Question

Topic: Website Critique

V Mags - Do They Make An Impact?

Posted by Daniel on 4/21/2008 at 6:27 PM ET 250 Points
We are considering incorporating V-Mags / virtual magazines into the www.finetravel.co.nz website. Here is a link to an example on their site:

https://catalog.v-mags.com/showmag.php?mid=pttpd&preview=1&_x=1#/page0/

The software will allow us to display a significant amount of product in a very appealing manner. V-Mags has also advised that:

- The fact that the text appears very small when you first open the page shouldn't affect usability (i.e. in their experience people just zoom in);
- Google and other search engines can read the text and therefore rank the pages (although the URL will be different so it will only increase the rating of the www.finetravel.co.nz site by virtue of linking to it);
- There is some very clever tracking software behind the V-Mag that will allow us to track where people click on each page (in order to magnify / read it) so that we can evaluate what product is popular.

On paper this seems appealing (although I continue to have reservations about the readability). However, based on the limited research, the uptake does not seem to be great.

Does anyone have any feedback or experience with this type of product? And can any recommend a better alternative?

Thank you in advance for your time.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by AdsValueBob on 4/21/2008 at 7:03 PM Member
    I have some experience in this growing industry. I would need to learn a little more about your needs, support organization to further guide you. Contact me asap through my profile information.

    I'm working on assembling a database of digital publication software which I have 21 suppliers and about 30 products so far. Its not completed however I can discuss this with you offline.

    I've also prepared a digital publications guide to help persons quickly understand the basics. You can find the guide on www.adsvalue.com at www.adsvalue.com/images/AdsValue%20Guide%20to%20Digital%20Publications.pdf

    Bob
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 4/22/2008 at 10:01 AM Member
    Ask the company for references (or simply look through the previous edition and contact the companies listed). What has been their experience? Are they continuing? Why or why not?

    Besides the format, ask the company how good is the v-mag distribution? What's their open rate? Click-through rate? What problems have they had and how are they overcoming them?
  • Posted by jcasalou on 4/24/2008 at 8:37 AM Accepted
    I just viewed the link that you have posted. As a consumer I think the site looks great. It's engaging and different. I think the content is going to be the deal breaker.

    However, I feel that depending on the cost of this service I'm not too sure if it would be worth it. Can you get it fairly inexpensive?

    You can probably invest in a very dynamic site for your purpose that is less flashier than a V-mag yet still engaging and probably less expensive.
  • Posted by Daniel on 4/26/2008 at 8:17 PM Author
    Thank you to all for your responses. This is certainly a difficult decision as, there are many pros and cons. The cost is certainly a factor, as is the potential upside.

    I'll take all your input away and make a decision.

    Many thanks again.
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