Forum - November 2008

Should

We

Go

Digital?

By Robin Kruk

Many association publishers are now considering the leap into providing members with digital publications, usually as an additional member benefit along with their print publications. Several association publishers and digital publication providers agreed to share their experiences and advice about adding digital publications while keeping their print editions. Here is what they had to say:

Kim Howard

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ASSOCIATION OF CORPORATE COUNSEL

The ACC launched its digital edition of ACC Docket in October 2007 after considering the advantages of having a digital version for members who frequently travel or need reference materials covering an issue.

“We didn’t do a survey prior to launching, but looked at what other associations were doing and considered this a value-add,” Howard says. “[Members] wanted to download articles for later reference or reading at their convenience while traveling. Many of our members also enjoy the capability of linking to sources in articles and ads.”

Another benefit is that members can view pages in a variety of sizes to reduce eyestrain. And advertisers receive additional bonus leads since the ACC currently does not charge a fee for digital ads.

Patricia M. Lee PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR FABRICATORS & MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL AND Amy Hudson ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST FABRICATORS & MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL