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From: "Christy Fillerup" <>
Subject: Re: [TGF] Digital vs. Print Publications - Long
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:08:16 -0600
References: <l2vb114dcee1004151237x5565e1adtbfc0cec82c1f8d1@mail.gmail.com><4BC77EC7.3040607@gmail.com><4BC8350A.3080403@gmail.com><COL108-W48BA3E83C3DB188BF2717E920E0@phx.gbl><x2h72f804b41004160559zbeb49cc8l877c6ac1cdc9b1ea@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <x2h72f804b41004160559zbeb49cc8l877c6ac1cdc9b1ea@mail.gmail.com>


This list never ceases to challenge my thought processes. It's like having
my very own focus group available any time ;)

I should clarify that I'm the UGA board member over _Crossroads_ which is a
quarterly publication. We include both case studies and how-to type articles
as well as some newsy items applicable to both Utahans and researchers
outside of Utah. We're run between 40 and 50 pages per issue, well outside
of what seems to be considered appropriate by the list for an all-digital
publication. We are constantly striving to improve the quality of our case
studies, and hope to preset aspiring authors a stepping stone if they're not
quite ready to submit to the Q.

An underlying implication seems to be that receiving a publication in hard
copy lends credibility, provided that the content warrants it. The example
of the Maryland journal is troubling. I think all quarterlies hope that
readers will read it cover-to-cover. If an all digital format is the
difference between being read and not then then answer becomes a no-brainer.
How long to you subscribe to a society for its quarterly, intending to read
it online, after you find that you don't ever read it? Not long, I suspect.
When budget constraints strike it lands squarely on the chopping block.

Elizabeth is speaking right to the issues that I find my society struggling
with. Remaining financially solvent in the face of dwindling membership.
Harold is right--attracting new members and retaining existing members is a
huge piece of that puzzle. Digital vs. Print is another piece.

As a society our directive is to provide membership benefits in a cost
effective manner. Craig's statement, "I see the move to electronic media as
a member benefit reduction for those who are paper dependent," is a very
good point. Can we afford to decrease our membership benefits even in the
face of financial difficulties?

Certainly this needs more thought and discussion beore a decision is made,
but I'm inclined to believe that a choice to receive a print publication
should be offered for as long as a signifigant portion of the membership
wants it. But maybe the key is in offering a choice?

Thanks for the thought provoking responses!
Christy

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