The iPad and Google Tablet momentum will grow and grow through to xmas now and the article below by paidContent:UK poses a further interesting point as to whether such devices will be the death nail or the saviour of newspapers. I have now had my lush Galaxy Tab for two weeks and so will soon be posting a blog on what I have learnt about it and how I see it and other Tab/Pad-like devices fitting in. For those thinking these are just big phones and awkward laptops need to re-consider. These products are massive game changers.
But – with the easy and effortless consumption of media I am making two questions. 1 – How much of it am I paying for? And 2 – How many ads do I engage with? Quick answer to both questions: well less than not a lot. Engagement is the key and many visitor web stats are gross misrepresentations of what really happens when users are visiting. It is so important that newspapers need to be on these devices but its even more important that they can build a model to justify production and distribution. Just because its great content, electronic and easy to distribute – does not mean someone is not paying for the creation. Small apps could be the way to generate some kind of payment but why buy a newspaper app when others and BBC give similar content for free? In this respect Planet Murdoch does have a point and whilst many can scorn his current paywall – at least he is trying to develop something new and not just hope that advertisers and sponsors continue to see value in an ever fragmenting audience. For more on this topic, see:
The iPad May Not Be The Great Saviour Of Newspapers.
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