October 21, 2008

Planet Ink launches digital-only green magazine

Scottish publisher Planet Ink has launched a digital-only green lifestyle magazine, ecoforyou, that is relying on web-based communities for promotion.

The 34-page monthly magazine, launched today, is available to download for free and uses click-through page turning technology and interactive features including the option for readers to pick their own cover.

An ecoforyou page is available on Facebook and updates for the magazine will be posted via Twitter and an associated blog available at ecoforyou.wordpress.com.

The first issue of the magazine has been sponsored by online publishing service YUDU Media, and the title is now seeking advertising and sponsorship for issue two.

Co-publisher Gerry Cassidy said: ‘We’ve already had scores of people trying to sign up for the magazine before it was even available, thanks to all the fantastic coverage we received from the media and bloggers last week.”

The publishers claim that the title is 100 per cent carbon-neutral, and the title is also available in text only format to make it compatible with screen readers for the blind and visually impaired.

Readers are asked to hit a ‘share me’ button and forward on the magazine to friends and colleages.

Co-publisher Shaun Milne said: ‘We already know what the power of the web can achieve through communicating quickly, efficiently and socially. So this platform offers us the perfect opportunity to grow. As our community grows, so should the magazine, opening up a web-savvy community across the ages and demographics for advertisers and sponsors to target using Flash or video ads.”

Scottish environment minister Mike Russell has contributed an article for the first issue, which also includes features on ScottishPower, Heathrow Airport and the world’s first occupied carbon zero house.

Planet Ink also publishes the weekly magazine for Edinburgh football club Hearts FC and publications for Scottish Power and Setanta Sports.