Digital Magazines - Good idea or not?
September 12, 2008 1:20 am Business Trends, CommunicationAre you currently reading or viewing any magazines in digital format and if so how useful do you find the concept? Take a look at the mag addicts site, click on a magazine to preview and you’ll see how the concept works.
Digital magazines are the latest buzz, but I am interested in hearing your thoughts on the value you see in us offering our glossy magazine Working Women in both print and digital format.
A digital format of Working Women magazine would provide an entire copy of each edition and include functionalities such as page flipping, comment and note taking boxes, book marking and hyperlinks straight through to the websites and email addresses listed in all articles and advertisements.
There’s the obvious environmental benefit and our advertisers would gain outstanding value and amazing exposure through an increased online presence. But would you as a reader find value in the service?
For so many reasons I personally think it’s a great idea. But I am an online junkie. I currently use the web as my prime source of news, business information and resources. But in saying that, every month I also read an abundance of printed magazines, so I have a foot in both camps. I just don’t think you can replace the experience of a great read over a hot cup of coffee. So is it horses for courses? Is there a place for both formats or are we galloping ahead of the current needs and wants of our readers? Will we see the day where digital magazines become common place? Let me know your thoughts.
Lynette Palmen, Founder and Managing Director W: www.womensnetwork.com.au
September 12th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I love reading magazines in digital format - there are all sorts of different ways magazines try to go digital, but I prefer the pdf download method.
My favourite at the moment is In Touch In Business magazine.
September 14th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I believe there is a place for both. While I’m at the computer I am happy to read digital magazines where I can also search easily - but when I sit down for a cuppa in my own time with my feet up, I prefer a hard copy magazine or quality book. It depends on the time and place. Often magazines are read and kept for a while for reference, and then given to other people or find their way to medical waiting rooms and the like. The problem with some digital deliveries is that they require you to download yet another program and that gets very frustrating. PDf is my preference too where you can also click through to websites. So, there are benefits in both paper and digital formats.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
As working women and business owners I think we spend more than enough time on our mobiles, PDAs and laptops so the last thing I personally want is to read a magazine online. Reading a real magazine indulges the senses and allows us to take some time out, relax and put our feet up and enjoy the visuals, promise and touch of a shiny new magazine.