Modern digital tools have perfected the art of interruption, but they’ve left untapped a major opportunity: words on paper. In a world where inboxes are a cluttered battlefield, the physical mailbox offers a peaceful, premium refuge. That’s why, a few years ago, I decided to try something old-fashioned: a monthly printed newsletter for my clients … Read more
Summary: Transitioning readers from print to digital is challenging due to the distinct moods each medium invokes. Still, some publishers are seeing new uses for print. The Economist found that a print package for their welcome series improved engagement. Publishers take note: print remains a valuable tool, particularly when digital methods are oversaturated. It has … Read more
BoSacks makes some very good points about print magazines The whole “print is dead” mantra is misguided. I’ll include a link or two to some things I’ve written about that at the end of this article. We are clearly experiencing a transition from print to digital. The question is whether it will be a complete … Read more
Summary: From a research study by Allegra and Ascend2 about the resurgence of print in marketing — contrary to the belief that print is obsolete, 58% of marketers plan to increase their use of printed materials. While brochures and flyers are most popular, high costs and a preference for digital channels are barriers. However, print … Read more
Summary: The article discusses the challenges and possibilities for the future of print media. It acknowledges the economic difficulties in print publishing due to high printing and mailing costs and downward price pressure. However, it emphasizes that people, including younger generations, still like print products. The author suggests options such as outsourcing printing to China, … Read more
Summary: Print publications continue to be relevant in the digital age. There are unique advantages of print, such as better aesthetics, a curated immersive experience, reduced eye strain, fewer distractions, portability, improved comprehension, different highlighting/note-taking experiences, resistance to AI scraping, suitability for children, collectibility, and a more relaxing reading experience. The author suggests that while … Read more
Peter Houston’s article, “Nine things we learned making an indie print magazine,” explores lessons from creating The Grub Street Journal, a B2B magazine. It emphasizes prioritizing enjoyment over profits, the unique considerations of print layout, the importance of covers, and embracing both print and digital aspects. The article stresses community, navigating challenges in distribution and … Read more
Summary: Print publications are embracing their unique sensory appeal, positioning themselves as luxury experiences distinct from digital media. While challenges in quantifying engagement persist, print’s potential to captivate attention stands out. Niche print strategies offer effective outreach by differentiating from overflowing inboxes. A custom print newsletter can be an effective tool to reach key clients. … Read more
I’m not a Luddite. I work with people on technology issues, and I like technology. But I also recognize there’s a role for printed publications. So today I’d like to discuss the possible advantages of print. 1. Branding yourself The New European is a relatively recent publication in the UK that’s aimed at people who … Read more
[This is from July 2015, but it’s still relevant.] I read on my iPad every day, but the experience frequently reminds me how much better it can be to read a real book. Sooner or later, somebody is going to solve (at least some of) these issues on the digital side, and the experience will … Read more
It’s such an old issue you might expect we’d be pros at this by now, but I continue to see serious, professional publishers making decisions about print and digital based on shallow metrics, like “we’ll save all the money we spend on printing and mailing.” Please. There are so many other things to consider. Are … Read more
If it’s not ink on a page, it’s not a magazine. Some people get bent out of shape when I say this. They assume I’m being a Luddite, or expressing a dislike of digital publications. Neither is true, as I’ll demonstrate. In the same way that a magazine is ink on paper, a news app … Read more