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What if Real Simple went 100% digital?
Posted on Feb 12, 2009 9:09:00 AM  |  By KristinBrandt

Picture_1 Listening to a recent episode of this WEEK in TECH, I heard that PC Magazine would be getting rid of their printed edition, and would become a 100-percent digital publication. The new format, which is driven by Zinio, looks like the magazine (including with "page flip" capability) but without all that pesky paper.



According to the announcement, the magazine (now called PC Magazine Digital), will have the following benefits:



  • Delivered to your e-mail automatically
    I guess this is good if you HAVE to have your PC Magazine, even if you are on vacation.


  • Portable
    Meaning you can "flip" through it on your PC. Because, you know, the paper-version wasn't very portable.


  • Familiar
    Looks like the original and you can "flip the pages." Just don't try to lick your fingers before flipping the page.


  • Interactive
    Videos and links will be embedded, adding to the interactivity of the magazine. Bells and whistles to come next.


  • Printable
    They don't want to spend money on the paper, but you can burn your toner and paper if you must.


  • Green
    So, please "think before you print" the magazine.


I checked out the sample of PC Magazine online, and while it's cool to "flip" through, I can't help but feel a little sad about this move from printed magazines to online. Yes, they are green. Yes, they are available on my laptop. But there is something missing for me when I'm reading a magazine online.



Gone is the promise of a stack of magazines collected for a quiet Sunday, a long trip or an extended bathroom visit. No longer can I tear out an article for a friend; fold down a page for later, or hand off my copy to a random stranger on the train. And let's not forget the fact that I'm trying to spend less time on my computer, not more!



Because of PC Magazine's focus, and assumed demographic, maybe the move to digital makes sense (although many of the 300+ comments tell me otherwise). But what about the other mags I read?



Not that they are planning on doing it, but I have to ask . . What would you think if Real Simple went 100% digital?



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I would be sad if Real Simple went 100% digital. I have not yet found an example of a print-to-digital format that really works for me. I don't follow the "flip pages just like the real thing!" school of thought, and I like having something in my life that doesn't come to me on the computer or iPhone.

Posted by: Sarah| February 12, 2009 at 10:04 AM




I would only like it if I could view it from my iPhone. I do like being able to take it with me, and since my iPhone goes everywhere with me, that would be okay.

Posted by: Audrey| February 12, 2009 at 10:35 AM




I would also be sad, especially for your magazine. The quality of the pictures in the magazine and the other print features (such as the tear-out cards in the back) are very appealing to me. I don't have an i-phone, and am already competing with my son for computer time at home, so I would have limited time to read the magazine. Plus, there is nothing better than curling up on the couch on a Sunday afternoon with a stack of magazines.

Posted by: Emily| February 12, 2009 at 11:44 AM




I would HATE it!! I know that might seem like a strong reaction, but it just makes me so sad to see so many magazines and newspapers closing or focusing mainly on the internet. After spending all day on the computer at work, I don't even want to touch it at night or on the weekends. And it just wouldn't be the same to go curl up in a comfy chair at your favorite bookshop with a computer instead of a stack of your favorite magazines...

Posted by: Meghan| February 12, 2009 at 12:02 PM




I love the concept an online Real Simple and would love to be able to read it from my iphone. But I really do enjoy reading it in print format while curled up on my couch!

Posted by: Jessica| February 12, 2009 at 03:05 PM




I would HATE IT if Real Simple went digital. I'd like the option in case I lost a print copy. But you are right, I love to get in bed with a stack of magazines that have been building up and luxuriate over them. It would not be the same with a computer - at all! Do everything you can to resist, Real Simple, please!

Posted by: Courtney| February 12, 2009 at 03:05 PM




Don't go 100% digital! I have to echo what I see in the other comments. I work on a computer all day, I don't generally touch it in the evenings or weekends, that is when I read my books and magazines! I don't like being "connected" all the time I don't have an iPhone or similar phone because I want to be inaccessible at times and guess what I want to take that magazine on the plane with me or on a trip up to Maine where the cell signals are not that strong (and that is a good thing).

Posted by: wendyloohoo| February 12, 2009 at 03:22 PM




No thank you! My only motivation to go to the gym (well, OK, a large part of my motivation) is that it is the only time I allow myself to read magazines! If everything goes digital, I'm just going to be sitting on my butt in front of the computer for an even LONGER amount of time each week!

Posted by: Holly| February 12, 2009 at 05:11 PM




I would immediately cancel my subscription like we did with PC magazine...if I wanted to read information on the internet I would do it on the millions of other free sites. I enjoy reading my magazines while relaxing in a bath or just relaxing...I would not subscribe or stay subscribed to a digital only magazine.

Posted by: Shannon| February 13, 2009 at 06:45 AM




I would be so sad!!! Its my favorite thing to read on my subway commute home. I love the pictures, in fact I collect the paper calendar pictures for each month. Plus, you already have a great site and a great blog for people who don't want to read the magazine on paper. I am all for being green, but I think of Real SImple as one of life's little luxuries and I would be devasted!!!

Posted by: Gracie| February 13, 2009 at 10:36 AM




I'd be miserable. I subscribe to Real Simple (and about 6 other magazines a month) because I want something to read while working out. I don't like to try to concentrate on a book and propping one on the magazine holder is nearly impossible. A good issue of Real Simple will get me through a 1 hour workout. A good issue of Oprah - 1 and 1/2 workouts.

As far as being Green, I pass all my magazines along to at least one reader who also uses them to workout, then recycles them. Yes, it's not eliminating the printing alltogether but it's a good step.

Posted by: Debra| February 13, 2009 at 11:25 AM




I'd be devastated of Real Simple went 100% digital!! After the collapse of so many home magazines, Real Simple is the only one that gives me hope.

Posted by: Jessie| February 13, 2009 at 05:01 PM




Only once there is a large format color eInk reader. The pictures and other info need color and emissive displays (like a computer screen) won't work. If the kindle 3 includes an 8.5 x 11 color eInk screen at decent resolution then sure no problem.

Posted by: OogieM| February 14, 2009 at 10:15 AM




Hi Good Folks of Real Simple, I would totally hate it if Real Simple did away with its "paper" magazine for an all online format. It's great to have access to online features - I'm online right now looking for a template of a shopping list. But when I come home after a long day at work as an Admin Assist, the last thing I want to do is get back online to read my FAVORITE magazine. Seeing the current issue of Real Simple in the mailbox is like getting a Christmas present every month! I love its substantial feel, and the quality of the paper is awesome. Once hubby and kid have gone to bed, I settle down into my leather chair next to the roaring fireplace (hey, its gas but a fire is a fire!), make a cup of tea, and eagerly dive into the issue like a kid diving into a presnt on Christmas Morning! NO WAY would the experience be nearly as nurturing trying to balance my desktop PC on my lap! LOL! But seriously, I cannot even bear to part with all my old issues - I have 3 to 4 years worth on my bookshelves. Charge me more for the paper version if you have to but PLEASE don't change your format! Real Simple rocks! Fondly, Leslie, Massachusetts

Posted by: Leslie | April 18, 2009 at 12:33 PM




I too would be very sad if Real Simple went to 100% digital. Being a graphic designer I have much respect for the internet and computers, but there's something about holding a new publication in your hand when it comes in the mail each month. I get excited every time I see your magazine in my mailbox! I know a lot of magazines and newspapers are going online only, but yours is one that is meant to be savored in it's natural format.

Posted by: Leslie| April 27, 2009 at 01:45 PM






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