Printing

Need some advice

[digitalv]

I've been toying with the concept of creating a print magazine related to the area of one of my content sites and after polling subscribers the idea received a lot of interest and positive feedback.

So my question is if anyone here can recommend a good color laser printer capable of printing edge-to-edge front and back 11x17 pages. I know these are serious printers and I'm not opposed to spending $5,000 - $10,000 or more if necessary, but everyone claims to have the best product so I'm looking for some real user feedback.

I know there are companies that can handle the printing and distribution but I would prefer to do it all on my own.

[MatthewHSE]

I don't know of any printer that meets those specs, but I do know that any large, full-color print job will cost a fortune if you print it yourself, compared to what a commercial printer could do it for. I suggest you think over your specifications, circulation, etc., and try to find a print shop that fits the bill.

[Jon_King]

Whatever you choose, check the consumable price per output sheet. The price of the printer was not the issue with me but the cost per page for toner and drum life.

[Buzliteyear]

DigitaV,

My two cents.

Think through very thoroughly what you are considering undertaking. It will be a massive amount of work and a substantial draw from the time and resources you now are able to put into your site.

Some considerations:

1. Advertisers. Finding them, managing them, coordinating with them, and keeping them happy. Most magazines have full-time people just for this job.

2. Content and construction. Your site content will be able to fill most of it, but readers will want something more. After all, why waste time reading the magazine if everything is available on your site.

3. Disribution - Regular mail, UPS, eDistribution, Fed-Ex, etc. How.

4. Assembly - I'm not sure what you plan is here, but will you have to physically assemble the actual magazines, or will you outsource.

5. Subscriber Base - Paid subsribers? Free?

Finally, what is the goal of the magazine, and what will the return on investment be to you? Will it be to better promote your site? (If so, will it be worth it? Advertiser revenue? Can be lucrative once you establish an advertiser base and reach the point where advertisers are coming to you?

Of course there is much more, but these are what come to mind. Either way, good luck!