The Sewing Place
Resources => Courses & Classes => Topic started by: dolcevita on October 08, 2020, 10:51:46 AM
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One of my sewing friends alerted me to an extremely good value offer for an annual premium membership with Craftsy. They gone through some problems recently with various takeovers and customer service difficulties, but if you're new to them (or don't have a current membership), it's an excellent online resource. The premium membership is normally $80 per year and the offer price is $5 for the year. It's not just sewing - there's knitting, decorating, painting, cooking, etc.
You do need to use facebook to get hold of the offer, although when I went through it did apply a particular coupon code. I can't use it yet as I've bought classes from Craftsy in the past and they automatically gave me a premium membership until 16th October. If I can get a good price, I will renew then as I haven't had a subscription in the past and there are some classes that OH would like to use.
It seems that to get the code/invitation, you need to look at Craftsy via FB; you probably won't see any offer (I didn't) but then the following day, it will appear in your feed. I looked yesterday and found nothing but had the offer today.
If you already have an account with them, or a taster membership in my case, you won't be able to renew until your current one expires.
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I've seen this. I was briefly tempted but ultimately, it's not something I need.
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Seems very good value. Evidently my membership expires 16th October too! Thanks for that.
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The offer runs out soon and the code you need is: a24127
I tried it and it worked and it looks pretty good.
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Thanks @WildAtlanticWay just done it and it works fine on their website.
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Thanks @WildAtlanticWay
I just remembered to sort this before the code ran out and it worked. Now I have a year to decide if subscribing will be worth it.
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For $5 (£3.80) I couldn't really resist this. Thanks for the thread @dolcevita and for the remnder and working link @WildAtlanticWay . No chance I'll be paying full price though ($80) so I'll cancel the automatic renewal and put a reminder on my phone to let them know a few days before it comes round.
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I emailed Craftsy to cancel my automatic renewal and I've just had confirmation of this back from them and I see my card details are no longer held there. I really don't want any surprises and I have to say I'm pleased by their speed in dealing with my request.
Just posting this in case it prompts any one else to do the same
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This is exactly what put me off taking advantage of the offer. Good for you, @Vezelay.
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Thanks for the reminder. I have just sent my email and await as speedy a reply as you had.
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I just changed the expiry date of my card to before it's due to renew, but will also email them, thanks @Vezelay .
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Got my renewal cancellation acknowledgement.
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I've just been offered a year's membership for $2.49! Can someone tell me which email address you used to cancel the automatic renewal? The T&Cs give a phone number but no email address.
There's no sign of the fabric shop reopening. :'(
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OK - no problem, I've found the email address on the blurb above the credit card details. :thumbsup:
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I saw the $5 subscription offer on facebook but it kept taking me back to my old membership without the offer. It rather annoyed me as I'd never had a subscription, only bought 'forever' classes and hadn't registered after the relaunch to get the free 45-day offer either as I'd downloaded my bought classes just before Bluprint expired and was busy with other sewing. Nevertheless I was considered to have an account :headbang:
Then it occurred to me that I might be able to take advantage of it using my home email and that worked just fine. :) I've left multiple reminders next November to stop my automatic renewal together with a screenshot of the details how to do it!
I've started watching the dolls clothes lessons, not because I feel I need it but because they outline the difference between the 18" dolls - useful for patterns designed for different brands and knowing beforehand which may need some tweaking, as well as the ideas on mini fasteners and simplified techniques for my giant hands sewing tiny things. Some fun sewing coming up even though it won't make a big hole in the stash.
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You can email them and ask them to cancel the auto renewal straight away if you want to - I did it a couple of days after I took out the subscription.
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I edited the expiry date of my credit card to May next year to prevent renewals- theoretically their system should error it or the CC company will throw a tizz because the details arent right...
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Very sneaky Roger - I like it! 0_0
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I didn’t realise you could fib about the expiry date. I would have thought I’d get a “computer says NO message”
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I would have thought it would throw up an error as not all the info matches
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@Roger
That doesn’t guarantee they won’t debit your bank account sadly. Something to do with you having agreed to an auto renewal. That’s why you have to specifically cancel the auto renewal with the company directly, rather than rely on the card company declining payment.
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the Craftsy set up is odd, and lets you update the expiry date of the card after you've paid - which I've never seen anywhere else. if I attempted to pay with a card with the wrong expiry date the bank should definitely throw it out. To be fair you could probably change just about any other detail too like the card number and its definitely not going to work after that.
@WildAtlanticWay you're not thinking of direct debit are you? because that accesses your account directly and grants the holder the ability to update the amount and doesn't expire until the end of the contract? while card payments should respect the details provided on the card and if they're wrong the bank should refuse them as they appear to be fraudulent.
