Food Network: Magazine, yes; Web site, uh, no
Circulation figures for the Food Network magazine are climbing, nearing the 1 million mark after starting at about 400,000 last fall. The next issue comes out May 5 and focuses on grilling. with Surprise! Bobby Flay front and center. Plus it includes a pull-out booklet that includes 50 summer drinks.
I've liked the magazine since its debut and wish it came out every month instead of just six. However, that's probably what will keep it profitable right now. Print media is really suffering through the lousy economy. It's advertising that keeps it going; not those low, low, low subscription rates.
While I give high marks to the magazine, my thumbs are pointed way down on Foodnetwork.com. It used to be a great place to look for recipes and find out show times, but these days it moves at a snail's pace. A redesign a few months ago has made it unfuriating to use. What's up with that? *
Boy do I ever agree with you about the infuriating Food Network web site-I have complained many times to them about the slowness and how it often freezes up my computer-have never ever heard back from them.
Posted by: Susan Shepard | April 22, 2009 at 06:56 AM
How did you complain? Via e-mail? I've heard from other readers and they also say they don't get any response.
Posted by: Stir Crazy | April 22, 2009 at 10:44 AM
I have-over and over again-complained by email. My last "rant" was the rehiring of Robert Irvine but honestly my list of grievances regarding the network, in general,could be endless.
Posted by: Susan Shepard | April 23, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Do tell, Susan. What else to you hate?
Posted by: Stir Crazy | April 23, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Will send you an email re your question. Believe it or not though , there are things (programs, people )that I do like...Ina Garten, Giada's recipes, the Neeleys, Ellie Krieger and several others. Don't miss Emeril (that's another story) but I do miss Sara Moulton and a few others.
Posted by: Susan Shepard | April 24, 2009 at 07:40 AM
I tried to get on today and like the previous writers, I found it to be unusable. It also locked up my compute. What a shame. It was such a great resource for recipes and info on the shows.
Posted by: RAYSWIN | April 30, 2009 at 02:08 PM
I have been reading the Nv/Dec issue to twig my memory As a senior citizen this is not always easy. However, focusing on the "Cheese Cake Factory's Pumpkin Cheese Cake" - I suddenly had a memory blast!!!I have a book called "Top Secret Restaurant Recipes" and the pumpkin cheese cake is in there! I have made your rendition several times and the latest one was this past weekend. I have also had the Factory's at the restaurant. I have to say - even though your is more time eonsuming and has a few more ingredients it is to die for. Yours is 10" and the factory's is 8". Yours has sour cream, factory doesn't; the spices are a bit different-the factory calls for cinnamon, nutmeg & allspice. because of the size difference it obviously has less cream cheese, less eggs, etc.
It is most exciting when my memory kicks in!! Just sosyaknow!!
Posted by: Priscilla Winter | June 30, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Since I am already on the page I guess I will also vent. I get a little upset with the lack of self respect tjat some of the young ladies who choose to display the clevage! I mis the class that Sara Molton has and her hair was never hanging over the food she was preparing. I would think that the food network would have some policies that would/should be followed. This haair thing is a health issue - is it not?
Some of your "cooks" are grossly over wxposed. Rachael Rae. the neely's, and that Guy something. There has got to be more talent out there!!
Posted by: Priscilla Winter | June 30, 2009 at 10:33 AM