Cup-a-Joe

One of the key issues which has been raised by many folks regarding the Internet world is the financial model.  How do you pay for this stuff?  This has specifically been the question when it came to the world of newspapers and publishing.  It seems that things are a changing.

Several studies recently reported by “News & Tech” indicate that online publishers are beginning to develop “for pay” solutions – which is crucial for the success of content on the web.  A report from FTI Consulting indicated that a landscape in which consumers will pay to receive news and information on their mobile devices — a reversal from how consumers perceive content on the Web.  The firm stated, “The data … suggests that the public’s desire for consuming content on-the-go will drive strong growth for e-reader friendly devices. And these models hint at a return to paid subscriptions and a print-like advertising model.”

Another study by the Newspaper Association of America (NAA) stated that newspaper websites continue to dominate the Internet landscape.  Citing analysis conducted by comScore, NAA said that newspaper websites attracted 102.8 million unique visitors last  September, 61 percent of all adult Internet users. The survey also indicated that newspaper websites reach 55 percent of 25-to-34-year-olds and 73 percent of individuals in households earning more than $100,000 a year. “This data from comScore reinforces how newspaper publishers are leveraging original, high-quality content to build a powerful and engaged audience in the digital space,” said NAA President and CEO John F. Sturm in a statement.

Yes, everything is changing — but there are still plenty of opportunities.  We just can’t keep looking under the same bushes.

I’m back from another trip – they seem to be coming with more frequency the past few years.  This time it was to our nation’s Capitol for our industry’s annual political event.  Like it or not, it’s important for all of us to be involved with our legislative process.  It may not move the way we want, or as fast as we might wish – but that’s democracy.  And we all need to play a role.

Over the past few years PIA has made a commitment to support this activity – at no little cost.  As important as it is for us “staffers” to be here, it’s so much more important when a Congressman or Senator has a real life company owner/voter in front of them.  If someone has taken the time to make a visit, our representatives understand it must be important, and the more voices which are heard the more likely the message is understood.  Congratulations to all the individuals who make time to visit or contact their representative!  We may not get exactly what we need or want – but consider this.  What would happen if no one was voicing print’s issues to Congress?

I had a thoughtful conversation the other day with one of our members – a long-time sales rep and sales manager.  It was regarding the concept of value-added. He had seen a recent “Hotline” article in our newsletter and was concerned it was sending a message which was negative to the sales force. read more »

Trade associations tend to move relatively slowly – OK, very slow – when dealing with industry issues.  Boards are comprised of diverse leadership and frequently the staff has a different perspective on industry concerns.  But I was very glad to see the action which the Printing Industries of America’s Board of Directors took late last month.

Printing Industries of America (PIA) is going to take an aggressive role in working with its affiliates (there are 24 of us), and other organizations, to develop messaging to reinforce the “value of print.”  PIA developed material and a web site last year, but it was PIA Southern California which took the bull by the horns and created a serious campaign, which may very well be the one adopted by the national organization.

Although we may not see anything in the next month or two, this action will help focus the industry’s efforts to combat the insidious messaging that print is dead.  Congratulations to the Board of Directors. They stopped kicking the can down the road.