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I've succumbed. :| Please could someone tell me what details they are putting in the email to cancel the auto-renewal?
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All I said was that I took out membership on such-and-such a date and would like to cancel the automatic renewal, that although I hoped they would be able to tempt me to renew I prefered it not to happen automatically.
I think that as long as it comes from the email address you use for Craftsy they won't need any other details.
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What do you know? I emailed Craftsy yesterday to cancel the direct debit and just received a reply acknowledging they were cancelling my automatic renewal. That was quick.
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I just canceled my membership. It was set to renew the 29th so the 28th was plenty of time. ;) I managed to use my remaining 9 class credits first.
I'm going to talk to them about a deal as I watched one class this year. I actually watched some other things too but none of that was brought from bluprint to the new Craftsy. It isn't worth $79 or even the $39 I paid for 2020 when you compare features. No more shopping with free shipping, no more fabulous fabric at great prices, no more tai chi class :'( , etc. And the scrap quilt classes-gone! >:)
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I had to call Craftsy to cancel as the website is still buggy and some parts aren't working. She said I could indeed sign up for $5 so Wednesday my account reflected the cancelation and I signed right up after being directed to log in to my existing account.
I was also offered an upgrade for an additional $9. It provides 8 own forever classes and 10 patterns. It includes an "ask an expert " component, coming soon.
Turns out you apparently only get to choose from a list of about 50 preselected classes, not the 1500 they offer. Most are a vague description, no mention of the instructor. There's a button to click for more information but all it did was show me a larger copy of the class photo. The few I checked weren't part of the regular class offerings so there was basically no way to get information about them until you redeemed the coupon code for them.
I'll probably be canceling that upgrade.
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@Renegade Sewist, someone on Pattern Review provided a list of those classes. Not sure the link will work but the list is on this page: https://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/117495/2
If not, the thread is called “Any insight on Craftsy Gold?”
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Hello all-
Craftsy is now offering a membership for $3 for new members.
Since i really like "He sewed, She sewed" i fugured for that alone it was worth it.
WD
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I've been a member for years but when the Bluprint thing was failing I downloaded about 80 classes. At first my enticement back was 10% off etc etc it finally came down to $2.49 but I'm very wary of the automatic renewal thingy. Besides is there anything new beyond the 80+ I've downloaded?
I'll hold fire and see what happens with any new classes as I think it may take me a time to work through my 80+ classes!! :|
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I took out membership when it got down to about $2.99, and emailed straight away to say that I didn't ant to renew automatically, so would they remove my credit card details. They replied remarkably quickly, and did just that - I could see that they had gone when I logged into my account.
I think someone ( @Bodgeitandscarper ?) also changed the expiry date of their card in their account in case they didn't get around to removing the details quickly enough.
I haven't watched any videos - video classes are not really my thing - but I have downloaded a number of patterns that go along with the classes!
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Yes, that was me, but I did also recently email them to ask for it not to be renewed, and they replied very quickly as I recall.
I've not actually found anything of any use on there yet...
Maybe I'm not looking hard enough, and I hate watching videos too, but it seems to be too much trouble for people to actually write down instructions for things these days.
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I flagged all Craftsy's bugging emails as spam and that is where they go without bothering me.
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I keep mean)nag to watch some more of Alison Smith's Tailoring before my offer runs out. But always find something else to do. :thinking:
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I have just received an email from Craftsy offering me Premium membership at a discount if I rejoin.
25% off so only £44.45 for the first year.
Now I did join for the first year - but just realised that I have never sat down and watched the classes I already saved.
With so much available via other sources I think I will save my money.
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They must be getting desperate - I had an email offering renewal for FIVE DOLLARS!
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Having joined last year for $2.99 and not used it, they're now offering me a renewal at $40. Not going to happen - I only joined last year because I hoped their shop was going to open up again, but there's no sign of that.
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@Sewingsue i might be tempted if had another renewal for that amount. I have to say I think the newer classes I have seen advertised have been like so many other things nowadays…….basic, dumbed down and not for me. And I find it annoying to have to go through so much dross before finding anything advanced or interesting. Of course I could be doing it wrong! :thinking: :rolleyes:
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I haven't renewed my membership but I still get almost weekly offers for premium membership at 2.49 (can't remember if it's dollars or pounds!! 0_0). It's always a 'last offer' and a 'get it before it's gone' type and this has been going on for almost a year now. I rarely watch the classes I do own and haven't seen anything new I'd want so I'm not tempted.
