I chose to write about the article “Read for Free, Pay for Print or Stuff,” written by Michael Josefowicz, because I was intrigued with the concept of reading for free. I would love to go to Borders, sit down with a book, and read until the workers decided it was time to kick me out. I think after a while they would give me a limit as to the number of free books I could read before actually giving me their ultimatum: buy the book or don’t read for free. Just as the phrase “you break it, you buy it” implies, you read it, you buy it.
This article however, focuses on the conditions in which actual words—like those in the newspaper—will be bought compared to those times when simply skimming is sufficient. Therefore, companies that are involved with publication must place ads that will aid people in the search for merchandise to buy. The “read for free, pay for print or stuff” model is exemplified quite well through The New Yorker. The online publication is geared towards selling “stuff” pertaining to that magazine that will ultimately add to its own revenue.
This model, when applied to school textbooks, can become quite profitable. The idea
behind college textbooks is to have mass production of thick textbooks; however, Eric Frank decided that he would completely modify this college textbook industry by placing textbooks online for free. What could his motivation be? Four strategic moves.
To begin with, by offering a free product through the internet, Frank has opened the market to virtually anyone. This large market can be swayed to purchase stuff. Textbooks online allow interaction for learning. Consumers are given the choice to buy or not, depending on their personal needs. But most importantly, this product will be available in larger amounts for a cheaper price.
Journalism, on the other hand, should shift their focus to schools. The key problem with textbooks is how slow they update and the newspaper’s main asset is their speed—they are updated every single day every day. If they united, journalism could help education progress through this constant and ever-changing medium. Not only would the education system advance through this steady influx of information, but newspapers, both print and online, might have a chance at existence after all.
*Dare to be hopeful!*
This article however, focuses on the conditions in which actual words—like those in the newspaper—will be bought compared to those times when simply skimming is sufficient. Therefore, companies that are involved with publication must place ads that will aid people in the search for merchandise to buy. The “read for free, pay for print or stuff” model is exemplified quite well through The New Yorker. The online publication is geared towards selling “stuff” pertaining to that magazine that will ultimately add to its own revenue.
This model, when applied to school textbooks, can become quite profitable. The idea
behind college textbooks is to have mass production of thick textbooks; however, Eric Frank decided that he would completely modify this college textbook industry by placing textbooks online for free. What could his motivation be? Four strategic moves.To begin with, by offering a free product through the internet, Frank has opened the market to virtually anyone. This large market can be swayed to purchase stuff. Textbooks online allow interaction for learning. Consumers are given the choice to buy or not, depending on their personal needs. But most importantly, this product will be available in larger amounts for a cheaper price.
Journalism, on the other hand, should shift their focus to schools. The key problem with textbooks is how slow they update and the newspaper’s main asset is their speed—they are updated every single day every day. If they united, journalism could help education progress through this constant and ever-changing medium. Not only would the education system advance through this steady influx of information, but newspapers, both print and online, might have a chance at existence after all.
*Dare to be hopeful!*
No comments:
Post a Comment