CAR SOUND magazine, published by Miller Freeman PSN, has announced that effective January 2000 it will launch a new, more interactive CAR SOUND Web site targeted at the core readership of the magazine. This Web site, combined with a reformatted print version of CAR SOUND, which will take advantage of a larger trim size, heavier paper stock, and a higher gloss finish to showcase its photo-driven layouts, will create an entirely new marketing approach to reach today’s Web-savvy 18–25 year-old target readership. "We have refocused our vision for CAR SOUND," states associate publisher Annette Fielman. "Our new approach is a marriage of the best of what the Web has to offer – namely volumes of data at your fingertips – with the best of print media – sprawling dynamic layouts – to offer the CAR SOUND reader an entirely new entity, what we call an I-Mag, or integrated magazine."
Surveys have shown that the targeted CAR SOUND reader is a highly Web-savvy person who now uses the Internet as an important part of his information gathering process. In January 2000, these readers will be able to seamlessly go from the print to the electronic medium and be offered a more comprehensive CAR SOUND experience.
"The www.carsound.com site will take its cue from the magazine and vice versa, adds Fielman. "Nowhere is pure, raw information better accessed in real time, internationally, than on the Internet, but print media still offers readers the benefit of visual artistry not yet achieved online. Combined, the CAR SOUND I-Mag will not only provide readers with a more complete experience, but will offer advertisers a more direct means of reaching and selling preferred customers."
According to Fielman, the expanded Web site and new larger magazine will build on the current technical strengths of the title while offering more direct access to advertisers' products and expanded coverage of the industry.
"We want the print version of our publication to be a 'gift in the mail' to our readers," states Fielman. "The new, larger format, and enhanced paper stock, will allow us to showcase our outstanding photographers’ work and advertising creative and offer a vibrant new layout that will jump out at our readers."
Scheduled features of the Web site will include daily news updates, cyber-contests, on-line chats with editors, reader installations, an expanded electronic version of the magazine, a dealer locator, and downloadable advertiser information.
Link for more info: www.carsound.com
