One Small Step: Digital Subscriptions
I’m a bit conflicted about magazine subscriptions. Part of me says, bad — magazines kill trees. But, as a writer who tries to write for these publications, isn’t it strange to not support them? What are my other options?
Currently I don’t have any subscriptions, so I check magazines out from the library, or I cruise them in the store and may sometimes buy a copy. There are also other ways to read publications: trade with friends and family or ask your doctor’s office if you can have the older magazines. I know, it does seem that they keep those magazines forever, doesn’t it? However, I’ve known a few people who do get magazines from doctors’ offices — with permission, of course.
A few weeks ago, writing friend Laverne at Words into Print sent me a link to a green magazine, Plenty, she thought I might be interested in submitting to. I checked them out, and they seem really interesting.
One of the greatest things I noticed about Plenty is that they allow you to subscribe digitally. You can choose the digital-only option for a couple of dollars less than the print and digital option. How very green of them. They went a step beyond printing on recycled paper.
Sure, reading online (or off-line at your computer) uses energy, but when you consider the paper, ink, transportation and recycling (hopefully) associated with paper magazines, I think digital is the greener choice.
If your favorite magazine doesn’t offer digital-only subs, suggest it to them. They listen more than you might think.
After looking around a bit, I noticed zinio, a global online publishing company that focuses on providing digital magazines and books. Zinio has about 3.5 million readers and a large selection of magazines. You can also buy single issues if you choose. I previewed a few magazines and their software seems very reader-friendly. I may decide to try them out soon. Being an impatient person, I love that you can subscribe instantly, from anywhere, and read you chosen magazine within minutes.
Are you trying to green your magazine reading habits? What steps have you taken?
Forest photo from flickr.
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POSTED IN: Earth Friendly Living Ideas, One Small Step
7 opinions for One Small Step: Digital Subscriptions
Laverne
Mar 12, 2008 at 6:57 pm
A fine article, Peggy. Very informative. Looks like digital subscriptions are going to be big. Thanks for the article and thanks, also, for linking to me.
Jennifer
Mar 12, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I think digital is good too. I read a lot of my office pubs online (I write an office blog), and some architecture mags too. I keep wondering what the digital age will do to magazine writers, I think me getting out of that when I did was wise. Although, people do take you more seriously when they see your name in print vs. online. That’s a bummer.
Peggy
Mar 12, 2008 at 8:23 pm
You are welcome Laverne. I did find Plenty at Hastings as well in case you are looking for it in print.
Jennifer, I know what you mean about print bringing more respect, but I think that attitude is slowly changing. Also, with digital subs, you still have to pay, so I think most good mags will survive. Still, I know many are struggling quite a bit right now.
Michelle
Mar 13, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Mothering Magazine is celebrating their first year of publishing a digital version. So wonderful to be able to get my fix of smart, well-researched parenting information in a format I can feel good about (plus it comes faster than the mail!).
Jennifer
Mar 13, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I love Mothering Michelle, after Brain, Child, it’s my fave parenting mag.
Karen L. Alaniz
Mar 14, 2008 at 2:48 am
I love, love, love Plenty magazine! I discovered it about six months ago. But the whole question of printed vs. digital subscriptions is a difficult one. I write for both. But honestly, I like to read a printed magazine. It’s more relaxing. It takes me away from the glare of technology. That said, I let my subscriptions all run out. My thought was that there isn’t any magazine that I just “have to” read each and every month. And if I really wanted it, I’d go buy it or check it out. Truth is, I don’t. I do, however get quite a few from relatives. And as I posted on recently on my blog, I’ve decided to give them another life rather than tossing them into the recycling bin.
I guess my answer is, I want the best of all worlds. How’s that for decisive? ~Karen-bob
Peggy
Mar 14, 2008 at 3:14 am
Michelle, thanks for stopping by and letting us know about Mothering going digital.
Karen, how lovely to see you here. Thanks for sharing about your magazine life. I’ll check out your post.
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