Why internal magazines still work

In I know what you’re thinking. Here it comes, another column from an ink-stained wretch who still reads things on paper.

It’s true, at least the ink-stained part. As a reporter and editor, I’ve worked for print publications. I get two newspapers delivered on my doorstep every day, subscribe to print magazines, and like to read hard-cover books. But this isn’t a story dripping with nostalgia and longing for the glory days of the printing press.

Print is not for every organization and certainly not for every audience. In fact, there are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t publish a printed newsletter or magazine:

Others will point out that print kills trees. I agree, and that’s why you need to think carefully about how you use print, how often and for whom.

But under certain conditions and for particular audiences, a print pub is still a good choice for organizational communications. Done well, and with the right content, print can be a highly effective channel for: