As I have stated repeatedly over the last year or so – I am obsessed with the state of News Media and in particular how Analytics, in that regard, can help publishers increase their current performance. This post is nothing more than exciting boyish musings, that does little to validate my conclusions. Anywho, this is my blog! :-)

I was really excited to receive a Kindle the other day, as I finally got to actively try out a new reading experience in regards to my above fixation. If you think about it, kindle, or similar e-reader experiences, like what B&N or Sony peddle, provides the opportunity to deliver a digital magazine, while actually capturing a set of metrics. Still limited and few, but metrics nonetheless. My first set of purchases was (of course) Data Driven Insights with Yahoo Analytics, but also the Economist Magazine (both Amazon kindle links).

Like you, I am most sure, I tag into an endless stream of information (news), flowing in from RSS feeds, Twitter and so on and so forth. I even believe that I am somewhat selective in my limited 28 RSS feeds, following 57 folks on twitter etc. – BUT still en endless information stream nevertheless. I personally see that as somewhat of an issue, never being able tick a box and say that you are finished.

The first positive element about e-readers, speak directly to the above issue, which is that, it creates, just as with a traditional magazine (in paper), the feeling of having consumed and completed a task. I don’t believe this is a bad feeling to emulate in digital magazines. I for one have the interest and willingness to consume an editorial package that goes beyond the actual article. There is a huge difference between me letting a friend know that the December edition of Wired Magazine was really cool, as compared to me sharing a link to Evan Ratliff’s Vanish Article (which just adds to the endless stream).

The first negative element about current digital magazines on e-readers, is that they bring nothing to the party, above and beyond what I get from the printed magazine. They almost detract from what I have gotten used to from their online editions. Where I have the audio interview, the video extension, the additional pictures that didn’t fit to print etc.

Conclusion (day 3):
I honestly believe that a tablet of some sorts will provide the opportunity for a prospering digital magazine industry, I in particular see the need for a curated editorial product that can be consumed, completed and finally commented on as a whole. Everything that seems like a task - MUST create a structure to finish, which is my biggest issue with today’s endless information stream. However, I believe the digital magazine is up for a transformation which is more radical than the print replica I just read.

Please note that this comment is, of course, not about the hardware, but about the digital magazine concept. It is also difficult to figure out to what extent data mining and traditional analytics is being used in driving the digital edition – seems like NOT at all on the Kindle today (in the eye of the publisher, I am sure Amazon is mining the hell out of usage patterns). Well, more about this subject later, when I get even wiser.

Interesting digital magazine prototypes (video demos), especially the Mag+ presentations from Bonnier:

• Bonnier Mag+
• Sports Illustrated, Tablet Demo
• Wired Tablet Concept

(Please have in mind that my experience is limited to me having access to a kindle and the Economist for a few days, so don’t be shy in adding to the discussion, I would love to hear about your immediate experiences)

Cheers :-)
/ Dennis (@dennismortensen)