View camera mag

[Bob McCarthy]

I wonder if view camera magazine would prosper if it went online.

Ive been using my iPad for more and more reading, originally books, now some magazines.

I have not been able to locate a retailer anywhere around since Barnes & Noble dropped it (at least here).

Back issues on line would be really nice.

Anyway his cost w/o printing could make it more attractive to advertisors and potentially expand the community. And increase circulation as the savings on printing could be passed through to his subscribers.

It might be where we obtain our limited circulation publications in the future. Retail is dying from what I see.

Anyone talk to Steve to get his thinking??

bob

[BrianShaw]

I thought they already offered an on-line edition.

[Bob McCarthy]

Hmmm, Ill have to look, but there is a huge divide between a publication accessable online with a mac/pc/laptop (subscription based) and one thats available in an app store for the tablet market (advertising based).

I suspect there is a tablet device destined for everyone. Much more useful than a phone. Actually I see a convergence.

I dumped my laptop when I came to understand just how good these devices are for daily use. I went back to a desktop at home dedicated to photo editing.

bob

[Eric Biggerstaff]

There is an online version of the mag, contact Steve and he can set you up.

[Frank Petronio]

Why mess with perfection?

[Mike Anderson]

Hmmm, Ill have to look, but there is a huge divide between a publication accessable online with a mac/pc/laptop (subscription based) and one thats available in an app store for the tablet market (advertising based).
...

There's potentially better experience in a tablet app over a traditional web site but it's expensive. NY Times, NPR, BBC, etc. have the resources to do this, but smaller-time operators would have a harder time getting a ROI, I think. And it will get more complicated as the number of tablet platforms increase (iPad, various Androids, HP's webOS, and maybe something viable from Microsoft).

But for big players I think the wave of the future is to have tablet app(s) to supplement a website.

...Mike

[Ed Richards]

Large format pictures on an Ipad. Why bother with LF at all if you not going to make prints? At least VC prints images large enough that you can tell they were not taken with an Iphone. I know Lenswork is going to the Ipad, but it already prints everything tiny.

I understand the economics - it is a shame that there are no dotcom billionaires interested in LF to subsidize VC.:-)

[Sanjay Sen]

What Frank said.

[Jan Pedersen]

Congrats to Richard Wasserman for a great series of images from the Chicago River in the latest issue (received yesterday)
Excellent work.

[Bob McCarthy]

The foundation of my comment was not critical and that the magazine is loosing distribution channels and eventually volume will dry up and make it uneconomical to produce. I would hate for that to happen. View camera is a credible resource for maintaining the community. How to introduce the craft to new users. Thus site also performs that function, but I believe the structure of a magazine is important too.

I can envision fairly simple layout software with useful templates for steve to use., much like web site development has experienced.

It's the future and we don't need multimedia like the major publications, just good authorship and printing.

Just my thoughts.

Bob

[falth j]

we have books, headstones, scrolls and glyphs that survived for ages...

but, I can't readily access anything from just a few short years ago that was on my Sol, Altair and trs-80 computers, along with their memory storage device, my cassette tape recorder.


Henry, Wilhelm is concerned about the permanence of inks on paper, the longevity of digitally printed photographs, and is constantly revising his prognostications and testing methods.

But, no one is concerned about placing so much information in electron format and the poor prospects of accessing that information, in relatively speaking, a few years in the future.


Clearly, the i-pad is a very interesting can of paradoxes…


if, it just didn’t need electricity…


As a few people pointed out above, ‘why bother’, and

‘why fool with perfection’?

'Survivability', you say?

[Leigh]

From the subscription page of the View Camera Magazine website http://www.viewcamera.com:

"Effective September 1, 2008 you can add the electronic version of View Camera to your current subscription for just $10 per year!"

So it doth appear that Steve got the jump on y'all. :D

- Leigh

[msk2193]

Bob,

When I received the magazine, there was a code on the mailing label that gave you the password to the subscriber section of their website. So paper copy subscribers did have an option to get a digital version.

