December 2016 NGM - variations (again)

[Scott T. Shier]

There's 3 variations of the December issue, though they all showcase the same cover story, and same cover imagery artwork. 

1) newsstand/retail copy - as always, has slightly modified text placement of secondary content, as well as the ISBN block, and the "Faith...." headline runs large across the mid-center of the cover

2) member's/mailed copy, primary - typical, no barcode, otherwise mostly the same, AND has same "Faith...." headline running across the cover

3) the true "variant" this time around - this one has the overall image cropped differently: it is zoomed in a bit more, so note the framing within the artwork does not show up as it does in the prior 2 examples. Also of course, no bar code, AND, no "Faith....." headline runs large across the front.

I don't know which one I'll receive yet. See 3 attached pics.

[Scott T. Shier]

November "Mars" issue also had the cover title text very different between the member's Vs. newsstand editions (e.g., more than a slight modification) --->

[Philip Riviere]

I got the No issue... no Faith headline and no supplement.....

[Scott T. Shier]

Well, I got mine today, with supplement inside. Alas, a few of the pages are gouged/torn from the middle top down into body (how odd). Also, my front cover is severely mis-aligned as per the border margins-to-center. 

My cover does not have the large headline running horizontal...

[George Thomas Wilson]

I got #3 as well (No Faith).  I did get the map though.

Scott, I notice that all three versions have different top headings with the Subscription copies listing the articles and the Newsstand copy advertising the poster.  I hope this doesn't mean it was only meant for the newsstand.  I'm really hoping it is the fourth loose supplement for the year (and fifth overall since they have returned).

[Scott T. Shier]

Tom,

Yeah after I made the post, and having looked at Phil's and yours other comments, the thought entered my mind of "is the poster only for the newsstand copy?" I also would hope not, and that's dumb if it were so.

There was/is one precedent for it though: The 125 Anniversary poster "Classic Covers" (w/ reverse 1922 World map) that was issued not once, not twice, but thrice as --only newsstand availability-- in August, October, and December 2013. All three times the poster was tagged on the cover but Society/Magazine never thought actual member's would have an interest in it.    ???   I'm s-t-i-l-l disgruntled about that one...

- Scott

[Philip Riviere]

To all corner members:

Did you get a loose Map supplement in your Dec 2016  Nat Geo issue?

[Scott T. Shier]

Phil, 

....a friend from Germany messaged me (Dec. 13th) that his member's copy arrived sans poster-supplement as well. He had me pick up a copy so he can get the supplement. 

[Philip Riviere]

Their map inserting machine is obviously not working......

[Andy]

Scott are you a NGS current member/subscriber?

[Scott T. Shier]

Hey Andy,

...been a while, eh? Yep - sure am . . . until the day I expire - I'm a Lifer.

~ Scott

[Scott T. Shier]

...and are you still ?

[Pece Kocovski]

I want to add that here in Australia, my brother is a subscriber and he did not receive the map supplement. We both have variant #3 (big bold FAITH running across).

That's an extra map we need to try and chase down haha!