Jon Dee writes at thepunch.com.au (the News Ltd online site) on how magazines and newsagents could embrace the new Apple iPad:
A well-designed magazine will have life in it for quite a few years to come. But one has to ask how long they can continue in their current form. Publishers would do well to bring newsagents on board this push towards electronic magazines as downloading magazines with substantial video content could negatively affect people’s download plans.
One way to proceed is for electronic magazines to be sold inside a traditional magazine cover in newsagents. Nobody expects to be given content free in a newsagent and it would safeguard the publishing industry from Apple having too much control over distribution. It would also sell the new generation of electronic magazines via outlets where people traditionally buy their magazines. To that end, it would minimise the culture shock arising from a shift to the electronic alternative.
It is interesting (and welcome) to see Jon include newsagents in the conversation about the future.
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