Memory Makers Publicly Confirms Shut Down Plans; Memory Makers Masters Cancelled

Confirming what was reported here yesterday, Memory Makers Magazine has issued a public statement on their message board a few minutes ago confirming their plans to shut down after the Sept/Oct. 2009 issue.

The statement, issued in the name of F+W Media Crafts/Genealogy & Special Sales Vice President Teri Mollison, indicates that the company is canceling the Memory Makers Masters contest as part of the magazine's shutdown.

The statement is worded very similarly to the one attributed to the president of F+W Media quoted on Scrapbook Update yesterday:

The passion and dedication of the Memory Makers contributors, advertisers, vendors, staff, and readers these past 13 years is what has made this business so rewarding for those of us fortunate enough to publish the magazine. Sadly, in light of increased industry consolidation, severe advertising cut backs, poor economic conditions, and lack of new consumers coming to the hobby, we cannot continue to profitably publish the magazine on- or offline.

As we work to bring this last issue to closure, however, I want to take a moment and thank you for your role in crafting the Memory Makers story. The beautiful thing about this magazine is that it has memorialized the scrapbookers and scrapbooking companies forever that really launched this exciting hobby. We are proud and thankful for that heritage.

The company's Memory Makers Magazine website will continue in operation, as will the Memory Makers Books publishing imprint and their Great American Scrapbook Conventions.

Becky Fleck authored the bestselling book Scrapbook Page Maps: Sketches For Creative Layouts for Memory Makers Books,  and also wrote a column for Memory Makers Magazine based on the popular book's page maps concept. She had this to say to Scrapbook Update about the magazine's closure:

For me personally, I am saddened by the decision, as I have so enjoyed working with Memory Makers Magazine over the past two years. I will especially miss the magazine's wonderful editor, Beth Williams, who has been a joy to work with. I wish the entire editorial staff at MM the very best in their future endeavors. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to all of the talented artists who contributed to the PageMaps article over the past two years.