I recently saw the first issue of a new magazine, Blogger & Podcaster. Have been wondering why it has taken somebody so long to fill this niche within technology. While I blog and listen to podcasts, I like to read about and from those who know a lot more about them than I do, so printed out the first edition of this magazine (free online subscription). Interesting interviews and ads, especially for those looking to learn more about these technologies. I liked it, and while I think their online reading technology is among the better forms of online reading that I have seen, there is still nothing like having a printed copy. I just subscribed to the printed edition of it, and appreciate the rapid responses I received from my email queries from Larry Genkin, the publisher himself, who answered my email after my question was forwarded to him. Great customer service.

I know it is ironic that I prefer that a magazine about online communication should be in a printed form, but that is how I prefer to read it. Since I read a lot while commuting to work or the classes I teach or while moving about the day, I am not ready to read heavily while connected to a network or while holding a laptop. True, the technology may eventually get there, but as I hold somewhat of an academic perspective, things that can be printed and filed still somehow seem more "real" than those things that exist entirely in an electronic form. I think this is why the paperless society, complete electronic currency, and 100% ebills and statements have not fully taken off yet. They may at some point, especially if those who have anything to do with this magazine have any influence. Many of us like electronic content, but I still print out a lot.  Until then, I am glad I could subscribe to a printed copy AND read it online. Ahh, options.