I did try Fortune Magazine for on issue. I did like the ability to purchase it "in-app". It seemed pretty much a straight conversion of the print issue with no iPad specific frills but it worked fine. As far as saving the industry? Of that I am doubtful, it is another revenue stream that will have to measure up against other revenue streams. The magazines have to weather the storm and adapt, they are not going to be "saved" by Apple.
However, I am starting to believe that there is hope. The sea of "free content" is becoming increasingly filled with garbage, indeed most of it is garbage right now, and more and more of it is "malicious" garbage. IMHO people will start to return to what is "safe and known" and be willing to pay for it.
As someone who used to work in the magazine business, I’m a bit torn about all the new titles launching on the iPad, including today’s announcement from Conde Nast that The New Yorker is now available for subscription (in-App and through the App Store) with access to its website.
On one hand, I’m happy for those who want to enjoy their favorite magazines on their iPads and at regular installments (without having to buy single issues only). New Yorker fans can now subscribe to just the digital edition plus its Web content for $5.99 per month (4 issues) or $59.99 per year. For just $10 more per year, you can get a print copy plus both the app and the password to newyorker.com, at $6.99 per month (4 issues) or $69.99 per year. Other Conde Nast titles to offer iPad subscriptions by the end of May include: Wired, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Golf Digest, Allure, Self and GQ for $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year.
That said, I’m not convinced that digital editions on iPads will save the magazine industry. Without more details, this news just raises so many more questions than answers. First of all, will the app and Web editions will be a direct copy of the print magazine, or will each version be tailored to the strengths of each platform? The New Yorker, for example, is renown for long features that hardly requires the high-resolution iPad screen to enjoy. Because online content gets updated so frequently, will access to the website date the monthly/weekly apps? Is this a sign that all popular websites like Wired.com will ultimately become walled gardens? Finally, where is the incentive for subscribers to either pay more for the app and password when the website is currently free, and print-only subscription prices are lower than the digital one?
Thoughts? Will you be subscribing to magazines on your iPad?