I dropped the subscription becasue the magazine was totally unreliable as far as publication date goes. I even bought one at a bookstore becasue I did not receive my copy from the publisher.

[Sanjay Sen]

In the past few years that I've subscribed to VC magazine, I have missed a few issues and most of the time delivery is delayed, even though I live in one of the major metropolitan areas in the US. However, every time I have missed an issue, I have called the magazine office and they have sent a replacement at no extra cost. I recall once when I had to call twice because the replacement was also not delivered. I don't know where the problem lies, with the magazine distribution or with the USPS. I am willing to live with these little pains because this is the only magazine dedicated to LF photography that I am aware of. But of course, this is simply how I see it.

[Sanjay Sen]

On another note, I just saw on their website that the upcoming monograph is of George Tice. I am eagerly looking forward to that issue, George Tice is one of my favorite photographers.

[Capocheny]

Bob,

Just my 2 cents worth... As much as the iPad is a terrific device, and I'm sure V/C would be great on it, I still prefer picking up a hard copy and reading through it with a cup of coffee in hand.

Not that you can't do that with the iPad but I'm already on my computer for far too many hours during the day (and, sometimes, night!)

For those who want their copy over the internet... it's great to have the choice.

Cheers

[Louie Powell]

It's scary - I'm actually agreeing with Frank!

[Frank Petronio]

Yeah but I was being sarcastic so it's OK ;-)

All these large-format related industries -- labs, galleries, workshops, magazines -- are run by people at or slightly older than the average age of their customer base. So why worry about it? Everyone can gracefully fall into elderly dementia together.

[Daniel Stone]

I've been contemplating purchasing a subscription to View Camera for the past few months. However, I've also been wondering; for the extra $10 access to the digital version, can you PRINT articles from the digital version of the website?

I mean, is it actually possible to produce some sort of "hardcopy"(I use that term loosely here of course ;)) to backup the more important articles that I might want to have close at hand, w/o having to log into a website to access?

thanks

-Dan

[Robert Brummitt]

I'm all for it!
As I see it, I can used an e reader for books, magazines and other information. I disagree with the person about availability. We are living in a great era. I can easily gather information on most any subject. It has helped me enormously. It has help my children and has helped my elderly in-laws as well.
I had just finished reading Al Gore's book "Our Choice" It has a frighten outlook but also offers us hope. In the book, Mr. Gore describes the paper industry in old industry verses new. The subject wasn't just about all the trees that are used but also all the energy that is used to produce those pages. From cutting and milling, gathering information, to the writing, to the presses and finally to the delivery. Lots and lots of energy.
With electronic distribution much of the energy is saved. Yes, information still needs to be gathered, has to be written. but the presses and delivery is cut and so is the cutting and milling of trees. And the book adds that older ways of producing materials raises in costs ie gas, oil and electricity. The newer ways will lower those same costs use less of the same sources.
I get the paper everyday, I read Newsweek every week, I am a consumer and I want to waste less. So, if electronics can help me do so. Great! I look forward to having an Ipad and subscribing to magazines that distribute to it. If also the publishing houses also give a discount to the readers as I think Mr. Simmons is.
This is my two cents. Oh, I read Mr. Gores book on my computer.

[Bob Kerner]

I've had a similar experience to Sanjay, though not recently. I subscribed and frequently missed editions. I'm not inclined to subscribe again if the delivery issues have not been 100% resolved. Unlike Sanjay, I'm not willing to chase down my copy of something I pay to have delivered to my home. So, unless they've fixed the delivery issues, my money stays in my pocket. I'd give an on-line/Ipad version a shot however.

[srbphoto]

Why do I want to spend $400 to read a $7.95 magazine?