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@Sewingsue i might be tempted if had another renewal for that amount. I have to say I think the newer classes I have seen advertised have been like so many other things nowadays…….basic, dumbed down and not for me. And I find it annoying to have to go through so much dross before finding anything advanced or interesting. Of course I could be doing it wrong! :thinking: :rolleyes:
You have hit the nail on the head there! Every time you look for inspiration on a new challenge you get inundated with beginners hints. Even if you google advanced sewing techniques you end up with nothing but learners techniques.
If you are looking for something in particular you may as well search on you tube as it is more likely to be there than somewhere like Craftsy
BB
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@Bumblebuncher i stopped having Threads magazine as well for the same reason. I have absolutely loads of them and often get some out to have a read through for inspiration. It’s usually the older ones I go to. Simply because the newer ones have nothing unusual or interesting any more
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Another here didn't actually use their cheapo membership at all. As others have indicated that platform is really outdated now. Youtube videos and sewing vlogs and blogs are free, plentiful, more relevant and have just about all the info you need. I can't believe Craftsy will continue to get enough subs to stay viable.
I did get good use from some of the mark 1 Craftsy vids back when I knew nothing, but I wouldn't recommend anyone to join now.
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They're offering me membership for $20 now... it'll be interesting to see how far down they go! I won't be bothering even for $2.99 though. Maybe if they start offering to pay me...
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I've just had a cyber Monday offer of $1.99!! The lowest yet :P
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Huh! They obviously want you more than they want me... :laughing: ... they've just repeated my $20 offer this morning.
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I haven’t had an offer at all ! :laughing:
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I've had a repeat offer today on the 'can't be repeated offer'. Still $1.99. Hang on in there, they gradually reduced the price over time. Do you think if I wait long enough they'll pay me to rejoin?!! :P
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I think the best offer I've had these last few days has been something like $13.99 - but I haven't always opened the emails.
Like others, I got a very cheap offer last year but never found anything of interest, so won't bother again.
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Me too, almost forgot I was a member
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Oooh, I've had an offer for $2 today - should I??
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Mine's down to $13 - for something they're calling 'Craftsy Gold'. I think the previous offers were for 'Craftsy Premium'. I think the premium one was $80 full price. Craftsy Gold seems to be $149 full price.
They're just confusing me now. :facepalm:
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@Acorn and others, the gold isn't worth the extra money. You get to pick 8 classes to keep and 10 patterns but they aren't the regular classes. It's a short list of 50 mostly knitting or cake decorating related. At first all they provided was the name of the classes and a photo. Now they have descriptions and some teachers names. Patterns are mostly knit/crochet, quilt or again, cakes. Most look like the freebies you get on ravelry or various blogs.
@Bodgeitandscarper for that price of course you should! If you only watch one class it's worth that price.
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Thanks @Renegade Sewist. I think I'll hang on until they offer me something for <$3 - and I really won't mind if they don't!
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I've not had any offers and when I checked when my current membership expires I saw it said it was auto-renew - so maybe you need to check.
I e-mailed them to cancel the auto-renewal and got an e-mail with a special price of $79.99, if I change my mind.
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I cancelled my auto renewal three months ago, it is due next week. If they offer me a silly price I may take it, but it will have to be very silly.
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Yes, I cancelled my auto renew as soon as I'd paid last year's fees.
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I've not had any offers and when I checked when my current membership expires I saw it said it was auto-renew - so maybe you need to check.
I e-mailed them to cancel the auto-renewal and got an e-mail with a special price of $79.99, if I change my mind.
I cancelled my auto renewal in June I think and got a similar email, I can't remember the amount though. I've not had any further enticements......
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I noticed yesterday that I hadn't canceled the auto renewal yet for next year. Oops. I'll remedy that. Maybe that will elicit a screaming offer from them. I'd go $20. I watched enough this year to justify that much. But I need to go select my own forever classes and patterns. My renewal date is Dec 31st.
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And my offer's down to $2.49. But apparently for today only. I had the email at 7pm, so I'll assume I can think about it until tomorrow - although I'm out for most of the day and evening... wonder whether they'll extend it...
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I have had it for quite a few months now and have been using it. My offer was 3€ for the year and i would say that it has been worth it. Would i re-up for 79,90? No, but certainly for another 3€.
The classes have been largely informative and worthwhile, but a number of the classes no longer have the class materials ready to download.
For me personally, the videos are 50% info, 50% entertainment.
That being said, the info i could probably find just as well on YouTube without the fee...
WD
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I'm down to $2.25 now - and I think I will give in gracefully... :laughing: I would have accepted the previous offer ($2.49) but it was only available for a day and I was busy.
It's worth the $2.25 for the downloadable course materials, even if there are only a few interesting ones.
