When I first blogged about Stickypoint, the Australian cannabis magazine, in January I also wrote to Wrapaway, the distributor. They have ignored my request and sent six copies of issue 2.
I don’t want this magazine. There is no category in my newsagency relevant and it will offend my core demographic. That a magazine distributor ignores my request toe cancel the title and grab another $50.00 of my cash for a few months is appalling behaviour and fuirther evidence of how newsagents are abused by the broken magazine supply system.
Like other newsagents, I want more good magazine titles and less junk.
This may be further evidence of unconscionable conduct. The magazine distribtutors have far too much to answer for.
A better supply model is needed and has been needed for years. While initiatives such as XchangeIT and features of software, such as that which Tower Systems provides, can help the process for newsagents, major flaws still exist. It would be to the benefit of both the distributors and newsagents to evaluate the current system and work towards an improved model of supply.
We are going to buy a new kitchen soon and one of the things one does is buy a few kitchen renno mags for information and ideas. These are expensive full colour glossies sadly often with stories and images obviously lifted or, heh, syndicated from overseas publications. Thinking I’d get the missus a belated Easter present I picked up a magazine called “Homes & Living Kitchens” at $6.80. It was only when I got home that I found out it was aimed at the WA exclusively with not one eastern state advert. Why would a newsagent in western Sydney be carrying such crap in their shelves. I shall try to get a refund tomorrow.
The newsagent relies on the magazine distributor to supply what their system predicts will sell. The reality is that the distributor has been given x of a title to distribute and the only way to achieve this and get paid is to provide Sydney newsagents with a WA specific title.
It is a supply model open to abuse.
Dont judge a book, buy its cover.
I only judge magazines by their relevance to my demographic and their financial return.
Thats why the internet has saved us from small minded judges who move into tiny power bases like media outlets and libraries and decide for “others” what the demographic is!
The american indians had the concept of the medecine wheel which is only strong because of the differing views/spokes in the community/wheel,,,,,
Yes, great magzine. I wish more newsagents like yours carried it. I have to buy mine on ebay ;-).
Oh, by the way, do not underestimate your clientel, plenty of people smoke cannabis!
mark,
As a female owner of a newsagency i must say i am quite pleased i do not have to do business with wrapaway and i can sympathise with your situation in that regard.
however, would like to add that i find it very difficult to believe that this magazine will ‘offend your core demographic’ when 9 out of 10 magazines sold in newsagents are covered in pictures of half naked women.
I must admit i find titles such as ralph magazine and in particular zoo magazine with its highly offensive and inappropriate headlines and competitions involving free boob jobs much more offensive.
mark, i am sure you dont send back your copies of zoo every week because ‘it will offend your core demographic’.