small format mag may exist in future

[reflex]

Ok, I'm probably going to get a lot of boos here.
But does anyone else think the price is pretty steep?

I mean its not uncommon to see an overseas magazine priced at $12.99 but most companies will give you a break for a subscription.Like 25 percent or more.

80 bucks for 6 issues just seems like a lot of cash for a magazine.
Even if it is something as unique as this.

There are several reasons for the cost:

1. Postage costs a fortune (even for surface mail),
2. There are very few 'big name' advertisers. Most magazines are funded by advertising, not subscriptions.
3. The reader base is tiny. We're talking a thousand or two thousand readers, tops. Most magazines have hundreds of thousands of readers.
4. Printing a full color short-run magazine is much less cost effective than being able to print tens of thousands of issues at once.

The goal isn't to make zillions of dollars from the magazine (do the math and you'll see that the total revenue before expenses is quite small), the goal is to publish a world-class mag that acts as glue for the filmshooting community.

A 25% price break would be nice, but it just isn't possible in such a small market -- I suspect the publisher would be giving issues away at a loss.

[Juergen]

I think, after all, its a positive sign that it took more than a week that there is a first reaction now, saying the price is too high. If there are not much more concerns and other voices saying the same, then I think the price is accepted. Alex asked in another topic if the price might be too high. No reactions. Great!

Still need 147 subscriptions...

[Alex]

Another way to look at this.

Imagine going to the trouble to try and do ANYTHING in Super-8, either as a vendor, shooter, or inventor. It would cost more to even dabble than what a subscription costs.

Think of the magazine as a "couch potato" tax. The price to sit on the sidelines and observe has been proposed, it's 79 bucks for a year, AND you actually get something to read while sitting on the couch.

For those who are active in Super-8 and other activities, then think of the magazine as being a way to take a break and sit and relax. The time spent reading the six issues in your own environment may well be less expensive than if that time was spent doing your favorite activity for the umpteenth time. Don't give up your favorite activity, just consider it umpteenth times minus 6 equals a subscription to Small Format Magazine.

And if you still can't afford it, that's ok too.

On a sneaky note, give out a subscription as a Christmas or Birthday gift even if you end up looking at it more than they do.

[Sparky]

Juergen wrote:

If there are not much more concerns and other voices saying the same, then I think the price is accepted. Alex asked in another topic if the price might be too high. No reactions. Great!

I didn't realise that we had a say! Of course its way too expensive- much more than any other magazine I know of. American Cinematographer is $5.95 an issue. They have a much bigger market and loads of advertisers that pay fortunes though. Would be great if it were cheaper but then you'd need more subscribers- but maybe you'd get more if it were cheaper?

Mark

[taki]

I baught the first issue and thought the price was fine for what it was. I sent two emails to them saying I wanted to subscribe, but never got an asnwer. I tried the paypal option from their site, but it only had the option for the first issue. Seems strange!

[Juergen]

We ve got your message on Oct 23 and asked for your full address. Meanwhile there is a possibility to order the subscription on the website.

At the moment, we only need your address. You will get an invoice with issue No. 2.

Juergen

[taki]

All cleared up now, thanks. You have my support.

[chachi]

Juergen, perhaps you can through in a copy of an older overstock german version smallfilm mag to these wonderfull ELITE subcribers. I wouldn't mind just looking at the pictures while guess what is written.

anyhow, this post doubles as a bump for ya..

[Juergen]

sorry, but this would increase shipping costs too much... the German version is heavier than the english one because of other paper...

[Alex]

If you send me a cover page or a ad I'll post it at the Pittsburgh Film Makers. Is there a printable ad on line? I can print THAT and post it.

BTW, How DO I subscribe from the USA???

michaelATstudiocarterDOTcom

It is essential that a one sheet be made available online SPECIFICALLY focusing on subscribing, the one sheet can be downloaded by members and they can than post it in a store or two that they frequent that relates to film.

[camera8mm]

146!
its although my concern is the shipping time, deutsche post can be quick.

on another note, the article on kodak and the super 8 format didnt mention anything about the coincedence in design of the kodapak super 8 cartridge to the meopta sommet reloadable 8mm cart .

[chachi]

Ah SHUCKS! The Germans always get the better paper! :lol:

[matt5791]

I personally was very impressed with the first edition - real thought and effort had gone into the content, and it focused on several areas related to small format making such as equipment, storyboarding and script writing, the K40 situation with some very good investigative journalism! There is something for everyone.

On top of this it is very nicely printed with quality photos and paper.

For such a niche product the price is very reasonable, and for the quality of the publication.

Matt

[edgebsl]

Understand guys that I wasnt saying that the mag wasnt worth the 13 bucks an issue. I was just trying to point out that the price might be the reason you've had trouble getting the subscriber base established.

When you start something new its always tough.And you've probably got people going "hey, we have to sell the magazines for x amount of money to even make any money at all at this". But like with any small business if you can bear with taking a bit of a hit at first,once you DO get the subscriber base growing you can believe that the advertisers will come.they will come wherever there is a subscriber base.

Once that happens, the magazine will definitely be a profitable venture.

I've been thinking about this kind of thing becuase I've been contemplating starting a music magazine for the past year.

[Juergen]

still need another 139 subscribers within 3 weeks...