After the editors spend weeks putting together an issue of Bead&Button, we like to know what our readers think about of our efforts. To find out, we read the responses to the online survey that is posted following the publication of each issue. In the survey, we ask readers to rate each project and department story on a scale of 1 to 5. There’s also a place for readers to comment on the issue, letting us know what they like and don’t like about the stories.

The editors use the survey information as a guide in our decision-making process in everything from selecting feature projects, to deciding which bead artists to profile, to researching and writing about new products. We try to put together an interesting mix of projects using different stitches and materials, and of varying skill levels.

When my first bracelet project was published in the April 2007 issue (it was the one with the ladder stitch cubes, p. 88), I was very interested to find out what readers thought of my work. There were 168 responses to the April reader survey. Ranking the story, 12 readers gave it a 1, 15 a 2, 42 a 3, 39 a 4, and 56 a 5. Well that made me feel pretty confident that my bracelet was a hit.

Now I don’t know how many readers actually made the bracelet. I do know of at least three readers who did make the bracelet and they were quite pleased with their final results. If you made the bracelet, I’d love to hear what you thought about the project.

So after you read your next issue, take some time to share your thoughts with the editors. Go to beadandbutton.com and look for the “What’s New” section on the left side of the screen. Look for the “Do you have the (month) issue” text and click on the link to connect you to the survey. Your response is greatly appreciated. It’s the best way to let us know what you think about each issue. This definitely helps us put together future issues you’ll just love.

Happy Beading.

Lynne