Lou's Commentary

Follow the Leaders; Print Brands That Value Digital

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Don’t miss the recent announcement by the Magazine Publishers of America [MPA] a couple weeks ago, http://www.magazine.org/ditital/14321.aspx, wherein they detail their members’ digital initiatives for all of 2009. These examples are great reading and hopefully provide incentive for other publishers to serve their audience with more offerings. While not referenced, these actions represent a wide range of financial investment.

Look at the titles. I don’t call them leaders because they are members of MPA. They are leaders in their respective fields and the point should not be missed that the leaders continue to evolve, step out, and experiment with digital tools and resources.

Here are my TOP Ten 2009 magazine digital initiatives:

1. More Magazine responded quickly to digital sub request from outer space and launched a blog

2. People en Espanol’s virtual makeover tour that drew 60 million visitors!

3. Women’s Health iPhone pre-loaded workouts

4. Scroll Motion’s iPhone app work with distribution and revenue models

5. Martha Stewart’s Martha University online

6. National Geographic’s Web site user generated content print pub: Your Shot

7. Sports Illustrated’s Web site relaunch: user friendly just got friendlier

8. Zinio’s partnership with hotels; guests can read digital magazines in room

9. This Old House June issue - all user generated from a community Web site

10. ESPN begins to charge for online content.

 It is my hope that many of you will step out and follow the leaders.

 

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