Conversational Marketing Summit: NY 2009
I’ll be attending Federated Media’s Conversational Marketing Summit the next two days — “an exclusive two-day event that brings together executives in social media and conversational marketing for a frank, real-world discussion around pressing issues, beckoning opportunities, and lessons learned.” While I hate the term “social media“, I like FM’s “Conversational Marketing” approach and think
How Much is a Magazine’s Content Worth? Part II
With advertising revenue less reliable than ever—overall ad spending declined another 15.1 percent in Q1 2009 (Bernstein’s Research)—this prolonged and brutal economic downturn will claim even more magazines before the year is over, requiring the rapid development of alternative revenue streams and pitting those still standing in an intriguing, high-stakes game of “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast”. One of the seemingly obvious steps to take would be to raise the deeply discounted subscription rates that were formerly subsidized by advertising, sending a clear message to readers (and advertisers) about the true value of the content being published. While most magazines would undoubtedly lose subscribers, the ones they retained would be more profitable, more engaged, and more responsive to relevant advertising and direct-to-consumer offerings.
How Much is a Magazine’s Content Worth? Part I
I’m no fetishist or luddite, though, and while I tend to favor print, my definition of a magazine is platform neutral. I’ve worked in magazine publishing for over 15 years now—from audience development to advertising sales, freelance editorial to events planning, corporate to DIY—and stand firmly with the digital generation that’s purportedly out mugging elderly newspapers in broad daylight, and striking fear in the hearts of cowardly and superstitious magazines in the middle of the night. Seeing subscription offers like the one above for Fast Company and Inc.—two solid print magazines devaluing their editorial content at only $.75/issue while simultaneously making it all available for free online—I think that the death of the current ad-supported model is inevitable and, arguably, a good thing.
On Memorial Day
Take a moment today to remember those who died, and those who came back less than whole. It’s not just a long weekend, and it has nothing to do with politics.
Hanging with the Estefans on Ellis Island
One of the best things about working for a publisher based out in the Midwest is that I sometimes get to play Peter Parker at events in New York City when no one from a particular magazine can attend. A few weeks back, it was the NY Round Table Writers Conference thanks to Writer’s Digest,
Kris Allen is the next American Idol
In a just world, at the end of a season that featured the most raw talent they’ve ever assembled, Kris Allen would be this season’s American Idol in a landslide and authenticity would be hailed as the new black. Period. And shut up. (Especially you, Kara DioGuardi!) Of course, we don’t live in a just
Starbucks, I Done You Wrong! #smwin
One of the great things about “social media” is the ability to engage in conversations with a variety of people, anywhere in the world, on pretty much any topic of interest, no matter how obscure or inane. Thanks to forums, blogs and Facebook, I’ve connected with poets, writers, comic book fans and creators, and re-connected
What New Media Can Learn From Slam Poetry
“I have just read the immortal poems of the ages and come away dull. I don’t know who’s at fault; maybe it’s the weather, but I sense a lot of pretense and poesy footwork: I am writing a poem, they seem to say, look at me! Poetry must be forgotten; we must get down to
Marketing Should be Fun(damental)
Marketers have spammed, lied, deceived, cluttered and ripped us off for so long, we’re sick of it. –Seth Godin I love coaching Little League baseball. This is my son’s third year playing and I’ve been fortunate enough to coach his team each year, experiencing first-hand the beauty of playing baseball for no other reason than
6Qs: Maria Schneider, Editor Unleashed
“I don’t know if there’s any light at the end of the tunnel for publishers, but I think the future for writers is bright.” –Maria Schneider, Editor Unleashed I had the pleasure of working with the Editor Unleashed herself, Maria Schneider, for about 18 months, back when we were both with Writer’s Digest — as Editor