The future of Place Magazine
Place Magazine is the South Australian Chapter’s publication, providing a platform for comment and debate within the profession.
However, the financial viability of Place has been an ongoing issue throughout its life. Considerable time and resources are required to publish a magazine without this additional level of complexity.
It is time for the SA Chapter to review its position and to make some significant decisions. Members need to decide what function Place serves, what it is worth to the Chapter and whether there are any other models that can deliver the core benefits without the financial stresses that are associated with the current model.
This is not a simple issue and there is not likely to be an outcome that pleases all members. The Chapter is inviting members to come to a forum on Wednesday 10 June to discuss these issues and determine the way forward.
I look forward to meeting with you and will be keeping members informed of the process by which the Chapter responds to this issue.
Further information regarding the current position and possible alternative models are outlined below:
THE CURRENT POSITION
Place Magazine is published by Cathryn Charnock Corporate Publishing (CCCP). CCCP coordinates graphic design, printing and distribution as well as being responsible for securing advertising revenue. Yaara Plaves is the editor for the publication and sources content for each issue.
The Institute provides funding to assist with production costs and the Chapter Manager acts as managing editor. The Chapter budget for Place in 2015 is $10,000.
It was intended that the advertising revenue would finance the remainder of the publication costs. However, the limited print-run (1000 copies per edition) plus the tight economic environment has limited the revenue available through advertising.
This has led to the current situation, where we cannot continue to produce the magazine under the current model.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Possible options for the future include:
1. Seeking patrons from within the SA architectural community to sponsor each edition (model for NSW Chapter publication). Patrons could either be individual practices or consortia of practices and would have the opportunity to determine a significant proportion of the editorial content. The current economic climate in South Australia is likely to make this model unsustainable.
2. Charging members for Place in addition to their membership at a cost that would cover the current funding shortfall. The cover price per issue would need to be in the order of $10.00 for the current style of magazine. A lesser cover price would be an option if the style of the magazine was reviewed and significantly changed to suit our budget.
3. Significantly increasing the number of copies printed for each edition, which would make the publication more attractive to advertisers. Additional copies could be distributed to local councils, cafes, cultural institutions for customers to access free of charge (similar model to City Mag). This would require some amendment of content to suit the broader market for the publication but would also make Place a vehicle for public awareness and advocacy of the profession.
4. Discontinuation of Place Magazine, with current funding from the SA Chapter being redirected to alternative platforms for professional debate.
– An electronic platform has the potential to provide a forum for the profession as well as an opportunity for broader public debate. It would not be attractive to some members who value a printed publication or have limited electronic media access. If an online publication options was adopted the current Place editor has indicated that she would not continue in the role.
– Direction of content to InDaily and The Adelaide Review. Content would need to be related to current issues to make it more attractive for publication. However, this avenue provides opportunities for promoting public debate and broadening community understanding of the benefits of design.
– Nicolette Di Lernia, SA Chapter Manager