The democratization of publishing that blogging platforms fueled a few years ago seems to be only an early chapter in a longer story about the move from curated content by the few to tailored content by the many. Piers Fawkes argues that in it’s current form, PSFK’s days could be numbered.

How will universal authorship shape future society? Seed Magazine has published an article that poses just that question, examining the growing numbers of “publishers” across all medium.

With the internet taking a significant amount of its readership and the recession impacting physical sales, running a profitable print publication these days is becoming even more of a daunting proposition. But despite these struggles, many magazines are finding new opportunities outside of the printed page, diversifying their business model with alternative revenue streams. Advertising Age recently surveyed five such publications, representing diverse cross-section of the entire industry  - Men’s Health, Make, The Atlantic, Complex and Fader – to find out what their outlook is going forward.
While advertising, both print and digital, remains an integral component of the revenue mix, [...]

Recent discussions about the future of publishing has made me think a lot about PSFK’s approach to publishing. As part of my pondering I put together a simple document with a comparison of an article that features on the Financial Times and PSFK. By looking at an article on the same subject, I wanted to compare and contrast the editorial and business approaches between a “traditional” publisher and a new one without making too much commentary about what is the right or wrong approach. I thought it might be of interest to share.
PDF: A comparison of FT and PSFK articles
Original [...]

Only a few days after our discussion about the negative effect that might be caused if the newspaper industry decides to return to paywall media, PSFK notices a number of articles that point to continued confusion about what the industry should do in the new (and free) media economy.

The last few weeks have been busy ones in the eBook space. Amazon launched its man-hole cover sized Kindle DX to generally favorable reviews. There’s talk about them launching a color version in the near future and one analyst is forecasting sales of 900,000 units in 2009, rising to 1.4 million in 2010. When you consider these babies start at $350 and go up from there, even if you believe Amazon’s claim that it costs them $150 to manufacture each unit – Which is absolute bullshit – It’s no wonder Bezos has an idiotic grin perpetually plastered on his face. [...]

PSFK is happy to announce the publication of our newest book, PSFK Snapshot Brooklyn. From the more obscure corners of the borough to just off the G train, we’ve gathered over 40 of the most inspiring shops, restaurants, galleries, venues, movements and happenings from around the diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York.
PSFK Snapshot Brooklyn was born of the same spirit as our website, PSFK.com and our last book, PSFK Good Ideas 2009. Our intention was to present the same creative, idea-generating content, this time drawing from a focused locale. Brooklyn, along with San Francisco, represent the first of many [...]

PSFK recently caught up with Karen Bard, the Pop Culture Expert over at eBay. Her insights were a follow-up to our recent coverage on the creation of instant nostalgia.

As many magazines go the way of the dodo, other publications are staying strong despite industry woes.  A recent survey of listings on eBay show that people are actively sharing issues of their favorites, even from recently defunct magazines.
Domino Magazine, which folded earlier this year, fetches prices across eBay well above the original news-stand price.  Teen Magazines, which some may argue are one of the lowest forms of magazine value, occupy more than 5,000 listings on eBay including the dead publications, CosmoGirl and Teen Magazine.  The common tactic to dub an issue as a collectors edition now has more relevance [...]

At PSFK Conference NYC, I had the opportunity to sit down with Edward Felsenthal, Executive Editor of The Daily Beast, to discuss his new online publication and the changes he’s seeing in the rapidly evolving world of publishing. The Daily Beast, launched in October of 2008, is a curated online news site created by Tina Brown, the former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. Felsenthal, who served as Deputy Managing Editor of the Wall Street Journal prior to taking the helm at The Daily Beast, shared his insights on launching a new brand in the ever-expanding digital news [...]

We Make Magazines is a directory of more than 700 independent magazines featuring interviews and large layouts.  It’s meant as a celebration of the visual design and vibrant spirit of the publishers outside the mainstream.  It focuses on the hundred top magazines from around the world and includes a fuller directory in the back.
The book was developed by devoted magazine insiders and examines all aspects of a successful and beautiful magazine.  Topics include discovering who your readers are, the golden rules of advertising and how to visually drive your content.  The interviews span the globe and include BabyBabyBaby from Mexico, [...]

Today Denver joins the ever-increasing list of cities with only one newspaper: the Rocky Mountain News has published its last issue. But Editor John Temple hopes its readers will take pride in the final edition and its 52-page wraparound section, noting “This is our last shot at this. This morning (someone) said it’s like playing music at your own funeral. It’s an opportunity to make really sweet sounds or blow it. I’d like to go out really proud.” The paper’s very existence was in limbo for the past three months and operated at a $16 million loss. The only potential [...]

Guys! We’re coming back! On April 2, 2009, PSFK will host PSFK Conference New York in Battery Park. The event will be a celebration of the most creative ideas and inspirational organizations emerging from the city – people we write about on our daily news site.
Tailored for creative professionals, strategists and the media, we will host 12 lectures and panels in topics that include arts & culture, design, digital & mobile technology, marketing & advertising, social media and publishing.
Attendees come to our events to share ideas with likeminds; so beyond the talks we will curate interactive experiences in the venue [...]

Like fellow Frenchwoman Colette Roussaux, Christiane Celle has mastered the art of curation. Each piece in her Calypso boutiques is an instant classic–easy, chic, and versatile. Her latest project, Clic Gallery, marks a shift from fashion to photography. This Noho store, opened in October 2008, has already earned a reputation for its careful selections and eclectic taste. You can find photography books from publishers such as Verlag Schaden, Rizzoli, Phaidon, Taschen, TeNeues, and Steidl, as well as small independent publishers,  signed trade titles, limited editions and artists editions with signed prints.
Last month, Clic St Barth opened near the banks of [...]

A new US title that has the belief, we are told, that Asian culture is as powerful in shaping the world today as Hip-Hop was at influencing the 80s and 90s.