Carstens Going Digital

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems you have to download and install the dreaded/hated Apple iTunes crap to even get the one free copy. Think I'll pass.

No one said it was a FREE COPY of the magazine, it is a free APP, but you STILL need to have a login and password (pay) to USE the 'free' app.

You don't pay to use the app, you pay to read the magazine using the app (Yudu). Right now this is only available for iPad/Pod, but they do say it is coming for the PC RSN. Digital is definitely the way to go. I've had digital subscriptions to Coral and Orion and currently have a digital sub to Popular Woodworking. No piles of stuff you don't want to throw out or recycle, but don't really want to store.

I'd just be happy if the December 2011 issue was on the shop shelves locally.

Been seeing that problem for six months or so.

Which may be part of the reason why they are going down the digital route - paper distribution for "specialist" titles with a small readership is no longer viable.

I'm a bit intrigued about what happens if/when you decide not to subscribe any more. It would appear that's it. You can no longer access "your "copy of the magazine which of course with a paper magazine you can continue to read (if you want to).

And, are they charging the same for a digital subscription as paper?

Didn't say anything about cost. Have you ever installed any thing from Apple? It's a nightmare. It takes over your computer, is a resource hog and interferes with other audio/video apps. Thanks, but no thanks!

I agree that digital is the way to go, but why can't they just use a format that most any computer can read, like PDF or some such, without all the excess baggage?

On 25/11/2011 5:17 PM, The Seabat wrote: [...]

Because then you could buy any hardware and software you wanted, which would - horrors! - create real competition.

Wolf K.

Kalmbach is the distributor for Narrow Gauge & Short Line Gazette, but I can't see them distributing for Carstens.

I can still read my issues of Coral and Orion and it looks like I'kk be able to do so with Popular Woodworking. Not sure about anything based on Yudu.

Don't know. Subscriptions to other magazines were cheaper, but it's hard to tell for sure, what with all the "special offers". Don't think I'd bite unless it was less than print.

I've had no problems, but then I've been doing computer stuff since 1965. :)

Agreed. But they do need to protect their rights. Print copies are less of an infringement problem than digital.

In the case of print media going digital it's the issue of Digital Rights Management that gnaws at them. They worry about you giving copies to dozens of your friends.