Over the past year, it has become apparent that while print media still has a place in every community, it has become increasingly prohibitive to print thousands of copies each year. In response, we have closely evaluated the shifts in technology and media consumption, and we’ve made the decision to move to a hybrid print-digital format for our publications, starting with the current Winter/Spring Edition.
This transition brings several compelling advantages too our advertisers and readers:
1. Increased Frequency & Timeliness
With digital publishing, we can update content more frequently, providing more fresh content for our readers and updated ads from our advertisers.
2. Larger Audience Reach
While we print 5,000 copies every six months, our website averages over 4,500 pageviews per month. Going digital allows us to reach exponentially more people.
3. Interactive Features
Digital magazines allow us to offer engaging and interactive features. In the coming year, we’ll be adding dynamic features such as inquiry forms, call-to-action buttons, audio, video, geofencing advertising, and more—driving higher engagement with our readers and advertisers.
4. Sustainability
Online publishing is an eco-friendlier option, helping us reduce our environmental footprint. Plus, we will no longer have to deal with schlepping cases of magazines around!
5. Print on Demand & Special Editions
While we’re embracing the digital transition, we won’t be eliminating print altogether. We will still offer a print-on-demand option for those who prefer a physical copy. And we will continue printing our annual Pride Edition, which will be distributed at June Pride events—right where our audience is.
6. Cost Savings
The cost of printing and distribution has risen significantly in recent years. By shifting to a digital-first model, we can save on these expenses—and pass some of these savings on to our advertisers.
This shift to a hybrid model represents an exciting leap forward into the 21st Century, and I’m excited to present a new take on our magazine.
Eric Hause and Andrew Roberts, Publishers
