[CREATE] Fwd: Re: [LGF-LGA] Ok, let's start with a website

[Cyrille Berger]

On Monday 16 August 2010, ginger coons wrote:
> > One remark though -- i'm not fond of the idea of a PDF-only magazine.
> > Sure, we'd need to get funding and/or sponsorship to support the
> > printing costs, but a printed publication is many things that a PDF file
> > is not. (also, if it would be online-only, better to have a website
> > containing the desired content than a clunky PDF, IMHO.)
> 
> I really think that this is the crucial bit. Print is massively important
> for two reasons. 1) Most people know that F/LOSS can make great websites.
> After all, the web is built on open. But we don't have the same reputation
> when it comes to print design, which is still kind of the base unit of
> graphic design. 2) Having a printed magazine to hand out at events means
> giving people concrete proof of both excellent software and a vibrant user
> community. A magazine is something that can actually be flipped through,
> read on the subway on the way home, and that requires no further action.
> Plus, there's the pass-along factor. A magazine can be shared and reading
> it with someone else is a nice sharing experience.
A possible solution is to look for on-demand printing.

But I think it would first be better to have it rolling with just a PDF 
edition, on a regular basis (3 months ?) and special edition made at a booth 
or LGM. And when the ball is rolling, I think it would be possible to start 
offering printed subscriptions, and either start a fund raising to get the 
initial capital, or say that you need X promised subscriptions before starting 
to ship.

But then, you will be handling money, and will need a register association :)

-- 
Cyrille Berger