I just wish they'd reopen their shop!!
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BTW, I think the $2.25/$2.49 offer is available to everyone - try this link (https://go.craftsy.com/) if you're interested.
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Mine runs out next week so I will wait and see, the last offer I had was some like §75
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Buyer beware! I canceled on the website but apparently that doesn't work. Tried that again today and got a small warning that it didn't work.
But, my membership goes to the 31st of December. So why did they automatically renew it on the 28th? Nothing in the terms of service to indicate they would do that early. Not pleased. Can't even find out what I was charged. No mention anywhere in my membership stuff and of course my banks system is down at the moment with a glitch so no luck there either.
To top it off I called Craftsy. Ha! Open from 8-4:30 Central time, closed 12-12:30 for lunch. My time zone that's 6 AM to 2:30 PM.
Current Mood: :ninja: :rant: :xelf: :xelf: :xelf:
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my membership goes to the 31st of December. So why did they automatically renew it on the 28th?
Maybe because of the banking hours?
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It's not just Craftsy who renew a few days ahead of renewal date. The driver update part of an antivirus program that I use the paid for version of does the same. Also I think Threads magazine does the same, but it's been a while since I subscribed to it. I find it annoying to say the least!
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my membership goes to the 31st of December. So why did they automatically renew it on the 28th?
Maybe because of the banking hours?
No @Iminei . US company, US consumer the banks would process it regardless. It turns out, after corresponding with Customer Disservice and having found the fine print hidden information that Craftsy puts it through 10 days in advance as a convenience for the customer. Yeah right. Multiply that by how many renewals and they are using other peoples money. The charge cleared my bank back on the 23rd. I only saw that yesterday after confirming my balance prior to paying bills. I had several recent charges and payments for almost the same amount. They are going to refund it several days after the New Year's holiday per Disservice. But I was chastised by Sarah, told I had agreed to it electronically when I subscribed and she almost gleefully offered to extend it for a mere $79.99. Silly girl. OH might be signing up for the cooking and woodworking classes. :laughing:
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Just spoke with my Bestie who I talked into into subscribing to Craftsy last year. She also got renewed although she also thought that she had previously canceled it. She's emailing them right now.
We were going to pick a class every month and do that together. Lasted for January, a container gardening class. I learned a lot! By March I had all the right containers for my purpose as well as soil etc. So I'm all set for 2022.
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If anything they were a bit over zealous in cancelling mine.
I emailed several weeks ahead (just in case it took a while to take) and they cancelled it at least two weeks before it was due! 0_0 Not complaining though and I'm actually thinking of applying for another year at the $2.49 offer. I've at least 8 months to catch up on when I'd forgotten I had it last year. ;)
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I just had one of those generic Craftsy adverts on Facebook, offering a year for $2.49 for the year. I think maybe they are struggling to get people to join at normal price and then get you the following year for the full amount when you don't click the necessary box!
BB
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One thing I had found is that the unsubscribe button frequently doesn't work. If you aren't paying close attention you might miss that minor detail. Then you need to call or email instead.
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Craftsy have been swamping me with emails offering to upgrade me to 'Gold' membership for $9. I'm not interested. Today they have made me one final, lowest ever offer... for a 'very limited time' they are offering me the chance to upgrade for... tada... $8.99!! :laughing:
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Wow, that’s a real bargain! :dance:
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Ooh, just think what that extra cent will buy :D
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My credit card company blocked a payment to Craftsy, today. It seemed suspicious to them. I'm glad that they did, because Craftsy wanted to renew my membership 10 days early for US$ 107.99, the equivalent of £94.11. Wow! >:)
I am bored with Craftsy and didn't want to renew anyway.
I did the online chat with a Craftsy helper, asked her to cancel my membership and delete my card details. She assured me that I was valued and offered me a renewal for $15. for 1 year!!!
My answer was still, No, Thank You.
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IO got my renewal notice and cancelled by email. Just one follow up offering a lower rate (but not as low as you were offered).
I didn't reply.
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Just spotted this on FB
"Crafty is offering Premium Memberships for only $1.49 during Black Friday. And that's for an entire year. It's normally $89.99. WOW! That's a great deal. I've checked them out and they have awesome sewing classes & expert instruction. Plus, they also have 20+ other hobbies too!"
Are they losing subscribers I wonder?
And, yes it looks as if it's some ordinary person posting, but it's Craftsy's page so their doing.
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I've just cancelled my Craftsy auto renewal due next January.
I may renew after that date but only if I get a really cheap offer, last years was $2.49.
I can easily manage without it but just occasionally it can be very useful.
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I bought a bargain sub last year, and couldn't find anything I was interested in.