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A little while back "Stamp News" owner/publisher Kevin Morgan ran a great Give away of Stamp News Subscriptions in the "SELL or Give Away surplus stamps" Thread.

Thread is here

http://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=18550

At the end I mentioned that I have been looking at ways of Providing Stamp News as an Online or Digital Download.

However I had had a few problems with the Size of the File.

Hopefully There is a Solution in sight.

I invite Members to view the

TEST April 2010 Issue
http://www.stampnews.com.au/inside.htm

And welcome your comments which will be taken into consideration before we make any further progress.

This solution is quite elegant, and whilst the TEST issue is on the Freeware version, the final Version will be without outside Host Advertising.

One trick I found is to GO FULL SCREEN in your browser, before clicking on the cover of the APRIL ISSUE.

You can do this in most Browsers by pressing F11 (the F11 Function fey at the top of your keyboard)

ONLY THE APRIL ISSUE is available as a test.

It is our intention to provide these as a Subscription Download in the Future, to run a slight time behind our printed issue.

Nothing compares with having a hard Copy of the Mag, but International Subscribers will likely benefit from an online version.

I would be glad to hear any comments..

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

Back the the drawing board for a while!

No Glen, click the cover.

I will disable the Hover Image when we make our final decision.
You cannot get a Hover Thumbnail from a 200mg file without a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong wait !!

There I disabled it for a while.......

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

I think it's brilliant, no problems manoeuvring. Great work!

Love the idea, but it takes a while to download.

Not on cable it doesn't..

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

Envy

Very easy to get to, easy to access pages by various means.
However, to get to a readable size apparently requires enlarging each page in turn. The software used by Amos for Linn's allows the magnifier to be fixed for the whole issue.

Correction: I now see that this can be done by selecting 'paper view' from the viewing options, which opens a new window or tab.

My sympathies with those on dial-up, my broadband downloaded the whole in seconds.

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Ian Billings - Norvic Philatelics GB stamps info: http://www.norphil.co.uk - also /catalog for our ecommerce site, blog.norphil.co.uk, shop.norphil.co.uk and Ian_norvic on twitter

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Ian Billings - Norvic Philatelics GB stamps info: http://www.norphil.co.uk - also /catalog for our ecommerce site, blog.norphil.co.uk, shop.norphil.co.uk and Ian_norvic on twitter

Very easy to use, and works well. A job well done IMHO.

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See pics of my latest stamp findings at Stamp Collecting Blog.

Got it.

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Click HERE to see superb, RARE and unusual stamps, at FIXED low nett prices, high rez photos, and NO buyer fees etc!

I had never seen this publication before. Impressive.

Excellent!

Very easy to navigate.

Page 84 a bit dodgy..

Can you search for words?

Very good!

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The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance -- it is the illusion of knowledge........

Pretty good - very easy to navigate and instant access on my broadband link.

Someone said "it's the future", and I can only agree

Seems to work quite well, a great idea.

A downloadable pdf similar to GSM would be very useful, it makes an easy way to keep copies of each issue.

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Collector and Part Time Dealer (Member IPDA)website and online store - http://www.pwstamps.com.au - Australia & World Stamps & Covers, Discounted Catalogues & Accessories

Yes this file had some pixel errors in it.
When the test is over the upload will be done from the Original disks.

It is possible to make this Text searchable, and Hotlinked to all the advertisers and links, however this needs to be done at original pdf production time.
I am not sure that the people doing it will appreciate the 2 weeks extra work per issue !!

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

This was the original concept.
However it turned out to be difficult to get an effective download system for it. Simply the files are too large, the way it is now it is a flash Streaming file, so that you can see it without having to wait for the whole thing to download.

We also have concerns about protecting the integrity of our Subscriber Base, by allowing a download, it has the possibility of eroding the Hard Copy Subscription Base, by file sharing. This will threaten the economics of the issue as a whole.

Although the Test is free, it is our intention to provide these (Current Issues) on a Paid view basis in future. Cheaper than the mag cover price and postage.
Again it will be International users who will benefit.
There is still nothing like having a Hard Copy on your shelf.

