Vogue Thinks Its Site Sucks

An article in NY Crains suggests that Conde Nast think their network of websites are disappointing. They say:

Insiders’ frustration with the divide between print and digital is growing along with the dazzle of the Internet. Recent mega-deals for MySpace.com and YouTube.com underscore the importance of the medium to advertisers and audiences. Even with its robust slate of magazines, Condé Nast faces the danger of becoming obsolete over time if it doesn’t develop a dynamic online presence.

Officials at CondeNet insist that their strategy is working. The destination sites, created to maximize online revenue by “owning” food, travel and fashion categories, are growing. Epicurious has been particularly successful. The site is among the top 10 in the food and cooking category, according to Nielsen/NetRatings. Though its September number was down, it has had upward of 2 million unique visitors monthly for the last year.

The arguments ring hollow with some magazine staffers. The executives contend that the current system is outdated and doesn’t provide incentive to publishers to create online programs.