[Leigh]

The subject wasn't just about all the trees that are used but also all the energy that is used to produce those pages. From cutting and milling, gathering information, to the writing, to the presses and finally to the delivery. Lots and lots of energy.
Also lots and lots of jobs. There are many industries where economies can be realized at the expense of jobs.

So what do we do with a nice clean environment that's being polluted by the stench of rotting bodies of people who died of starvation because they were unemployed?

The only solution is to make fewer people.

- Leigh

[Greg Blank]

That has always been the the only solution. The upside is mother nature takes care of rotting bodies quite well.



Also lots and lots of jobs. There are many industries where economies can be realized at the expense of jobs.

So what do we do with a nice clean environment that's being polluted by the stench of rotting bodies of people who died of starvation because they were unemployed?

The only solution is to make fewer people.

- Leigh

[Greg Blank]

My first question is why would "we" spend lots of money to buy large format equipment and years to master the techniques involved then submit the imagery to a publication that is in a strictly digital format?

My second question is, would you like to work for free?


I'd give an on-line/Ipad version a shot however.

[Robert Brummitt]

Would you be interested if that 7.95 magazine came to you at half the price? Or that 30 dollar book at 20 dollars or more less? Our kids have learned the benefit of buying music on-line for .99 cents a song instead of the usual 20 dollars or more per cd at the usual retailer. I'm learning how to stretch my money from my kids! How that happen?!
Yes, the initial cost, for the reader, can be high but if you apply different items to it, different uses. Then maybe the cost becomes lower. That 8 dollar magazine comes to you six times. That is 48 dollars. If you read more publications then the one. Add those to your list. Now, if the editors offered you a lower subscription to use the e-reader. You save more and you help save materials and energy.
Greg, I don't understand your question? Could you please help me? The discussion is about reading magazines on a ipad or e-reader. I use a larger format camera, I have done many years learning my craft. I read to gather information and for enjoyment. How is any of this about working for free?

[msk2193]

If the magazine is unrelible in print format it will be unreliable in digital format. I have no issues with any of my (too many) subscriptions, both local and foreign. I therefore have to dismiss the issue being a USPS problem.
I did like the articles, and did travel to Santa Fe, NM for the show that was heavily promoted by the magazine in 2009 .

[Robert Brummitt]

Leigh.
I would agree. Less is more. In the book, Mr. Gore says that as women become more educated, more empowered and offered choices as in birth control. The birth rate drops. I've also read this in other books written by Presidents Carter and Clinton. Both of who have worked to help others after leaving office.
As to jobs loss. The old proverb comes to mind "When one door closes. Another is opened".

[falth j]

Sure,

tidy up all the nooks and crannies if you must...

save a tree, save some coal too...

go nuclear and irradiate all those dead bodies piling up...


me...


I like the WABI-SABI essence of all my books and magazines piled with precision in the nooks and crannies of my home, filling empty space with reminders of life's little pleasures....


so much for storing mere electrons, most often lost forever...

no WABI-SABI there...

[msk2193]

Robert,

When I was volunteering with some educational programs through the UN, we focused our funds and efforts on educating girls. Girls grow into women, who then force their children - both genders - to get educated as well. It proved to be much more effective then sending boys to school!

[falth j]

and now i get to listen to all those 'educated women-girls' on tv, singing and moaning on the radio, often wailing away so fast that my hearing aide can't keep up,

and it never at all sounds like rock and roll to me...

never any more...

[Bob McCarthy]

Many believe paper is superior to a digital screen, and I would agree this is so with view camera mag.

My point is it may be a solution to the magazine surviving. With little newsstand distribution, my guess is, the long term survival is in question. Without the printing costs there may be more resources available to grow the page content. His digital availability can mean he is part way home.

The only question is how fast digital magazines take hold in the marketplace.

There is a transition phase.

Glad I'm not in the publication business. Lots of big bets to be made.

Bob

[falth j]

"Glad I'm not in the publication business."


this is exactly what has been happening to the college textbook industry in the U.S.

at one time, in the 1970's-1980's, college teachers ordered textbooks from more than 200-300 U.S. owned textbook publishers.

