In Box

In the April 2008 issue of Videomaker, publisher Matt York put a question to our readers in his editor's column, Viewfinder. In it he lamented the costs of publishing a print magazine and the diminishing advertising dollars, and asked how you, our readers, prefer to read our publication: in print or on the web. You responded, en masse, with preferences, personal stories, and even a comparison chart. We heard from a farmer's wife, film students, retirees, doctors, web designers and even a reptilist. Not surprisingly, many of you enjoy the feeling of holding the magazine in your hands, and taking it to locations you can't take a computer. Others use it as a starting tool when they do more extensive web research on a product. Still others prefer to simplify their snail-mail postage and find our website answers their needs. Below is a cross-reference of a few of your responses and concerns.
- the Editors

Hello Sir York (grin)

I need the paper Videomaker. I cannot always have a computer with me. I read the magazine in bed, watching TV, even in the steam room at my gym. I would pay more to keep paper. When I am through with a magazine, I leave it at the gym between the sauna and steam room. I have seen people pick it up and read it. Just my vote. Mighty fine job with the web stuff BTW.
Glen

The magazine is much more versatile in its conveyance. It doesn't rely on batteries, it can be folded and put in my coat or jeans back pocket. It is lighter. It can be read more conveniently in more places: the bathroom, the car while waiting on kids or wife, in the ladies' department while my wife tries on clothes. It takes up less space on the bed side table. I don't have to worry about knocking it off or dropping it, don't have to wait for it to boot. It doesn't glare, the display doesn't wash out when used outside, you don't have to have access to WiFi. The web is better at showing examples, but for easy access to how to's the mag rules.
Mike Rockwell

I've only been reading the magazine for a couple of months now and I really like it. I like the paper magazine better because of my job schedule. I travel a lot with work and I'm never at my computer long enough to do any reading online. Plus if I'm going to read a whole magazine like I do with Videomaker; I'd rather have a hard copy. I don't like to stare at a computer monitor to read. I take the magazine along with me to work and I read it on the road. I love it.
Philip Spinks

I enjoy seeing your magazine hit my mailbox each month. I have not been subscribing long but have just renewed and look forward to a long relationship. Your internet site is an excellent addition for the hands-on and video enhancements but it can't compare to holding the magazine, flipping through the pages, putting it down then picking up where you left off. I have my back issues right beside the computer station and can pull them out and review a particular edition in between commercials or on the deck out back. I can't do that with the web-based version.
Ken Rae
London, Ontario, Canada