Lots of comment and coverage today about a decision from across the big pond, where troubled US publisher Ziff Davis has decided to cease publication of the printed version of PCMag. From the February 2009 edition it will be an online title only, with a new digital version for those who like the page-turning feel. There's a link to the Zinio digital version in the editor's letter explaining the decision to can the print version. Irony of ironies, this didn't actually work when I tried to access it, I get error code 8. The joys of the digital age, eh?

There's no print impact here in the UK, because then-publisher VNU stopped printing the UK equivalent, PC Magazine, back in 2002. The associated website is now part of the Incisive Media portfolio following the various buyouts in the intervening period. (Note to Incisive Media: you need to update the contacts page. Joanne Hurst is still listed as your group production director.)  

PCMag has a massive online presence, and the vast majority of its revenues come from online. The subject matter means that being able to do lots of techy, interactive stuff that's not possible with a hard copy is perfectly suited to its geeky readership. It is, though, somewhat sigh-making that yet again "being green" is listed as one of the advantages to the move in the aforementioned ed's letter thus:  "It's Green: You can actually feel good about the amount of paper, ink, and gas we'll all be saving by not producing and consuming a physical magazine." Yes, and I'm typing this on an organically-grown computer powered by a hamster, as used by your millions of online users.

More worryingly, the "ever-growing expense of print and delivery" was blamed for making the physical version an untenable business proposition. Whoever prints Ziff's last remaining print title, Electronic Gaming Monthly, should probably adjust their forward scheduling accordingly. I wonder how print features in the future plans of the UK publishers of computing titles?

Meanwhile, on the topic of magazines I am sad but unsurprised at the proposed downsizing at Cooper Clegg, and hope that we will hear something concrete soon from somewhat reticent chairman John Wood about the plans for the company's future.  Also I can't help thinking that it's surely about time we heard something from Wyndeham about the future for that group. Speculation abounds about MBOs of the pre-press and print sides. It's all gone very quiet on the Landsbanki front - too quiet - but I remain convinced that some sort of change of ownership must be on the cards.