Publishing revistas

With the release of the iPad 2, the first wave of users seem quite jealous to the convenient upgrades and new options not available to the iPad senior. The way I feel is that I wouldn't have one unless it was a gift, and even then, I'd have to change a lot of the ways that I do my work and fun activities to accommodate using the device. I'm just fine using my Dell laptop from 2005, much less to mention the required MacBookPro for this masters degree. Although, I will admit, I use my Mac because Apple's interface is much more sensible than Windows will ever be.

Businessweek, Elle, Maxim, and Popular Science are magazine subscriptions now available on the iPad 2 through Apple's applications. How great is it that you can access everything you'd ever need, media-wise, without leaving the comfort of... where it is most comfortable to be. Any place with internet access is capable of hosting vast groups of iPad (2) owners... instead of seeing people reading books and magazines, there will now be a higher demand for wireless internet connections and the access of a power outlet for charging such items.


However, in the midst of the greatness, there are costs. Apple is demanding a 30% share of the subscriptions charges. This will drive the iPad 2's success and revenue up, but it may keep certain magazines from even desiring their presence in the app store menu.

So, I ask, where should the line be drawn? Is 30% too much for something that is already being stretched across many recipients? Where will the 30% be taken from? Who will lose enough for it to be a negative effect in the deal? These kinds of questions should come to mind to the magazine industry and maybe even be taken into consideration by Apple before tacking on almost a third of the cost. If that drives the prices up, how many consumers would rather by the physical copy? How many companies will phase out their physical copies? Very interesting...

(2011). Gigaom. Why Apple's Pushy Publishing Plan is Paying Off. Retrieved April 17, 2011 from http://gigaom.com/apple/why-apples-pushy-publishing-plan-is-paying-off/