A new Spin on downloads

Spin magazine has struck deals with MySpace and iTunes to promote its first digital issue, making music and information available to members of MySpace Music.

The promotion also allows members to read Spin Digital for free for 12 months.

The January issue of Spin Digital was posted exclusively on MySpace about three weeks ago in a "soft launch"; the official launch comes with the February issue, including interviews with Pete Doherty and Lenny Kravitz.

The digital version hews close to the print magazine itself, unlike Spin.com, where the magazine's editorial staff posts breaking news and updates. Spin Digital includes links that take readers to musician profiles on MySpace as well as the iTunes Store, where they're able to buy songs mentioned in the magazine.

The digital edition also includes audio samples, video footage, and interactive ads that can, for example, take them to a company's official Web site.

Spin president Tom Hartle boasted: "We are already seeing a dramatic increase in readership from the soft launch--over a quarter of a million page views in the first week alone." He added: "Now instead of just reading about a new band or an album, readers can hear what they sound like, get involved with the community and purchase music, all with just a few clicks."

The magazine is also hoping that Web exposure will drive print subscriptions. According to Hartle, renewals and new subscriptions increased 50% in January 2008 compared to the same month last year.

Organic Growth

Organic Style magazine returned Wednesday, Feb. 6, as a digital magazine. The new issue includes an interview with Maria Rodale, publisher of the original Organic Style magazine, and in-depth features about organic cotton farming in India, wildlife conservation in Kenya, sustainable flower growing in Ecuador, a tribute to civil rights icon Rosa Parks. The pub will publish quarterly and subscriptions will initially be free.

The magazine itself is easy to read and fast to download; and in what may become an increasing trend, it allows users to share articles and features from the magazine on social sharing sites like Digg, Delicious and StumbleUpon.

Gamerzines launch multi language magazine

Gamerzines, who offer free digital games magazines, have launched what they claim is a world first.
The first issue of Konami Fanzine, covering Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is available for free, immediate download in English, German, French and Italian.
The magazine is produced in PDF format, so readers simply require Adobe Reader 8 on Windows, as with the other GamerZines. As well as being multi-lingual, each page is enhanced with video, animated materials, interactive content and it also includes an interactive competition with the chance to win an Xbox 360 console. It introduces all the new features of Pro Evolution Soccer 8, showcases the games graphics and includes an interview with the face of PES 2008, Ronaldo himself.

The CountryFile

The BBC's latest show spinoff, Countryfile Magazine, is launching. Helmed by my erstwhile colleague Mr Cavan Scott, its very much a magazine for the new generation, despite its conservative country roots.

It has a podcast and an 8 page digital sampler, which you can find here.

Best of luck Cav !!

New digital magazine course

I'm running a new course for the PPA designed for anyone interested in implementing digital magazines.

Lots of interesting stuff and hopefully the sign of growing interest