Friday, August 14, 2009

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Exactly How Important Is It To You That Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazines Are (or are not) In English???


Okay, so here it is....

The burning question as posed to me by Susanne at Jeanne d'Arc Living first thing this morning:

Hi Ruth, Could you please answer me, how many magazines you think you could sell (more then today), if the magazine is in english?? Kærlig hilsen /best regards Susanne Jeanne D´Arc Living


I really didn't know what to say at first....

I mean for as long as we've known and loved Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine, it has been in Danish only.

Honestly, that is part of it's charm, it's allure, it's mystique.

Right?

Issues 3 and 4 above
and...
the coming issue 5 below!!



But I then I thought about it further....

Well...English "subtitles" might not be so bad, huh?

Would they?

I mean, if they kept the Danish text but just added the English translation below (or somewhere) that wouldn't "ruin" it for us, would it?

So I ask you...

If I told you that starting next year, all the new Jeanne d'Arc Living magazines were going to either be published completely in English,

or

at the very least published with English translation somehow,

how (if at all) would that :

Affect your view of the magazine?

Influence your decision to purchase it?

Alter the "mystique" of the magazine (at all)?


I told Susanne I'd ask you guys about this -- who better to ask, anyway?

It is YOU who have embraced the entire Jeanne d'Arc Living range of products -- magazine included -- so YOU are who I thought of when she asked me this question...


Susanne and I EAGERLY await your comments!!

So....

What thinkest thou??

Inquiring minds want to know!
_________________________________________________


PSST!!! One more thing!

I couldn't resist showing you two pages from the coming issue #5.... and you know what?

You see that gorgeous silver two-tier serving piece on that gorgeous table?

It's headed our way!

And that totally charming metal chalk board hanging in the second pic?

You guessed it --

coming our way, too!

Both these new things (and a bunch more!) should be here in early September!


Looking forward to hearing your ideas/thoughts on the possibility of Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine going "English"!

Yours in the Danish/English "debate"...

~Ruth~

30 comments:

The Flying Bee said...

Wow! This is big! I mean, I love the magazine already, so I would continue to buy it in Danish. However, it would be nice to be able to actually read the magazine. You're right about the text being in Danish, because that's one of the things that make it so beautiful. So, having both would be great, just wondering how they would present it. What would stay in Danish and what would be English? I am excited to see what they decide!

Love all the new products!

Have a great weekend!

Adrienne

lala said...

I would love it all the more with english text- sometimes I just want a bit more info about items in the photos.

Anonymous said...

I would like English in subtitles I think. It would be especially nice in the books too - it would make them a little more useful for those of us who don't speak Danish.

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Ruth,
Wow, I almost did a back flip in my studio when I read the title of your post! I got to thinking though...

I would love it if the magazine were in English then I wouldn't have to go on Google and translate (i.e., the recipes so far). I am wondering with the subtitles if it would take up a lot of room over their beautiful photography. To be honest, that's what I am so drawn to with this magazine. So if I had my choice, I'd go for the English but not at the expense of the photography.

Oh yes, and count me in for Edition #5. I LOVE that you carry this line. What do you think about taking a "field trip" for the group to Denmark?
xo~Tracie

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Me again... You make me giggle Ruth, I'm looking at all the beautiful products and it dawns on me Bonnie et Clyde is playing... Thought I was the only one who knew of that... gotta have my hubby listen when he gets home, he gives me much grief while listening to that CD. I love it, glad you do too!
xo~Tracie

LindaSonia said...

While I like looking at the pictures, I would prefer English text, that is precisely why I stopped subscribing to Marie Claire Idees. LindaSonia

Claudia said...

Ruth,
I love the magazine as it is in Danish - but if it was in English - Wow - I'd love it. Because to be truthful, I'm always wondering what is being said about the photos and the homes and the stories. So, yes! I'd love it and buy it.

Anonymous said...

Being in Danish is beautiful and very mystical, but I must add that I have checked all my local bookstores for a Danish/English dictionary (to no avail). I would love to see English text somewhere in the publication at least for recipes & craft/do-it-yourself ideas!!! Honestly, though, I would continue to aquire these magazines in any language.

*The Beautiful Life* said...

Well, ladies -- it's looking more and more like you'd mostly vote that somehow, some way, English could be incorporated into the magazines. Can't say that I blame you. But like many of you, I would still buy the magazine even if it were a picture-book only! :)

I am SO thankful for your input!!!

Thank you -- a million times over!

Ruth

Lisa & Alfie said...

Oh yeah! Though I would buy it no matter what.... I wouldn't mind it in English. Maybe I would have to get it in both! lol! And I have that Bonnie and Clyde song only by Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Gos!
Lisa & Alfie

Idamaria said...

Yes, English please, it would be so helpful to read the translation, words are extremely inspiring. Thank you.

Kasey said...

