Printed Version [LWN.net]

Printed Version

Posted Jul 27, 2002 15:37 UTC (Sat) by BogusUser ((unknown), #2852)
Parent article: On the future of LWN

I have a hard time justifying paying for access to content on the internet. Now something tangible like a newspaper I can hold in my hand is well worth paying for (I think it's psycological). I assume a lot of people feel the same way I do.

Make a subscription to a printed version available for ~ 30-60 (depending on weekly or monthly) dollars a year, and I will send a check right now.

As far as the expenses of printing are concerned, I suggest you do something different than all the other magazines out there.

Print on newsprint. This will save on printing costs, as well as reinforce the quality of the editorial content. I believe this will bring in a lot more advertisers as well. Plus newspaper printing technology is optimized for speed as opposed to quality, which will allow for the paper to be weekly

LWN will become the newspaper of the Linux - Free Software - Open Source movement.

Think About it.

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Printed Version

Posted Jul 27, 2002 16:25 UTC (Sat) by BogusUser ((unknown), #2877) [Link]

I don't think you realize the costs involved in providing print media. LWN would have to add a great deal of money to the costs in order to provide a print media subscription, plus added personnel. The price of paper is only a small part of the costs of printed news - plus mailing, which is becoming astronomical.

I think the idea of maintaining the level of service LWN provides online via subscription is a good idea. Those who prefer printed docs could do just that - print them out. Perhaps a .pdf file for the weekly could be a viable alternative for those who do prefer the printed version, or for an easy download.

I, for one, would be happy to pay $60/yr and would prefer two installments rather than a monthly fee. I pay that to the WSJ online, so why not LWN, which provides excellent technical information.

Good luck, LWN. I hope you will find a way to continue. Count me in for a subscription if you decide to go that route.

BTW, I am as hard pressed as anyone to maintain my connectivity and other internet related costs. I have no income of my own due to illness (keeps me pretty much limited to home) and my husband's income is way down this year - like so many others. I'm learning linux admin so that I can earn money working from home. LWN is a super resource. I would have to sacrifice things in order to subscribe to LWN, but would do so because I think the information is important to the community. I really don't think LWN should have to provide addtional services when what they do provide now is excellent.