For the second time in two months, a major publication is giving up on print.
PC Magazine is shutting down its print edition and focusing on its PCMag websites. In late October, The Christian Science Monitor said it was closing down its daily print edition and would move that content online.
For Ziff Davis, the owner of PC Magazine, the move seems to be more a final step in its evolution to online than a catastrophe. According to paidContent.org, only about 7 jobs will be lost, related to print-specific tasks.
The magazine, which was started in 1982, has a storied history, but its print base eroded over the years as its core brand of journalism—news you can use while shopping for computers—moved online. It cut back from bi-weekly to monthly earlier this year.
I have a feeling we'll see a lot more of these announcements, especially for publications off to a good start with their web presences. But as ad dollars dry up, even those lagging online will have little choice but to seriously consider such moves.
'bout time
yeah that's right I said 'bout time these guys moved to an all electronic version. The CSM was a bigger surprise just because of demos served. Too many people, myself included, get advice from places like lifehacker to wait for the magazine to arrive in my mail box. When does my new newsletter start arriving?
The print cycle is
The print cycle is definitely too slow today!
In terms of the newsletter, Issue #1 went out on Nov. 13. If you subscribed after that date, you can still read it on the archive page. Issue #2 will go out late next week or early the following week.
Saving Trees.
It's a good move for the environment, too. I'm glad no jobs are being lost because of the change, maybe that will influence other publications to do the same.
Yes, the environment's a big
Yes, the environment's a big story here. Just imagine the impact if newsprint production went to zero and all newspapers were delivered online...