Ex-BNP Publishers Launch Competing Title

FREE ENTERPRISE, what a concept. Hat's off to a pair of wily publishing vets who as Thayer correctly stated in their promo had the chutzpah to roll the dice. Who's next?

As a former BNP Publisher myself, I hope these people do so, so, so well.

I really don't understand why anyone launches a print magazine these days. There are very few markets where it makes sense. You can save a lot of costs and reach a much wider audience online. Starting a new magazine would be the perfect time to go online only. If you already have a circulation list, that's a great place to start marketing digitally.

Sarah's the internet manager at BNP, and her points are, of course, well taken. But in the particular food niche where I've worked the past 25 years and where my contacts are deep, it seems that a print product, coupled with a strong electronic effort (as we plan) makes sense. We'll no doubt migrate to the digital side increasingly as time passes and as revenue streams find their own levels. It's fun and exciting, especially working with freelancers and little boutique companies that are helping us with the electronic stuff. Like me, they're all former corporate people, and they're everywhere. I have to confess I've not been really up to speed on e-media, and the hand-holding/support I needed was impossible in a corporate environment, perhaps especially with me working out of my house (as I have been for over 10 years). It was frustrating, and concerned me greatly. So in some ways, with all the change going on with media, it just seemed safer to go off on my own -- and easier to get back up to speed. There are many, many fine, talented people at BNP, including Sarah, and I wish them all well. On a personal basis, I truly miss many of you already. But... yup! Another print magazine.

You really were out of the loop at BNP! Sarah was the internet manager about 100 years ago--that's in internet time. Things happen quickly in the "e" world! She left to pursue her second Masters degree and is running an internet consulting company: http://www.sazbeanconsulting.com/