It’s been a long time since I visited my local Chapters bookstore. Chapters is the Canadian equivalent of large bookstore chains like Barnes and Noble. It seems that every time I go there, about every 3-6 months, there are fewer books in the sections I care about and more and candles, knick knacks and chocolate bars for sale. There are less staff. And it’s very likely that the Internet is having an impact on not just newspapers and magazines but on bookstores as well.
When I was there yesterday, at least 10 magazines that used to be displayed prominently on the racks for many years in that very store are now nowhere to be seen. I asked the cashier about two particular magazines, and after checking her printout, she said that they didn’t carry them. I asked about that, pointing out that they used to. Her answer was, “many magazines are going subscription only.”
I actually find this a surprising turn of events. As a former print publisher of a tiny fringe rag, I know how hard it is to make a magazine work. Subscription revenues have never paid the bills – only the ads have, if then. But if a magazine goes subs only, that reduces readership. Which means fewer advertisers and eventually bankruptcy. Unless, of course, a magazine has a successful online presence and the print edition becomes a loss leader.
The two magazines I was looking for are both British and have to do with digital music composition and creation. I was looking for them to revive my own composing bent, to add background music for my new tutorial series at Tubetorial. For years, these two magazines have each included a free CD with their monthly glossy pages. The CD contains audio samples, and demo and free audio software. Sometimes they have short videos as well. In their case, what better medium to switch to than the Internet? It’s ideal for the content that they are really trying to give their readers – and probably cheaper besides. With magazines such as this, print just cannot compete with the Internet.
Originally posted on April 17, 2007 @ 11:47 am
You may find this applies especially to magazines that have to be sent overseas. The postal rates are going up and up, and as someone who probably won’t buy directly from their advertisers, you’re not a great plus to the magazine. I encounter this from the other side of the Atlantic–I live in London and when I subscribe to US magazines, I find often when the sub runs out, they don’t remind me or ask me to renew (in contrast to the usual procedure, in which they start asking you to renew about two weeks after you first sign up…)
@Jurgen: Actually, that’s not true. I do in fact buy from their advertisers. A few years back, I spent 5 figures purchasing hardware, software, and rackmounts to build a home recording studio. I had to sell it, but the point is, I always buy from their advertisers. In fact, I buy the magazines as much for the ads, to see what new equipment is available, as I do for the articles.
As an amateur composer, I am their ideal reader. I am not, however, a big fan of subscribing. I’d much rather walk into a book store and pay full cover price every month. I’m hoping to rebuild my recording studio, so it’s a disappointment not to be able to find the magazines.
Still, you’re probably right about the overseas thing, at least for the two British mags. At the same time, I could not find several other “home studio” magazines, mostly from the United States.
Maybe there’s a trend with home studio/ home recording mags to focus their efforts online. Or maybe this is a general trend in the publishing industry.