I like the idea of providing an online archive of BACK ISSUES, say 3 Months behind. This should provide a Resource for more than the Current Subscriber Base, plus give our Advertisers extra length for their Copy.
Like most Publications, it is the Advertising that makes the Magazine happen, the Cover price would not go close to covering the actual cost of producing it. So as long as the Integrity of the Subscribers and Advertisers interests are served, it has great potential in this online format.

Keep the comments coming, because they will be listened to.

Thanks Steve

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

You are EXACTLY the reason we are investigating this delivery method.
Postage Kills at $6+ per issue to International Subscribers

This is a really valid reason to have an online version.

What do you think the Subscription price should be ???

Should it be by Month, or by a Yearly?

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

This is a good idea having an online 'Stamp News' magazine as it allows up to date access without the time delay caused by postal services, another suggestion/possibility; is there an archival site to view old/older 'Stamp News' issues page by page or on specific seperate articles ? Perhaps a 'Stamp News' historian could set this up.....thoughts ??? .....

Over time, we should be able to build up a Back Issue archive. That has been one of our Targets.

However it is unlikely that it will be search able by page content, as this requires the links to be set up in the original documents.

As this Magazine has been produced for Hard Print production, none of this is in place.

It may be possible to produce an Index to Articles, but will be a "Labor of Love"

In the initial stages we are looking for a Suitable Subscription Model.
The current Display program seems to provide a good Venue, and good readable results, however its Subscription options are not very sophisticated.

It relies on Hidden URL's and issued Passwords. This we believe will inevitably lead to Password Sharing and destroy the viability of this model.

My instinct is telling me to provide it as a FREE Archive some months after Publication, eg 3 Months after.

But I don't have the Financial Interest, so it is easy for me to Give it away !!

That is what this request for discussion is about here, to show us the way.................

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

Very nice site. Loads fast!

I have absolutely no idea what the right amount to charge would be, although there are presumably other on-line publications that could provide some guidance. Subscriptions would simply have to be by the year or more. Nobody wants to have to pay such a small bill every month.

Works well and will certainly increase the reader base for the magazine

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Tony

Would a download onto a CD Rom/ DVD be possible for either back issue articles/present articles/future articles ???

Because of the large file size I have been unable to find a method of delivering the file. None of the Shopping Carts i tried would handle it.
Every method I tried froze , either during upload or download. A file sharer did work, but very inelegant and not linked to a Shopping Cart solution.
Providing it as a CD Rom would have no benefits over a Hard Copy, it still has the labour, material & Postage costs.

Splitting single articles from either single or multiple issues, also has labour issues.

This display method looks good, it just does not have an integrated Subscription Payment system.

However it does have the facility for Readers to "Bookmark or Subscribe" and automatically be advised of a New Issue.

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

One thing GSM does to cut down the file size, is the downloadable copy has very little advertising in it. All the full page adverts have been removed. Only the small adverts are left in.

Out of interest do you intend for people to print off articles?

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Chris de Haer
Author of 'A Closer Look at Modern Australian Stamps' in Stamp News Australia.
Latest news on my blog http://stamps.chrisdehaer.com.au Follow me on Facebook twitter.com/stampchris

Our Advertisers are an integral part of Stamp News. We would not produce a cut down version, that reduced their exposure. Information I have is that the Adverts are read and the Advertisers get good business from it.

The purpose of this exercise is to Increase Exposure, not decrease it.

I advertise myself, and every Month I pull 2 or 3 new customers from Stamp News Readers.
Shows are advertised, Websites are advertised, Stores & Specials are advertised. They are Integral to the Magazine.

You can already print pages from this software,(there is a print icon in the menu bar at the top), but if you are going to print, then surely better to Subscribe to the Hard Copy issue ??

Full colour, quality paper, looks good on a Library shelf for years to come

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

Thanks!

Yes, I wonder what GSM's advertising think about being cut out of the online version.

Have to admit to not having checked out the online version - hence the question. I agree about getting a paper version, but as a subscriber of Linn's, Scott Stamp Monthly and GSM online it is more cost effective for me to print the articles, rather than get a copy sent to me (especially when you only find three to four articles of interest).

