smallformat for Christmas - now with pdf

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Juergen
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smallformat for Christmas - now with pdf

Post by Juergen »

If you have any interest in smallformat magazine and if you think it is important to have a worldwide publication like this, don't hesitate to subscribe. For 2008 my publisher gave me a last chance to improve the financial situation of the magazine. We have round about 3,500 readers so far - more than 2,000 in Europe and 1,500 an USA/Canada. Due to the fact that we only have some few supporting advertisers and the Big Yellow is still missing (even if they benefit most from a publication like smallformat), the publisher still operates in the red. We need about 250 more subscribers and some more advertisers (my translator and proofreader James Grahame and I - we are working on that) to assure the existence of the mag for the next years. I think this must be a solvable problem. ;)

A one-year subscription is Euro 69/US $ 79 for six issues and you will get the picture book "CUT - All about splicers" for free if it is your first subscription. As we know that it always takes some days to ship the copies overseas we have a new idea. If you’d like to read smallformat on your computer on the day of appearance, we offer an additional electronic version in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format. This is for free - if you are a subscriber.

Our magazine first appeared two years ago and has become the largest international publication for fans of Super 8, Single-8, 16mm, 9.5mm and Regular 8. smallformat publishes 6 issues a year filled with articles about the latest film equipment, moviemaking, film technology, and portraits of people who shoot interesting small format films. Every issue also takes a look at the history of film devices and film formats while offering something of interest to collectors.

This issue features the inspiring story of Canadian John Porter, who has shot and exhibited his unique Super 8 films for decades. We take an up-close look at homebuilt theaters belonging to film collector Paul Adsett (USA) and Dan Filol (USA). There’s a test of the new Ektachrome 100D film stock in DS-8, along with a visit to one of the most amazing cinemas in the world – The Tuschinski Palace in Amsterdam (The Netherlands). We round out the issue by revealing film equipment that existed only on in research labs and on paper at the Patent Office.

The world of small format film has become more international in recent years, especially since not everyone lives near others who enjoy this fantastic hobby. A respected technical magazine read by film enthusiasts worldwide is more important than ever. smallformat is that magazine. Explore it for yourself!

A private message with your address will do.

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Post by Angus »

I hope you get the extra subscribers you need. For what its worth I think the current issue is the best yet. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the articles.
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Post by Film16 »

Definitely agree. Fantastic, high quality magazine. I will no doubt renew my subscription for 08. Sadly don't know many shooters so can't recommend in person, but I will do so here!

All the very best in securing the support of the Big Yellow, you deserve it!
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Post by ultramarine »

Juergen,
how can I receive the magazine in pdf? I haven't received the paper format yet so, it is indeed a great idea for us who can't wait.
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Post by Juergen »

The pdf (Acrobat Reader version) can be ordered starting with smallformat 6/2007. Just send me your full address in a pm. Thanks.
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Post by Juergen »

In a British forum, some users wish to buy old smallformat issues as pdf documents. Is there really a demand or isn't it easier to buy still existing copies of the old issues?
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Post by camera8mm »

A number of things in print are being done online now (especially newspapers) . saves the trees and the paper trail.

how much extra would deutsche post be to a subscription?
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Post by Juergen »

subscription with normal newspaper shipping to USA/Canada is US $79 for six issues a year (takes 4-6 weeks due to the fact that after the transportation by plane from Germany to USA the furher transport is made by truck - who knows why...)

subscription by Air Mail is US $ 109 for six issues a year (takes 7-10 days max).

both subscription types will include a free pdf for download at the day of release.
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Post by Rollef »

I for one want the paper issue to read because a pdf is not the same, but if you could sell some digital only subscriptions at a reduced price and make some money of that, why not do that?

