PDF Version of Magazine or Patterns

[jowshu98]

I remember reading a post about this possibility some time ago but am unable to find that post now. I was wondering if this was something still being looked into. A pdf version would be a great option. I remembered this after receiving my new issue only to almost lose it to a glass of spilled water. I almost cried (just lucky it wasn't milk). Was able to save it, only the page edges got wet. I would definately be in favor of some kind of option on this. Couple of ideas would be to include this in the magazine on cd, or in a secured section of this site where the subscriber would have to enter information (could only download once without calling). Again just a couple of ideas.

Thanks,

Don

[CanadianScroller]

Good Ideas Don, I think the biggest concern of any publisher is what happens once the PDF is downloaded.
It is quite easy to forward PDF articles via email.
While I know Adobe does make it possible to password protect files, it is just as easy to forward the password too.
I am not sure if there is a gadget that registers a single PC in order to open a file, that would certainly do the trick.
I really do prefer PDFs for printing the patterns, but I love the fact I cant take the magazine anywhere I desire when I want to read it.

Funny how society has accepted magazines in the washroom but laptops are still a little out there

[jowshu98]

I agree Carl, but in this day and age it's just as easy to scan the magazine, create a pdf, and distribute it (definately not something I condone). Just takes a little time but can be done. It's this reason I thought of including a cd in with the magazine, publisher gets paid. As far as taking the magazine where you want, boy you should hear my wife about my laptop!!

Don

[greatdane2]

Sending a CD could be a problem as well though, I keep my magazine and mail the CD to someone else. And that idea would cost $$. As Bob has said they are not awash in money or Advertisers.
I scan the front page and index of each magazine, and then scan anything in the magazine I want to save.
Maybe they should put a centre fold in the mag, that would help circalation numbers. Just take the average age of readers now and put a male and female of that age in the center fold. MMM I dont think I have a future in Publishing with ideas like that. lol.
Alan.

[Jim8Mad]

Woodworker's Journel just recently started an electronic format version of their magazine. As a subscriber to their newsletter I was allowed to download a complimentary copy of the latest magazine. It looks just like the paper magizine in all aspects, even the ads are the same. They use a program called Zinio reader. It's sort of like Adobe but geared more towards an e-book format. Through their website they have subscription access to a lot of different magazines. Maybe Fox Chapel can look into something like that.

Jim

[turningnut]

I would love to see an electronic version of the magazine. I subscribe to several and it's extremely convienant. As for the copying and sending of pdf files, there are those that will be dishonest no matter what. As was stated by Don they can simple be scanned and sent via e-mail. JMHO

[Ramjet]

Still not the same as flipping through the pages and seeing the magazine in it's entirety . I have cd's which I have no idea what is on them until I open them . I have one cd full of patterns that would not open . I sent it back to the company and they still have not responded , that was 6 weeks ago . CDs , good idea for back up though .Perhaps it is an age thing .Raised with computers and cds not a problem . Cheers .
Roger

[Dragon]

I like to take the magazine with me also when I go out somewhere or just when I am outside relaxing but I would love to be able to get the back issues in PDF or CDs or DVDs. I am lucky that I found the back ones that I need but missing the patterns in one of them. I would certainly buy the back issues if offered.
Diane

[Dchatley]

The best reason for at least the patterns being on a cd is if the pattern is larger than 8" x 10" you can still make a copy easy.

When the patterns are too large you are stuck making copies at a print store or taking them to get them reduced prior to scanning.

Personally I scan all the patterns before I cut them so I can resize them(with Rapid Resizer) to fit the wood I am using.

I think the most cost effective way would be to archive the patterns on a web site and allow subscribers to download them for a extra fee.

Thanks,

Dan

[Dragon]

I can't cut the patterns as they are printed on both sides and I have a hard time printing larger than 8 x 11. I end up with many pieces of paper that I have to tape together. When I inquired about printing larger to a specialized place they told me it would cost $1 a square foot. Can't afford that.
Diane