Would you guys consider PDF format delivery?

[volcomjerk]

I am currently a student and LOVE LOVE LOVE Illustrator. I really want to subscribe to this newsletter/magazine but I find it wayyy too expensive. I'm sure its worth it to those who have the money but for the budget conscience would it be possible for you guys to have a separate subscription for PDF ONLY delivery? Would that lower the cost of the newsletter?

[lawtonchiles]

For the amount of content, even though it seems to come from a small staff of dedicated people and is catering to a smaller audience than say, Rolling Stone, it is on the expensive side.

I say go for the PDF version as well :)

I know you guys at IT have to cover overhead, salaries and all, but other mags offer more and charge less. Maybe more content and more advertising?

I'm sure you've thought this through though.

Lawton

[rsharrard]

PDF sounds good to me, can always save it to a CD for future referrence. Robin

[volcomjerk]

I'm thinking since its still new they are probably still sorting out pricing options. I would definitely think you'd get more customers if you had wider pricing options. I'd also want to try the PDF version first before paying full price for the print just to make sure I like it. I think many customers including me would appreciate that.

[UN4GIVEN]

I'm not associated with IT but we all know that many things factor into the pricing.

Someone mentioned advertising...that does not seem to lower the cost of "PhotoShopUser" even if you take out all the ads and content that is not to relative to the articles, product reviews, etc, you'll probably have roughly the same page count of content as IT is "real" information.

Also...note that anything aimed at the "Illustrator" user ONLY will have a much smaller audience than 'PhotoShop' or other industry specific programs.

I prefer to have a publication I can hold.

PDF is fine but then I have to print it out and there goes ink costs...figure 30'full color' pages on your printer using ink and you might be surprised at the cost...

Then...there is this site which gives extra content to subcribers and bonus stuff in the members section...including gallery space for you to show your work.

I admit...when I first saw the price I thot it was somewhat pricey but then I weighed it againts what I was getting and comparing it to the "competition" for the other 'ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR' specific magazines....

....ummm....there is....errr....and then we have....uhhh....this one....hmmmm...

Just my .02 peepz! :cool:

[volcomjerk]

Oh trust me I prefer something printed over a PDF. I wouldn't even mind reading it on my screen if I had to. I just think since Illustrator is not as popular it would probably help to make these useful newsletters and tutorials more accessible to the curious user.

Myself, I am a beginner and an experienced Photoshop and InDesign user and would like more Illustrator resources than just books. This newsletter is expensive and I don't doubt its worth it but if you want the illustrator community to grow with more resources and tips it doesn't help to have something unattainable to the general masses.

The photoshop community grows simply because there are many free resources as well as cheap newsletter resources. I'm not trying to be cheap but I am a college student and would definitely benefit from alternative press options that could help it make it attainable to the curious.

[UN4GIVEN]

The only other option I could see would be to have it available on the newstand...but I'm not sure that would lower the price...shelf space cost the publisher $$$ and if they only get the casual observer and not the "buyer" then they will quickly fold up and have nothing.

I can appreciate your being in school and on a budget. I'm a working professional and I had to grit my teeth a bit to shell out the $80 for a subscription but I factored in that it is a tax deduction and a resource that I would not be able to find elsewhere, it made my decision a bit less painful.

I'm not a PhotoShopUser subscriber but do pick it up on the newstand, $10 a pop is less painful and it gives me a good excuse to go to the bookstore and browse other magazines and publications....

...not being a subscriber tho, I do miss out on the extra web content and other discounts they offer on their products and others' as well...but my roots are in Illustrator.

I've been using it for 6 years now [started with version 9] and still have a lot to learn.

I'd love to see a publication devoted only to Corel Painter...I've got the program and have yet to find the time to really invest in it...if I had a nice publication such as IT or PSU, I'd subscribe in a heartbeat!

[Phats57]

I am in college myself and am on about as tight a budget as they come. But, I do not mind spending money on this publication. Sure, it would be nice if it is cheaper, but I am a big believer in the fact that you get what you pay for. I personally would not prefer a PDF publication. I like the fact that I can pick up the magazine and read where I please. Also, I believe that it serves a better purpose to have a printed copy for a resource that deals heavily in creating art that is to be appreciated. Sure, much of Illustrator is never sees the face of a page, but I just feel it would be a less used resource in only a PDF format. To me, it just seems to cheapen the legitimacy a bit. Anyone can create a PDF and distribute it. It just seems for me, I would rather receive something I hold for what I pay. But, I don't think there would be anything wrong with making a PDF format available for past issues.

I am also a believer that I am not just paying for the current newsletter, but I think we are making an investment in the future of this program, and in a reliable source for reference for Illustrator users from beginner to experienced. I am basically just starting with Illustrator myself, trying to learn the ins and outs, so I like that the site can cater to both beginner and advanced. I agree that the focus of this site and its resources are not for the casual user, and it's probably better that way. Perhaps a good compromise would be to offer a student rate for membership, just as Adobe offers Student costs for its software. Maybe this would be a good proposal to put forth. :cool:

[vmagic118]

Thumb through all the other Mags, First you can not find the extensive Illustrator information and this is pure content not just a book of ads. I think the price is a bit steep but it is worth it since you are getting the information by the experts and interacting with other Vector Junkies at the same time... Maybe there could be a break to renewals as it would help with reader loyalty.

[volcomjerk]

I have no doubts its worth the price. I just think electronic delivery wouldn't hurt either. I don't think PDF should replace the current physical newsletter but I really do think many would enjoy that option. I know I definitely want the actual publication but I cannot drop 80 dollars for it when I have so many other expenses.

I think the only way I could afford it is if I eat top ramen for a month.

[MichaelSchade]

Ramen is good.
Illustrator is good.

Eat ramen, get Illustrator Techniques subscription :-).

Edit: Sorry for reviving an old post. Was reading back a bit and this one caught my eye.