To Scroll or to Flip? That Is the Question
It’s good to be back in print. For the month of March, at least. At the same time, what a great experience it’s been pioneering a way for [DWM] to become a “digital first” publication. As we have moved from six print issues per year to a monthly format (with four print and eight e-Zine editions), we’ve focused here on the certain types of content that just lend themselves to print. Those tend to be the special edition articles—awards programs, industry lists and other types of content that readers may want to glance at again and again.
Take [DWM]‘s annual Readers’ Choice Awards on page 22. [DWM] covers a large number of products throughout the year, spanning well over a dozen categories. We then poll readers via a survey to discover which of those products resonate with our audience. Each of these products was covered in the magazine at some point during the prior year, but, with images, product descriptions and even web links, the survey turns into a trip down memory lane and a shopping experience. Once the survey is done, you then have the pleasure of finding out if your top selections match with the majority of readers. In this way, it’s a journey. But it’s also a lot to take in. That’s why I felt the Readers’ Choice Awards were a good candidate for print—something you can peruse at your leisure.
No Shortage of Achievers
Another item you’ll find in this month’s print edition is [DWM]‘s Annual Top Dealers List (on page 32). While the e-Zine is a terrific experience for digital readers, with so many outstanding performers in the industry, it’s nice to see them all in a magazine-sized table. This year’s list includes over 100 dealers—all of whom put up extremely impressive numbers.
Lastly, on page 28 you’ll find a feature story on the latest developments and trends for insulating glass. Could this article have been right at home in the e-Zine? Absolutely. But I would maintain that, despite the speed and beauty of digital, when it comes to long-form articles, you still can’t beat print. Don’t get me wrong, [DWM]‘s e-Zine has a way of breaking up content to make it engaging and digestible, but there’s something about turning these pages that works for a topic that’s chock full of developments.
Next month, it’s back to the e-Zine, where I’m beginning to feel right at home. I hope you’ll join me not only here in print, but also there. You can do so by visiting www.dwmmag.com/signup/. It’s free. And, along with our e-newsletter, that’s the best way to ensure you don’t miss a thing about the door and window industry.
To that I say: Happy page flipping … and scrolling. And a big thank you to those of you who embrace both.
Drew Vass is the executive editor of [DWM] magazine. dvass@glass.com
To view the laid-in version of this issue in our digital edition, CLICK HERE.