[plug] Newsletter/Magazine

[skribe]

On 09-Aug-98 Matt Hutchinson wrote:

> With the people on the mailing list, hopefully word would get around...And
> any issues would just be mailed out to interested people. Also, it could
> be available at PLUG meetings.
> 
> To mailing-list members: Including yourselves, how many other people do
> you know who would be interested in a 2 or 3 month mag/newsletter that
> would have quality stuff for a WA readership?

One has to ask, what does it offer that can't be done cheaper, faster and
better on the WWW?  If you're aiming at PLUG members primarily (as a starter)
then most have access.  You'd only want to make a hardcopy zine if a> you were
trying to attract new users b> make money.

Making money on zines is a very longterm ambition.  You're likely to lose more
than you ever gain, especially if you're only planning on selling the zine to
such a small market.  Cutting out newsagents will kill your casual sales and
reduce/eliminates your chances of expanding beyond just those that know about
PLUG.  Selling via the web is a possible, but once again doing a market
research is vital.  You'll also need to cover any mailing costs in the price
that you charge.

I think you'd better off doing a web zine and selling 'advertising' on it
to make money.  It would likely be far easier and have higher net returns. 
You'd also cut out the printers and distributors.
---
skribe <skribe at amber.com.au>

Hope not, lest ye be disappointed.
                -- M. Horner