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TIDINGS READER SURVEY (DIGITAL RESPONSES ONLY)
Exploring how readers access and value Tidings
We’re exploring how readers access Tidings and whether there’s interest in a possible printed subscription option.
This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
Thank you for taking the time to share your views. Your feedback really helps us plan the future of the magazine and continue our work as a small charity with no statutory funding.
A. About how you currently read Tidings
1.
Which of these regular Tidings columns do you find most interesting/helpful (please list in order)
Not at all interesting
Not that interesting
Neutral
Quite interesting / helpful
Very interesting / helpful
Stoma Group News
Not at all interesting
Not that interesting
Neutral
Quite interesting / helpful
Very interesting / helpful
Dear Nurse
Not at all interesting
Not that interesting
Neutral
Quite interesting / helpful
Very interesting / helpful
Campaigns Update
Not at all interesting
Not that interesting
Neutral
Quite interesting / helpful
Very interesting / helpful
Fundraising Update
Not at all interesting
Not that interesting
Neutral
Quite interesting / helpful
Very interesting / helpful
Rugby League Update
Not at all interesting
Not that interesting
Neutral
Quite interesting / helpful
Very interesting / helpful
Your Letters and Emails
Not at all interesting
Not that interesting
Neutral
Quite interesting / helpful
Very interesting / helpful
General Colostomy UK News
Not at all interesting
Not that interesting
Neutral
Quite interesting / helpful
Very interesting / helpful
2.
How do you usually read Tidings?
Online (digital version)
Printed copy (paper magazine)
Both
I don’t usually read Tidings
Printed copy (Physical survey completed)
B. Your experience reading Tidings digitally
3.
How easy do you find it to read the digital version of Tidings on your device(s)? please answer all three lines
Very easy
Somewhat easy
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
I don't use this
Mobile phone
Very easy
Somewhat easy
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
I don't use this
Tablet
Very easy
Somewhat easy
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
I don't use this
Laptop/Desktop
Very easy
Somewhat easy
Somewhat difficult
Very difficult
I don't use this
4.
If you have recently been moved over to Tidings digital instead of in print, how has that affected how often you read it?
Much more inclined
Somewhat more inclined
No difference
Somewhat less inclined
Much less inclined
5.
Do you have any comments about your experience of reading Tidings digitally instead of in print?
6.
Please answer if you currently only receive Tidings digitally: If a printed copy was available to you again, how likely would you be to request the printed magazine instead of reading Tidings online?
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Unlikely
Very unlikely
C. Feedback on the printed version
7.
How important is/was it to you personally, to receive Tidings in print
Essential – I really struggle to read online
Really important – I can use the internet, but I value the printed version
Nice to have – I enjoy the printed version, but could manage online
Not very important – I prefer reading online
8.
What do/did you value most about having a printed copy? (Select all that apply)
Easier to read than on a screen
I like to keep physical copies
Reading a printed copy is part of my routine when it’s in the house
I don’t use digital devices much
I find print more relaxing/enjoyable
I share it with others (family, friends, healthcare team, etc.)
Useful for waiting rooms or support groups (for nurses and support group leads)
Nothing. I value the digital version of the magazine more than the printed version
Other (please specify)
9.
Have you always read the online version of Tidings? (whether on your phone on computer)
Yes, I signed up to receive the online version of the magazine since I started reading Tidings
Yes, because the online version of Tidings was all I was offered when I signed up for the magazine.
No I used to read the printed version of the magazine but requested to switch to the online version
No, I used to read the printed version of the magazine but Colostomy UK moved me over to the online version
No, I still receive the printed version of the magazine
10.
If the digital version were improved (e.g. easier to read, better layout, simple navigation), would you still prefer print?
I’d still want the printed version
I might switch to digital if it improved
I’d be happy with digital as it is now
Not sure
D. Subscription and access options
11.
Would you be willing to pay a small subscription fee to receive a printed copy instead of the digital version of Tidings?
Very willing
Somewhat willing
Not very willing
Not willing at all
12.
If you said “very” or “somewhat” willing, how much could you afford per issue?
£2–£4
£5–£7
£8–£10
I can’t afford to pay
I wouldn’t pay – I think it should remain free
Please note: We are a small charity with no statutory funding. Each issue costs us a significant amount to produce — including postage, design, and printing — so every contribution helps us continue sharing the magazine with our community.
13.
How would you prefer to pay (if a subscription was introduced)?
Annually
Quarterly
I’m not sure
Other
I believe it should be free
I’ll just read it online instead for free
I can find the support elsewhere
14.
If you wouldn’t be willing to pay, could you tell us a bit about why?
15.
If a physical copy was only available via subscription, and you chose not to subscribe, would you:
Continue reading Tidings online
Stop reading Tidings altogether
Not sure
16.
If you donate to Colostomy UK (whether regularly or occasionally), how likely would you be to reduce or stop donating if Tidings became a paid subscription?
Likely to reduce or stop my donations
Unlikely to affect my donations – I will continue giving as normal
I don’t usually give donations to Colostomy UK
I’m not sure
E. Accessibility and inclusion
17.
We’re committed to ensuring everyone can still access Tidings, even if they can’t pay or struggle with digital formats.
If we ever had to change how the magazine is distributed, what would help you most?
Being able to complete surveys or renew subscriptions over the phone (so you wouldn’t need to post anything back)
An option to request a free printed copy if I can’t afford a subscription
A more accessible digital format (e.g. large text, audio version)
I’d need help accessing it online
Other (please specify)
F. About you (for analysis only)
18.
Age:
Under 18
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
75+
Prefer not to say
19.
Which best describes you?
Someone living with a stoma (or who has lived with one)
Nurse
Carer
Supporter / family member
Other
Prefer not to say
20.
What type/s of stoma/s do you live with?
Colostomy
Ileostomy
Urostomy
Mitrofanoff
Other
I have had a reversal (please tick which stoma you previously lived with)
None of the above
21.
What is your gender?
Female
Male
Non-binary
Prefer not to say
I use a different term
Thank you for your time.
Your feedback helps us plan the future of Tidings and ensure everyone can continue to enjoy and access it.