Is the iPad the first REAL print publication killer?

Written on the 14th of April 2010 by Brenton King

The big debate in the publication world...Will digital e-publications fade out print publications?

The answer is no....
I have always liked the idea of digital e-publications and, with time and some innovative marketing ploys; they will indeed become more popular. But not popular enough to render print publications a thing of the past.

Or have I spoken too soon? Introducing the iPad...
Now I didn’t realise this until reading the below article on Google news, but imagine being able to flick through a magazine or newspaper, the same as you would with a printed publication, but without having to stop by a news stand and at any time of the day.

Now this argument has been raised with computers and laptops, but let’s face it, they aren’t always that convenient. The iPad takes convenience to the next level, with its light weight and small size (almost the same dimensions as a magazine), you can hold it comfortably in one hand.

This is the first time I’ve really thought e-publications have delivered a haymaker on print publications... it’s a big blow.

Now millions of people Australia wide will just need a bit more convincing to part with $900 and online subscription fees to the newspapers and magazines as opposed to a few bucks a week at the news stand. That will take some marketing.

On the other side of the publication scope, a lot of advertisers are not really sure how to market their product online. They won’t resort to e-publications until they see some facts and figures. And no one is putting their hand up to help produce these facts and figures yet.