I would love a little english...but that's just me.
xo

Faded Plains said...

I do love the danish text...but would love to be able to read the recipes and stories about the beautiful photos. They show great DIY projects...would be so great to be able to read them. Thanks for asking us!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the magazine and will continue to read it either way. I admit that I use translators every so often to find the meaning of things---so having some subtitles would be great. Either way it is amazing!!!!!!!!

LuLu said...

I do love the mystic of not knowing what it says and looking at the lovely pictures, but then I found myself googling and trying to figure out translations so English would be wonderful as long as it didn't affect the photos,
can't wait to see what they decide,
LuLu

Salon de Sucre said...

oh this is just killing me.. I cant get any copy of this magazine here in kuwait.. and I'd really want one! so I will not participate in the debate, the langauge is never important to me .. as long as all speak the language of a beautiful life!

& this metal board is just breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

I would prefer english all the way so I could get the most out of the magazine. The pictures are fabulous but if I could also read it, that would make it much more valuable to me.

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

OH Ruth....I would not care if they were in brail...one day I am going to treat myself to an issue,your photos just take my breath away,lovely!! Hope all is well,Chrissy

Danielle Muller said...

English please!

Blessings,
Danielle Muller
www.thevintagedragonfly.typepad.com

Heidi said...

Truth time...I would totally buy it if it were in English. The Danish language is pretty, but I like to read about the photos as well as look at them, and I have not bought one for this very reason. Now you know. Love her stuff though!

And Ruth, you should totally get yourself a vanity like that one at Le Moulin Bregeon! That bathroom is stunning, the whole place is dreamy!
:)Heidi

Little Cottage said...

Even though I'm lucky enough to understand the language, I would love if the magazine was translated in English, because it makes for a wonderful gift for my friends here in the US (where I live). It would make for greater sales too, all the way around!
We have tons of magazines here, but nothing like JDL. That is kind of sad!
- Sylvi

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Hi Ruth! I have all four issues and love every one but would absolutely love them more if they were in English or with subtitles.....how about those recipes? I am an avid reader and it is a bit frustrating to not be able to have the accompanying text.....I vote English....and I think you would sell many more copies here then!
my 2 cents, Laura

cathy said...

Danish only. Makes it unique and very special.

VINTAGE HOME lifestyle said...

Hi Ruth,

I have to agree with Tracie. I would love to have it in English, but not if they had to put less photos, to add the text. The photos are why I buy it.

Please let me know when #5 comes in.
Big Hugs...
Cathleen

decorator to the stars said...

HI LOVE YOUR BLOG, PLEASE STOP BY MINE, I THINK YOU'LL LIKE IT GIO oh & i'd prefer it in english.

Kate Butson said...

Hey Ms. Ruth!

Thank you so much for the encouraging words! And let me just say, you totally blessed me by giving me the privilege to work with you at the salon...I enjoyed our time together so very much...its all I talked about that night to Daniel ;)

Erin Shaw and I had lunch today and we have decided that we want to be you when we grow up ;) We think you and Olivia are absolutely AWESOME! So talented, so creative, so inspiring.

Hope to see you soon!

Much Love,
Katie

Deb Plapp said...

I would love to know what is written, but I do enjoy the look as it is. Subtitles could be good, but I too wouldn't want to it to interfere with the photos. It will be interesting to see what happens. I know!, a C.D. in English to listen to while looking at your magazine. Oh yea, that wouldn't increase the cost much, Ha! Thanks, Deb Plapp

*The Beautiful Life* said...

Deb! Your comment had me so tickled!

The idea of an accompanying cd to go along with the magazine -- to have the text read to us as we read!! LOVE IT! :)

Reminds me of when I was a little girl and I had the Disney story books with a record that you'd play that would read the story to you and it always said "And when Tinkerbelle rings her magic bell, you turn the page..." and there would be this sweet little bell sound... Memories!

So, yes -- why NOT have this to accompany this beautiful magazine! ;)

Thanks Deb! You gave me a great chuckle!

Ruth

Lana @ Simple Joys Paperie said...

English translation would be fine, though I love it for the photos, as many others have mentioned.

Unknown said...

I love this magazine....and I love that it is published in Denmark. With a rich Danish heritage and being an American and my father being of full Danish descent, it was fun to see the magazine in the Danish language. BUT! It is so frustrating to be an avid reader and not be able to read this beautiful magazine. Without being able to read the text, it become just a little more than a lovely picture book. JUST A NOTE! When my father's people came to America, they all spoke Danish. The adults spoke in their native Danish language here, but when the children entered the room they immediately went into speaking English. They had come to America and did not want to hinder their children with not knowing the language of their new country. As a result, this Danish girl speaks English. I hope you chose to communicate with your English speaking readership through this lovely magazine. Please keep the Danish, add the English sub titles and you will have me as a devoted reader for life.