What application will I use to access my digital magazine?
All you need is a PDF reader, such as Acrobat Reader, which you may already have on your computer or portable device. You can download the latest edition of Acrobat Reader for free. (Acrobat is perhaps not necessary and possibly redundant if you're using Safari on a Mac.) Most e-readers and tablets are able to read password-protected PDFs; if it doesn't work directly, check online to see if there are apps to convert them to the format required by your reader. We are currently working on a new interface that will password-protect the site rather than individual files, which will give subscribers more flexibility in terms of reading their magazines on portable devices.

How do I get my digital magazines?
When you subscribe to Life Learning, you will be sent a personal email from our Publisher. It will contain a password, which you will use each time you wish to download a magazine, as well as detailed instructions for accessing the current and back issues. We do not email you the PDFs; instead, you can access them at any time, on a self-serve basis, from this website.

How do I re-set my password?
You can't currently re-set your password (although we are working on a new interface that will allow you to do that, so stay tuned). That's why we ask you to save the welcome email message that you receive when you first subscribe. If your password isn't working and you're cutting and pasting it from the welcome email, please be sure you're not picking up a space at the beginning or end. If you are typing it in, please ensure you have the numbers and letters correct, and remember that it's case sensitive. If all else fails, we'd be happy to help troubleshoot or re-send your password, so send us an email at password@LifeLearningMagazine.com. 

Do I need to be connected to the Internet to read my magazines?
No, you only need to be connected while you download and save a magazine. After that, you can take your computer or other device anywhere and read your magazines offline, although you'll still need your password to access the files. Of course, certain features such as hyperlinks in articles and advertisements require an Internet connection. You can also print out the complete PDF or specific articles for reading, sharing, or archiving.

My PDF won't download; can you help me?
Our PDF files have been checked prior to being uploaded to our website, so if you have a problem downloading one, it likely originates with your computer or e-reader. There is no one format that is totally compatible with every situation, but PDFs are currently thought to be the most universal. Here are some tips if you are having problems: Google Chrome doesn't like our PDFs and may display a blank screen; here's a fix for that. The Safari browser on a Mac also sometimes has problems displaying PDFs; downloading and saving them or uninstalling the Adobe plug-in can solve the problem. Or try Firefox, Explorer, or another browser prior to contacting us. Also, updating your version of Acrobat Reader, clearing your cache, rebooting your browser, refreshing your screen, and trying the password multiple times may all help. If all else fails, we can try to help you troubleshoot the problem, but will need to know which file you're trying to download, what type of device (computer or hand-held), and/or which operating system and browser you're using.

Is there a sample digital issue available so I can see if it works on my computer/e-reader?
You can download a complimentary sample password-protected PDF here.

How will I know when the new issues are published?
The email that you receive when you subscribe to Life Learning will contain a link to a sign-up form for our free Life Media email newsletter (see also the sign-up form in the blue sidebar to the left of this question). Signing up for this informative newsletter will keep you updated about new additions to this website (and our other related sites), and will include announcements at the appropriate times regarding the availability of new issues of Life Learning. If you prefer not to receive this newsletter, you can always consult the Subscriber Services page for a link to the latest issue, or use the buttons on this page to sign on to our Twitter or Facebook services. (You can read our privacy policy here.) However we encourage you to sign up to the e-letter for optimum service and reminders.

Are back issues available? Is there a charge to access them?
Access to all back issues in PDF is available as part of your subscription. The list is here. Just click on the cover graphic for each issue and input your password when prompted.

Where are the issues between May/June 2008 and January/February 2010?
Life Learning Magazine was combined with Natural Life Magazine (which we also publish) from July/August 2008 to November/December 2009. You can purchase those back issues as part of a digital subscription to Natural Life Magazine. Launched in 1976, Natural Life has always published, and will continue to publish, articles about autonomous, self-directed and holistic/democratic education.

Can I share my digital magazine with friends?
The subscription you have purchased is for your own personal use. We prefer that you do not share your password, although we don't mind if you print out and share individual articles with your friends. Please encourage your friends to subscribe for their own use. Life Learning is published by a small, independent publishing company, and - by its nature - attracts very little advertising. So our costs must be covered by subscriptions.

Why do you need my email address?
We use your valid email address to send you renewal notices and information about any changes to the method by which you access your issues. You can view our privacy policy here.

Can I get a refund for my subscription?
We are unable to offer refunds for digital subscriptions. The value of the back issues to which you received access when we sent your password exceeds the cost of a subscription. And there is no way for subscribers to "return" digital copies.

Who can I contact with additional subscription-related questions?
Send us an email at SubscriberServices@LifeLearningMagazine.com if you have any questions about digital subscriptions that aren't answered on this page.