Today, more than ninety-five percent of all college textbooks are ordered from just three main publishers, and those publishers are mostly foreign owned, or have significant foreign 'interest' in their ownership.

[msk2193]

Bob, try a few issues of Wired magazine. GREAT interface; I think those guys did it right.
For news, try Bloomberg.

[Robert Brummitt]

Well, I can only guess that publishers are thinking towards e-books and such. In our small area, photography, I see that Lenswork is moving towards it and Focus magazine is also thinking of the benefits.
I also read that Apple and Google are battling for distribution of newspapers and other magazines. So, I think the writing is on the wall where those two biggies believe where its heading.
My local library is moving towards e-books. They have a sale kiosks for Sony's reader and showing how to borrow books on-line thru them. They have even have down loadable mp3 books to borrow!
On text books, It makes sense to me that they should go electronic. As a student, I was always mad paying 75 to 90 dollars a used book and get 20 back when the course was done. Now, if the prices could be leveled. No storage, no moving of texts.
I collect books as well. I have whole shelves of books that I just can't live without. But, magazine? I read them then either donate to local hospitals or schools. I rather have space for photography or more books that I can't live without.

[Bob McCarthy]

Go to the app store and download Zinio.

It's early state, but the beginning of marketing magazines in digital format.

B

[Ed Richards]

College textbooks are doing great - the consolidation was not driven by failing publishers but by conglomerates buying successful publishers because they are good cash cows.

[falth j]

"College textbooks are doing great.."

Exactly.

Publishers are doing great, but at the expense of students.

Teachers now are only afforded very limited sources for textbook choices, three large conglomerates control nearly the entire textbook supply market...

When a few publishers are the only game in town, everyone suffers, not to mention controlled viewpoints, but also students and their pockets.

Digitalization of textbooks formatting and printing, has allowed publishers to customize textbook requirements for teachers along with just-in-time deliveries.

Prior to digital textbook production, publishers needed about 18-24 months to develop a new textbook or make updates to an old edition, thus giving students and teachers ample time to use the same book from semester to semester.

Publishers are willing to do this for teachers, because customized textbooks are eliminated from the used textbook supply chain, making the purchase of strictly new books from the publisher a necessity.

Mooooo...

[Greg Blank]

Actually I place little importance on cost, I either do afford something or forget about it completely. I have all the photo equipment I need, so as someone that actually makes money from my imagery versus it being a hobby to read and fantasize about, I choose to spend my money marketing my work either LF or digital, and attempting to make more money.

I could buy many lesser magazines, but why read garbage. The perception of why I do large format is about its value in print- to me. I make large prints and like reading about those that do likewise and thier journey in doing so, I see sharp details in my work and and otherwise I can shoot digital with the same results and there is no need for carrying a large camera. I get Rangefinder for free, It has nice pictures, but its a different kind of print magazine. If I had to purchase Rangefinder or View Camera , I would buy View Camera. Because the artists it represents are in my perception better.



Would you be interested if that 7.95 magazine came to you at half the price? Or that 30 dollar book at 20 dollars or more less? Our kids have learned the benefit of buying music on-line for .99 cents a song instead of the usual 20 dollars or more per cd at the usual retailer. I'm learning how to stretch my money from my kids! How that happen?!
Yes, the initial cost, for the reader, can be high but if you apply different items to it, different uses. Then maybe the cost becomes lower. That 8 dollar magazine comes to you six times. That is 48 dollars. If you read more publications then the one. Add those to your list. Now, if the editors offered you a lower subscription to use the e-reader. You save more and you help save materials and energy.
Greg, I don't understand your question? Could you please help me? The discussion is about reading magazines on a ipad or e-reader. I use a larger format camera, I have done many years learning my craft. I read to gather information and for enjoyment. How is any of this about working for free?