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Chris de Haer
Author of 'A Closer Look at Modern Australian Stamps' in Stamp News Australia.
Latest news on my blog http://stamps.chrisdehaer.com.au Follow me on Facebook twitter.com/stampchris

I like it!

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Regards, Jay

I like it!

It would be a nice incentive if the digital version could be made freely available to subscribers of the printed magazine.

I'd even forego my whacky giveaway that's included each month, in preference to also having access to the digital copy.

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Only philatelists dare visit KoalaStamps, the new kid on the stamp block: http://www.koalastamps.com

Thank you all for your Comments.

Kevin Morgan made a generous decision today to provide

FREE BACK ISSUES ONLINE

These will be loaded up 3 Months after the Issue Date.

No restrictions, you can print articles from them, Subscribe to the Online Version for FREE and you will get a Notification when a New Issue is Uploaded.

It will be a Slow start, but I should have this Years Issues up by the end of July.

Previous Years will come on as The files become available.

Great Decision from Kevin Morgan, Good for the Advertisers, good for the Hobby.

I will put one more issue (March 2010) up later this Weekend, then there will be a Break as we set up the Final Version. These issues are provided using a Freeware Program, the Permanent Archives will have added features.

Happy Browsing.


To say I am happy is an UNDERSTATEMENT, Superb Gesture to forgo any potential Subscription fees to make the Magazine more widely available.

http://www.stampnews.com.au/inside.htm

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

That is very generous indeed!

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Regards, Jay

I had a look and it downloaded very quickly via cable broadband.

Although I am already a subscriber, I would welcome this way of reading the magazine.

I also agree that keeping the advertisemnts in is a good idea.

All issues from July 2008 to May 2010 are now available online.

http://www.stampnews.com.au

Also our new redesigned Website is completed & operating.

Shortly there will be an Index of articles made available, which will link you directly to the issue that it is in.

I hope you enjoy, and thank you for your input, which went a long way to making this project happen.

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

Well done!

I had another look and it takes about 5 seconds for me to download a whole issue using Optus cable connection from my nice new iMac.

I particularly like the index button at the top of the display which allows one to see miniatures of all the pages - for really quick navigation.

Cheers

Absolutely Flippin Marvelous!!!

You've made a ScotsmanAbroad very happy
I've seen articles from Stamp News, but never read a copy. I subscribe to Stamp Magazine and Gibbons Stamp Monthly, so now I can add Stamp News to the monthly read. Online issues are the best for me, no paper weight /clutter to worry about!
When I throw it onto my 23inch widescreen HD monitor, I can sit back and read BETTER THAN A REAL MAG (feet up, red wine in one hand, baguette in the other) zoom in on stamp images/ magnify/ print them if I want.....fantastic

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It's good to shoot the breeze with like-minded people.

Absolutely wonderful!

Mark Alan

WOW! Very nice.

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I buy too much, can't sell enough - but the information here is priceless.

Fantastic.

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Peter

The previous version is suck. This one looks seem not very professional. Maybe needs some senior web developer nails it

Looks EXCELLENT to me!
My work requires extensive use of e-journals and this stacks up.

Maybe you would like to express your concerns more precisely, then I can have a look and see what can be done to meet them.
However nothing in your comment gives a clue as to your problems.

We don't use nails, we like to be more "subtle".. Even to the use of well structured Sentences

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Stamp Collecting does not have to be Expensive to be Fun ! - . IPDA Member 2012/13
Stamp Mall over 35,000 items in my Online Store !! on 128 bit encrypted SSL Secure Server.

I have no idea what this means.
I Think the online version of the magazine looks great and is easy to use. I have already printed several articles to keep for future reference.

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Regards, Jay

Enjoyed the reading, site is easy to navigate - I couldn't get April working, but am going throu March, Page 49 at the moment. (Note: the Word "Billig" is the Danish word for Cheap )

Kloster

Kevin Morgan now has every issue of Stamp News Australasia from July 2008 to March 2011 freely available to read online at his website: http://www.stampnews.com.au/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=2.

These online issues are made available 3 months after publication date.

Thanks Kevin for such a fantastic resource!

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Only philatelists dare visit KoalaStamps, the new kid on the stamp block: http://www.koalastamps.com