Gilbane Research Report (excerpt) - Nxtbook - (Page 32)

Digital Magazine and Newspaper Editions: Conclusions Conclusions After the data have been analyzed, the best practice cases written, and the industry experts interviewed, what do we conclude and what topics do we feel need future consideration? The Role of the Digital Replica Edition Either/and, not either/or — Some publishers wonder if they should have a Web site view of their content or a digital replica edition. We believe that they should have both and that they should be well integrated and coordinated. We suggest that digital replica editions should be part of almost every digital publishing strategy. We think of replicas as a traditional browsing view of content, similar to but better than the way newspapers and magazines have been read for hundreds of years. Browsing exposes readers to a broad range of content and allows them to discover new and often unexpected topics that they subsequently find interesting. Most Web sites feature an interface built more upon the short display of headlines, a menu of topics, and a search engine. Most Web site readers scan the front page rather than browsing the array of articles. We feel that the two approaches are quite complementary and that readers benefit when the two approaches work together as seamlessly as possible. Better functionality and richer value — Digital replica editions offer readers features and functionality that simply cannot be duplicated in print editions: The content found in each article can serve as context to enhance the reader’s ability to search for and find the best pertinent information related to that article and then easily return to the article. Publishers can add links from their content that help guide readers to other credible and respected information. Rich media allows publishers to enhance their illustrations to make them more instructive and even interactive. Lower costs — The digital replica edition offers real cost benefits. It is much less expensive to produce and distribute digital replicas, especially when subscribers are located in remote international locales. The reasonable costs also create the potential for publishers to consider more extensive sampling and promotional-issue programs. Once cross-media planning practices and sophisticated content management strategies are deployed, the potential for cost savings becomes even greater as publishers save by eliminating the redundant efforts to produce two distinct media editions. Environmental impact — With energy prices soaring and concerns about the environment deepening, many readers are now more receptive to receiving digital editions of their favorite publications. Speed of delivery — The Internet can get publications into subscribers’ hands much faster than the mail service. This is especially important in B2B markets. ©2008 Gilbane Group, Inc. 32 http://gilbane.com http://gilbane.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Gilbane Research Report (excerpt) - Nxtbook

Gilbane Research Report (excerpt) - Digital Magazine Editions
Table of Contents
Section One: The Data
Adoption Data
Section Two: Best Practice Case
Nxtbook
Bentley Systems
Graduate Prospects
Hearst
Information Today
Marine Log
Vendor Description
Section Three: Conclusions
Conclusions
The Authors
About the Gilbane Group, Inc.

Gilbane Research Report (excerpt) - Nxtbook