The $10 Million Dollar Question
Ten things publishing experts would spend $10 million on to start a digital-only magazine.
Ten things publishing experts would spend $10 million on to start a digital-only magazine.
This week I was asked to participate in a “digital publishing innovation” panel as part of the NYU Summer Publishing Institute program. On my panel were some of the most well-respected experts in the industry including: David Kang from Hearst, Josh Quittner, currently at Time but on his way to Flipboard, Matt Bean from Rodale, and Chris Sanborn, founder of Sanborn Media Factory.
Our mission was to inspire and educate students of publishing on how the magazine landscape is changing, has changed, and what the outlook is for innovation-driven successes. Based on the response from the attendees, it is safe to say we were a big hit.
After discussing a series of very interesting topics ranging from Apple’s growing interest in digital magazines, to digital business models outside of apps, integrated brand, and brand extension, David decided to end the session with a closing question for all panelists to answer. The question was: “If someone gave you $10 million to start a digital-only magazine business, what would you spend it on?”
This question made the room completely silent and everyone leaned forward to hear the answers. At first we thought they were truly interested in what we had to say, then we realized that this question was the basis of their final assignment and they were looking for some quick answer to “borrow.”
I found the answers to be extremely interesting and thought-provoking, and wanted to share some of them. So here they are; according to representatives from the world’s leading publishing brands, with $10 million in hand, these experts say they would absolutely consider things as it relates to creating a successful and sustainable company:
Well, there you have it from the experts. What would you do to ensure your new digital magazine was a success?