New Wood and Steel - digital only

[boneuphtoner]

Hey Guys - check out the new Wood and Steel:

https://woodandsteel.taylorguitars.com/?fbclid=IwAR3iJWd-kDPxctt3uLZPyUW9P9KDUj2WWB1lIQAP-HIAWK3NrGOJl2Rm7oo

It looks like they will be moving towards publishing 3 times a year, with the summer issue moving to the digital only format.  I really appreciated being able to hear several of the features on video.  I loved seeing the Linda Perry custom, and of course I loved all the spotlight on my new favorite, the best guitar I’ve ever played, the 324ce BE

[SDTaylorman]

Well that's a shame. Print is so much better of a medium for humans. I like having a digital edition with links as well but ultimately that's just a "bonus" to what is best as a print copy.

[boneuphtoner]

I would have felt disappointed about the digital only version too, but after spending an hour with it last night, I was favorably impressed.  In this digital version, they were certainly able to tackle a number of things that they couldn't do in a print version like the artist new model demo features as well as the "ask Bob" segment where he got his supplier to show a video of a bear claw spruce log right after being cut.   I also liked the GS mini turns 10 celebration with a number of artists chiming in.  All in all, I thought it was very well done. 

[mgap]

I wonder if this is the beginning of the end of our beloved W&S printed issues.  I would not be surprised if that is the case, but very disappointed.
It is after all such a joy to receive the printed edition, getting my grubby finger on it and thumbing though it a dozen times or more. 

[Coco Kid]

I'm glad they're going to digital only. It backs up their claim to care for environmental responsibility. The world needs more sustainability, not more landfill.

[Frettingflyer]

My copies won’t get to a landfill until I am dead and gone...I really like the print version and it is one of a few publications I have kept over the years. I will begrudgingly try the digital version though and try to move on with the rest of the world.

[TaylorGirl]

While I'm one for doing what's best for our environment, I have to say I love the printed version. I usually don't sit down and read it all at once. I leave it on the end table and pull it out to continue reading, when I have time. I don't/won't do that with a digital version. I'm old school (ok, I'm old) and am used to flipping through the pages of a good magazine. So, as long as they still offer the printed version, that will be my way to go. I also keep my copies and sometimes go back and page through them.

[Earl]

Ditto, TaylorGirl.  W&S is the last guitar publication that I still get.  I spent some time going through this digital edition reading the usual features, but the organization of the electronic version forced me to jump around more than simply flipping pages past the parts that were not interesting.  I did not watch any videos or follow those links.  It's just not the same as a print magazine.  It is too easy to scan and forget something on the screen and never look at it again.  I also save mine for later review, and that has come in handy -- like answering questions about certain LTD's from several years ago.  I even had a good archive of the newsprint versions, but when we moved from Alaska to Idaho several years ago, the movers charged by the pound.  I had to be ruthless sending things to the recycle center.

One day almost all publications will likely be virtual, but I'm not ready for that day yet.  As for environmental responsibility, paper (pulp wood) is raised as a cash crop just like corn or wheat or Christmas trees, and a large portion of paper gets recycled.  Somehow I think the planet will survive if we read a magazine now and then....

[Strumming Fool]

I think that they each serve a purpose, but neither functions as a replacement for the other. My wish is that they would continue to do both. 'Nuff said....

[ClassicRock]

While the elimination of the print version is great for Taylor’s “virtuous marketing”, this is purely a cost reduction move, no doubt sorely needed in the wake of the virus shutdown and other associated increases in overhead expense.

Can you imagine the cost of publishing and mailing millions of copies of a high quality Magazine like this? Not to mention, content isn’t free even if employees generate much of it. This move returns millions to the bottom line. Hard to argue against it when every company out there is fighting for survival.

[DennisG]

While the elimination of the print version is great for Taylor’s “virtuous marketing”, this is purely a cost reduction move, no doubt sorely needed in the wake of the virus shutdown and other associated increases in overhead expense.

Can you imagine the cost of publishing and mailing millions of copies of a high quality Magazine like this? Not to mention, content isn’t free even if employees generate much of it. This move returns millions to the bottom line. Hard to argue against it when every company out there is fighting for survival.

I appreciate the thought behind your post, but I disagree with most of it.  Unless you sat in on the meeting where a switch to digital was decided -- or know someone who did -- you can't really say with any certainty that "...this is purely a cost reduction move..."  Second, Bob mentioned some time back the circulation number for Wood & Steel; as I recall, it was far less than one million.  Third, you're right that the content isn't free; I've been a freelance writer for W&S, and while they pay, it's not much.  What I don't understand is your linking the switch to a digital format with saving money on content.  Content costs money, whether it's digital or paper.  I've written for both digital and paper versions of Acoustic Guitar, and they pay the same.  I do agree with you that switching to digital would save money, but I wouldn't presume to know that this is the only (or even the primary) reason why Taylor would do that.  Given their commitment to environmental causes, I will assume the best of them.

[Shutterbug]

I have a friend who's a Taylor owner. He gets Wood & Steel, but he doesn't even have a computer, let alone the internet.

He'll be disappointed if they go all digital...

[Strumming Fool]

I agree with Dennis. One note to add. I use my FLGS's website as a barometer of guitar sales. Since the advent of the pandemic, this store has reduced its Taylor inventory by over 30% in sales activity while still bringing on new items. I tend to think that Taylor is not overly concerned with cost cutting these days...