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Consumer Mags in an Online Era: To Print or Not to Print?

The future of consumer magazines is a topic of debate as some publishers - including men’s mag FHM - have shut down print publications in favor of web versions, according to Folio (via MarketingVox).

Publishers see the web’s potential for low overhead costs and increased ad revenue. But not everyone is sold on the idea. Titles with revenue over $10 million see print advertising as a major source of growth, whereas those with revenue under $10 million tend not to see such a bright future from print advertising.

Online readership numbers are growing for most consumer-publication sites, but even the biggest print titles, such as Sports Illustrated, are finding they have to fight for an online audience: SI.com is fifth among sports-focused websites.

The success of brands such as Elle Girl that now publish solely online is having a ripple effect on titles that still have print siblings. The Women’s Day website will incorporate features such as writer blogs.

Still, many websites of popular print magazines lag behind others in offering blogs, RSS feeds or other new-media features - in part because publishers are figuring out both what’s best to do and how best to monetize it.