pipes|drums celebrates anniversary of redesign
June 11, 2009, marks the anniversary of the most substantial redevelopment of pipes|drums yet, when the not-for-profit magazine was deployed with a greater breadth of content than ever.
In the year past subscriptions have increased dramatically, with more than 3,000 pipers and drummers from around the world taking advantage of the $14.99 annual rate ($24.99/two years) to gain access to the entire pipes|drums articles archive, which now numbers more than 4,000. More than 25,000 articles, comments, tips, events and other content are available across the entire publication.
In the last year the magazine has attracted more than 35,000 unique visitors, and unique visits number between 3,500 and 9,000 every day, with daily page-views normally exceeding 30,000 and rising to more than 70,000 on the most active day in the last year, August 17, 2008, the day after the World Pipe Band Championships.
Where are p|d readers based? The results may be surprising: 32% are based in the United Kingdom; 31% Canada; 23% United States; 4% Australia; 2% New Zealand; 2% Ireland; Germany, France and all Scandinavian countries 1%; and more than 70 other countries making up the balance.
A popular feature introduced last year is the MAP Project, which shows the location of registered readers throughout the world.
Over the last year alone, 383 different original articles were made available to pipes|drums readers, with 54 of these – Interviews, Reviews and Features – exclusively for subscribers, who thus paid less than three cents for each article. Some 191 articles are currently available to subscribers only.
“This is simply not possible with a print publication,” said pipes|drums editor Andrew Berthoff. “A monthly print magazine might publish three or four feature articles constrained by page-counts, providing at most 48 articles a year for three-, even four-times the annual subscription price of pipes|drums.”
The elimination of space constraints due to paper publishing has meant that interviews, as an example, can now run in their entirety. These multi-parted articles often exceed 15,000 words, whereas the previous Piper & Drummer print magazine had to truncate extensive feature articles due to space limitations.
Free content makes up most of the magazine, and in the last year 195 News stories were published and 120 pieces in Results – the two sections alone accounting for close to one new, original article every day.
The not-for-profit pipes|drums subsists entirely through subscriptions and banner advertising, and all funds are plowed back in to the magazine. The publication is independent, not connected to any association or business except itself, leaving it unencumbered by politics and money.
“Thanks to the popularity of the magazine with subscribers and sponsors, we’re planning even more expansion and new features in the next year,” Berthoff continued. “We really appreciate the support and hope that our readers enjoy the content as much as we enjoy bringing it to them.”
The redesign is fantastic. Thanks and keep up the great work!
I used to look in at this site from time to time, but it was only last year I subscibed. I love the intelligent discussions about the MUSIC and the psychological slant on many of the articles. Much more than could be found in a printed magazine, quicker turnaround of articles, more substantial topics, open-minded attitudes for the most part, contemporary, relevant – great thinking behind its construction and content – you’ll gather I like it a lot! Politics and money don’t get in the way – brilliant. Thank you, and keep up the great work!
Happy Anniversary P/D, and keep up the good work, K
The redesign is fantastic. Thanks and keep up the great work!
I used to look in at this site from time to time, but it was only last year I subscibed. I love the intelligent discussions about the MUSIC and the psychological slant on many of the articles. Much more than could be found in a printed magazine, quicker turnaround of articles, more substantial topics, open-minded attitudes for the most part, contemporary, relevant – great thinking behind its construction and content – you’ll gather I like it a lot! Politics and money don’t get in the way – brilliant. Thank you, and keep up the great work!
Happy Anniversary P/D, and keep up the good work, K