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In 2011, we launched a new digital strategy for Model Aviation with the goal of providing our members an enhanced digital magazine experience. This digital strategy laid the groundwork for www.ModelAviation.com, an updated digital library/archive, and a tablet app.
Although we had a few bumps along the way, Model Aviation’s digital brand rapidly grew and is now on pace to reach more than a million impressions this year—a growth of 87,000% from 2011! Yet we recognize there are still areas that need tweaking, including our tablet app model.
In 2012, we invested thousands of hours into building the app. Although many enjoyed the user experience on the iPad, we understand there were bugs with the Android model. We also actively listened to our members’ requests to receive the app for free.
App production is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. During our first year we watched other digital publishers close shop, being unable to sustain a successful business model. Giving the app away for free didn’t seem like a viable option, but we knew our app model had to be fixed so we turned to our members for input. Together we knew we could find a solution.
In our dialogues, we tried to be transparent as we discussed solutions. Most members recognized that development costs and distribution fees prohibited us from giving the app away for free with the print subscription.
As a solution, some members suggested we raise dues to offset costs, but we have no desire to raise dues. Then several members, including Gerald Rosebery, Robert Beaubien, Terry Koplan, George Hilton, John Kiesler, John F. Oberle, Alan Anglikowski, and countless others made a compelling argument to allow members to opt out of print to receive the app.
They argued that the money AMA would save by not printing and shipping the magazine could offset the app production costs. We did our research and found this suggestion was a good, viable solution.
Taking our members advice, starting with the 2014 membership year, members can either keep their print subscription or opt out of print and receive a digital subscription at no additional cost! Or for a small fee, members can choose to receive both a digital and print subscription.
A digital subscription allows members to view the magazine on the iPad, iPhone, Android tablets, Android smartphones, and the Kindle Fire. The app has been rebuilt to provide a more stable Android user experience.
Additionally, members can view the magazine embedded with bonus photos, videos, and extra content on any computer desktop. The desktop digital edition also allows members to print the magazine or save issues to their computers.
If you love receiving your print edition, nothing will change, but we encourage you to try the free digital subscription through the end of this year. Visit www.ModelAviation.com/digital to test-drive this digital subscription. After trying our digital option, we’ll ask if you want to keep your current print subscription or opt to receive a digital subscription.
Thanks to all of the members who participated in our discussions, surveys, and online conversations. We are excited about this new digital solution and will share more details in the coming issues and online at www.ModelAviation.com/digital.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
