FAQ
We’ve tried to explain what we’re about as best we can, but you probably still have a zillion questions...
So here’s our attempt at getting inside your head and reading your thoughts before you get there first:
* If you have been redirected from El Croquis website and you want to purchase the magazine, you can find El Croquis profile here.
For any other query about our service, please continue. Many thanks!
Do I have to download the publications onto my computer? What devices can I use to read them?
Purchased publications are stored in the library so that you can view them both online (streaming) through our website and offline through our iPad, Android and desktop apps (the latter will be available shortly).
Where can I download the visualMANIAC apps?
Download the iPad app free of charge from the App Store here.
Download the free Android app for tablets on Google Play here.
How can I read a book or magazine that I’ve purchased?
All publications that you buy, rent or acquire for free are stored in the section “My Library”, which you will find on the black navigation bar at the top of our website. They are stored on the cloud, so you’ll be able to view them at any time – even if you change to a different computer or device.
I’m running out of space on my device; can I delete publications?
You can delete publications from your device to free up some space. All your publications are stored on the cloud and you’ll be able to download them again within the app whenever you like.
Can I delete a publication for good?
If you’re totally sure that you don’t wish to view a publication again, you can delete it from the section “My Library” on the webpage. It will then disappear from all your devices once they are synchronised. Once you delete a publication from your library, however, you will have to purchase it again if you would like to reclaim it.
Why isn’t my publication loading in the web browser?
If you try to open a publication in the web viewer and it doesn’t load properly, try installing the latest version of Flash Player. If the problem persists, try deleting the navigation data (you’ll find this option in the “Preferences” or “Configuration” tab). If you still can’t read the publication, please write to us explaining the steps you’ve taken to solve the issue.
I’m subscribed to a magazine. How will I know when I can read the latest issue?
Every time a new issue of a magazine to which you have subscribed is published, it will be uploaded to your account. If you don’t receive the magazine, write to us telling us about the matter and we will try to solve it as soon as possible.
Can I read my publications from my smartphone?
You can consult our webpage by using the mobile phone browser. Just as with any other device, you can view the catalogue, buy publications and visit the other sections on the website. However, you won’t be able to read the digital books and magazines from our catalogue. Due to their enhanced visual quality, we recommend reading publications from large-screen devices that will allow you to enjoy every single detail (computers and tablets). At the moment, visualMANIAC does not have publications for mobile phones.
The password recovery facility isn’t working. What should I do?
If you haven’t received the password recovery e-mail 5 minutes after sending the request, please check your account’s spam folder. If it’s not there, please send an e-mail indicating your user name and the problem. We will immediately reset your password and send you an e-mail containing a new one.
Why is paying by PayPal more expensive?
PayPal purchases have a surcharge of €0.35. This commission is standard and is received in its entirety by PayPal.
What methods of payment are accepted?
You can pay by debit or credit card. Our payment gateway accepts most cards (VISA, VISA Electron, Maestro and Mastercard). At present, we do not accept other types of card such as American Express. If you don’t have any of the former, you can simply make your purchase through PayPal.
Is it safe to enter my card details on visualMANIAC?
visualMANIAC does not store your debit or credit card details. Our payment gateway is totally secure and uses Banco Sabadell technology, which meets the international security protocols Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode. Furthermore, purchases are validated by following the security protocol of your card’s issuing body.
Is it possible to buy content from any country?
Access to visualMANIAC content varies depending on the country from which you are viewing. Some books or magazines cannot be purchased from certain countries if the editor does not have selling rights in those regions.
What should I do if I can’t complete the purchase process?
If you don’t manage to complete the purchase process, simply send us an e-mail containing as many details as possible (the publications you have in your basket, the total sum, the steps you followed and the payment method selected). Alternatively, you can also call us on (+34) 91 622 57 91 and we’ll help you complete the process.
My query isn’t on the list. How can I get in contact with you?
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please write to us and we’ll get in touch as soon as we can.
Is it free to sign up?
Yes. Always. You only pay for each copy you purchase.
Do I need to register to access visualMANIAC?
Yes. Only registered users will be able to access all sections of our website and add publications to their library. However, some sections such as visualMAG or the catalogue can be viewed without registering.
What makes visualMANIAC different?
The Internet has long been a source for virtual kiosks and bookstores offering publications in a digital format, but visualMANIAC is the first online bookstore to supply a catalogue of books and magazines specialising exclusively in art and visual culture.
Do you only sell books and magazines on art?
Our catalogue covers publications from various artistic disciplines. We are not currently planning to offer other types of publications.
Do you think that the physical book could ever be replaced by the digital?
No. Every format has its advantages and our aim is to draw the best out of both. We love digital books, but we wouldn’t be able to live without printed editions.
Do you have a physical bookstore?
No, our work sphere is the Internet: we are everywhere and nowhere at once. Sometimes we do really miss the chance to meet our users face-to-face and talk to them, like people have always done in bookstores. Luckily, despite this inconvenience, communication via the Internet has many other advantages.
Do you sell paper books and magazines?In this first stage, we are only offering digital editions, but we rely on the need for both formats to coexist. That’s why editors who wish to sell their printed books and magazines are more than welcome here at visualMANIAC.
Why is it that the digital version often isn’t that much cheaper than the printed edition?
Right now, digital publications in Europe are not considered cultural property – instead they are viewed as services. This is why they are taxed with the standard VAT, compared to the reduced that applies to the paper book. Since we are based in Spain, we need to tax 21% according to the Spanish VAT legislation (reduced VAT rate would be 4%). At the moment, the digital book is largely defenceless against the paper book and there’s still a long way to go.
Are publications available in different languages?
Yes. We work with a lot of international and national editors. Our first aim is to offer books and magazines predominantly in Spanish and English, but our final objective is to supply the largest number of publications from all languages.
Do you accept self-published books?
The self-publishing scene is amazing at present, and there are lots of high-quality projects out there that don’t have the support of a publishing house. That’s why we are delighted to receive submissions, although the final decision about whether or not to offer the book depends on our bookseller criteria.