A better future for print

A couple of weeks ago I cancelled the print paper subscription, I have been very attached to for years. The paper in question had huge distribution problems, and not getting the paper for a period of time convinced me that there really was no reason to hang onto a product as surplus to requirements as a newspaper.

Now, why do I think it’s surplus? Well, basically because it’s not good enough for me to want to hang onto a subscription. If you don’t feel a deep need to hang on to something, it’s basically surplus. But what could move the newspaper away from this position?

I think one of the ways would be to focus. To cut all the crap and remove all the little pieces of ‘news’ that I get anywhere anyway, and which only serves to clutter the pages of the paper. Get rid of the deadwood, damn it. Don’t provide me with hundreds of excuses every day to think “commodity stuff” with the obvious thought of cancellation of the subscription.

Please take note of this, because it’s important: I don’t care if my paper is just 10 pages instead og 100, and it’s ok if its cluttered with ads to. I only ask that the content you serve for me is the cream of the cake and a nobrainer for me justifying to really want to both spend my time and money on.

Let’s face it. I don’t need that much paper to light the fireplace in the dark winter months anyway.

As for all the other content, build that out online and make it social. Make if your business to be the best hub for content for the audience that you serve. Put readers, users, customers left, front and center and show them you care. Bring back the passion - if you can find it, that is.

And remember to only put the very best, the gold, in the print edition. Nothing else truly matters anyway.

Vad NU! is a consultancy company owned by Mads Kristensen and specialized in helping clients take advantage of the business opportunities created by new media. Click to learn how I can help you and your company.