Posts and comments here about Alpha magazine and the plans of some newsagents to boycott the title have been covered by mUmBRELLA, a respected site covering media and marketing in Australia. I especially like that they have also published the picture showing how one newsagent converted the Alpha stand into a New Idea stand.
It is good to see the newsagent stand against a supplier get broader coverage. This is a challenge for us because Fairfax and News would never publish the story.
I’d urge newsagents to continue to engage on the Alpha issue. Let your News Ltd representatives know what you think, comment on Alpha posts here, If you move Alpha, put a sign up advising your customers why, If you remove Alpha altogether, be sure to let News Ltd know why.
As I noted in an earlier post, what News Ltd has done to newsagents with Alpha is un-Australian. Personally, I consider it to be unethical. We need to have the balls to maintain our rage. If sales of the magazine suffer, advertisers will notice and News will become engaged.
Now if only newsagent associations would get behind this issue.
That is gold!
And I just love how News is copping its own medicine with the ‘no comment’ line.
Thanks for putting in in here.
Oh, but doesn’t a “row” entail two sides going at it? Reminds me of a wildlife doco screened years ago, with a giant African bullfrog being bitten on the face, repeatedly by a snake, which was eventually eaten.
No consequence at all to the frog, but the snake was valiant and steadfast in its bid for its life, to the very end.
That picture popped into my mind when considering this “row”.
That’s a real bummer, given what a ‘glass-half-full’ type I am..
alpha bravo charlie – over and out
I like the stand conversion as well – it shows newsagents CAN take charge of their business. I’d love to see the reps face when he sees it and can’t see Alpha anywhere!!!
I think I’ll convert mine to Popular Science in support of their 40% margin for this issue. I like initiatives like this carrot dangling in front of my face.
The noise being made here by newsagents about Alpha, through comments and links to posts, is being noticed. It is important newsagents discuss the issue as much as possible.
I said my point here in the post : NDD likely to block newsagents on Alpha magazine
In my case : How much would I earn per month? A dollar? I’d earn more by using the space for a special interest magazine.
Another excuse for me to shove it in the back room as soon as it comes is unclearly outlined in the first two minutes of this clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITUSZ6LRHrk
While not letting the ALPHA betrayal die, I have done something I have never done before in my shop, reading comments over a period on this blog I have been inspired to create in ALPHA’s position a promotional spot with a permanent 15% of the RRP of a current magazine. My first by coincidence is Burkes Backyard.
I am sure this is not for everyone, food for thought though.
I like that idea Derek. I might try it on slow days of the week, hoping to drive more traffic.