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Post by zantizoom8 »

I have the issue with the Kate Moss cover story. It seems wrong you don't plan to continue featuring celebrities shooting super 8. Its fascinating to see what cameras they use and what they shoot. A celebrity on the cover surely grabs attention and definitely helps to promote super 8. Also, fans will tend to try super 8 in an attempt to emulate and feel closer to their favorite celebs. Celebrity sells. Pop-culture trends should be exploited in this case. Who knows, it may make the difference between the format growing or doomed to a pidgeon hole of aficionados. Many of the larger newstands in the US carry small circulation niche subject and international magazines, and that would only benefit your marketing and subscription base.
There doesn't seem to be a way to buy back issues from your website. I also would like to subscribe to the pdf version. What is the cost of pdf only?
Hope you can get sales up and continue the fine magazine.

Best of luck,
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Post by Juergen »

pdf is US $ 29.95 for six issues - without any printed copies. Just send me a pm if you are interested.
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Post by woods01 »

Please no more celeb cover photos.

They belong in the Viewer section but not on the front cover. Maybe you
saw a jump in sales with that one but I don't really see a waif like KM
creating that many sales. If you were able to nail a photo of say a famous filmmaker like a young Spielberg with his 8mm camera, or get an art house director like Guy Maddin then I think that would sell some more issues.
Your publication appeals to shooters & collectors so good articles that
enhance their knowledge are what sells.
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Post by zantizoom8 »

woods01 wrote:Please no more celeb cover photos.

They belong in the Viewer section but not on the front cover. Maybe you
saw a jump in sales with that one but I don't really see a waif like KM
creating that many sales. If you were able to nail a photo of say a famous filmmaker like a young Spielberg with his 8mm camera, or get an art house director like Guy Maddin then I think that would sell some more issues.
Your publication appeals to shooters & collectors so good articles that
enhance their knowledge are what sells.
I thought he was saying the current marketplace of shooters and collectors is not sufficient to sustain his publication. My idea to present a more mass appeal appearance and exposure to the public on newstands might keep it going so you and others can enjoy future issues. Anything that can increase interest in super 8 and small format filming should not deter you or others from staying on the bandwagon. I hardly think a 1 or 2 page section on super 8 in the popular arena or a celeb cover will detract from the technical essence. If that is so offensive, then you might have about 1 year left to enhance your knowledge from smallformat. Its just my 2 cents worth, which might have cost me 5 cents to express, but i can afford to take the loss. Smallformat mag apparently cannot. Would you have any ideas how to increase his numbers? I would wonder more how big yellow ad execs see it. They already have our business, so why support it? With numbers as small as 1,500 in USA/Canada it seems that film schools and film students may also be an untapped market for smallformat.
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Post by reflex »

zantizoom8 wrote:I thought he was saying the current marketplace of shooters and collectors is not sufficient to sustain his publication.
I think the bigger issue is that the modern amateur film marketplace is extremely fragmented. Many filmmakers toil away at their hobby in a vacuum. I know only a small handful of Super 8 shooters who live near me, and none of them would have known that there were still Super 8 magazines in print unless I'd shown them. There are a few other local filmmakers who I don't know about, because someone is buying the Super 8 film stocked at a couple of local shops.

The true value of showing Kate Moss or Daniel Craig or an innovative S8 director like Franka Potente using Super 8 is that it broadens the appeal of the format. Famous people using film seems to shout out, "Hey, there's something cool going on here!" That can be all that's needed to get a somewhat-interested acquaintance to pick up a Super 8 camera and shoot a few rolls of film.

I suspect that many students would love to read both smallformat and Super 8 Today, but money is always a problem when you're in school - I certainly couldn't afford magazine subscriptions while in University.
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Post by zantizoom8 »

reflex wrote: ...none of them would have known that there were still Super 8 magazines in print unless I'd shown them. There are a few other local filmmakers who I don't know about, because someone is buying the Super 8 film stocked at a couple of local shops.

The true value of showing Kate Moss or Daniel Craig or an innovative S8 director like Franka Potente using Super 8 is that it broadens the appeal of the format. Famous people using film seems to shout out, "Hey, there's something cool going on here!" That can be all that's needed to get a somewhat-interested acquaintance to pick up a Super 8 camera and shoot a few rolls of film.
Well put! That's the point. Anyone who thinks that super 8 is long since defunct can see it being used today and by those who can spur a trend and attract new users to the format and a publication devoted to such a topic.
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