack abs. In the case of Adventure, I believe you will be receiving NG Traveler. If this is unacceptable to you, you should look on nationalgeographic.com under circulation or subscriptions and see if there is any contact information.
NGA was, hands-down, my favorite magazine. I hope it’s able to live on even somewhat online, and now I’m royally pissed about my compulsive de-cluttering and recycling habits.
Steve, I can only imagine the impact this is having on you. My condolences. I’m even more grateful you started Adventure Journal now.
I love this magazine! As a subscriber since the very first issue, I have always found it to be the perfect mix of travel ideas, engaging stories, gear advice and just topics that seemed to be made exactly for me and others with an adventure travel spirit…YES, even the ads!
I have referred most of my friends to subscribe over the years and continue to read each issue and tear out and save pages for my bulging “future travel ideas” file. I was shocked to hear of the magazine’s demise and am extremely sad!
To all you Adventure writers and editors please keep feeding us the good stuff you do so well – I hope that by following your passion it will open new doors to income and financial success that allow you to continue evolving your creative talents.
NGA was one of my favorites, and I have subscriptions to Outside, MJ, Backpacker…an inspirational, global adventure mag that wasn’t just an extended advertisement for certain lodges or ecotours. I looked forward to each issue. The slow demise of print media should be mourned; I have no interest to sit in my comfortable chair with a glass of scotch and peruse the techno “Multi-platform” media offerings of Adventure.
I just read the Dec issue back to front, and was trying to figure out how do I order this thing! It was truly amazing…I loved the exposes on all the best adventurers…the whole magazine was compelling, smart, mature and accessible….this is indeed a sad day.
OMG!! I just went to renew my subscription, figured that’s why I hadn’t received this month’s new issue, and found this. Seriously, I feel like I just lost my dog. This was the best magazine on the market. I got so many adventure travel ideas from the magazine, I’m going to be lost without it. This sucks!!
I’m bummed. I’ve been trying to figure out how to renew my subscription over the last few months and could not understand why my account was not recognized by NG nor could I find the subscription page. By far my favorite magazine as it sparked by imagination as I planned for future adventures. Not sure where the next best resource will be. Thanks for the years of great stories and coverage.
I was very disappointed to hear that NG Adventure magazine was ceasing operations. This was a very good magazine, in my opinion, better than NG Traveler. I hope someone decides to start the magazine up again. I miss it.
I’m still heartbroken, truely an excellent outside magazine. still miss you…R.I.P