rogerson@PEDEV.Columbia.NCR.COM (Dale Rogerson) (02/23/90)
More information from GENIE on the new Magazine. -----Dale Rogerson----- ============================================================================== PC PowerWindows Magazine Published by CompuSystems Management, Inc. (CSM) Charter Subscriptions: $19.97 $US (12 issues) through June 30, 1990 OVERVIEW PC PowerWindows (PCPW) is a quality, user-oriented publication for the users of the Microsoft Windows(tm) and Presentation Manager(tm) (PM) graphical user interfaces. Individual Windows/PM based software applications are covered in distinct monthly sections. The magazine is a four-color, glossy stock, 8-1/2 x 11 publication. Throughout this text, the term "Windows" refers to the various Microsoft Windows and PM graphics environment versions. The magazine includes sections such as editors notes, theme articles, new Windows software and hardware product news, specific-product hands-on Windows applications columns and other topics germane to the Windows environment. These sections include discussions of specific Windows areas: basic and advanced features; personal, home office, business, corporate and governmental level uses; coverage of how-to topics (i.e., how to plan a small database project), and teaming one application program with other Windows applications. A magazine describing the use of one or more Windows programs together with other Windows programs is unique to this publishing arena. The computing power and productivity available by teaming Windows-based products is enormous, but has not been covered by other publishers. Demand for PC PowerWindows is high as well as long term in nature. The sources of this demand are the new and potential Windows/PM consumers, software dealers and application developers. We feel that PCPW serves the best interests of the Windows user and producer community. With these interests in mind, PCPW has the following magazine features. SPECIFIC MAGAZINE SECTIONS AND TOPICS PCPW offers the following sections and topics are planned: In this Issue - Highlights of the current issue. Editor's and Publishers Notes - In a "State of the Scene" reporting style. Letters to the Editor. Q & A - This is a variable-length question and answer section pertaining to Windows uses, problems, short tips, etc. This coverage could be melded into the "Hands On" magazine areas, however, it is initially introduced as a separate column. Windows tutorials - Each issue explores one or more topics regarding Windows and PM shell programs. This column is a brief advisory of what Windows is, what markets it serves, and the basic product features. It includes major strong points and differences between Windows and PM. It contains non-technical text about basic and advanced product uses and features, including those not mentioned in Windows users guides or application manuals. Major Articles - Each issue describes the ways that Windows users are making use of the application products and related hardware, including general interest articles on how Windows programs relate to publishing, CAD, word processing, graphics, scanning, information management, databases, telecommunications, etc. Productive Windows - This is a monthly column devoted to productivity: increasing the quantity and quality of Windows applications work. Topics generally relate to saving money or increasing efficiency with Windows, and the use of Windows and its applications as personal or business enrichment tools. Hands-On << Product Name >> - These are "real meat" one or more page discussions about specific Windows application programs. They include hands-on use, interesting ideas for more efficient or intuitive uses, and operational hints and tips. These columns concentrate on "how it was done" topics, describing actual problems, solutions and related discussions. Multi-Windows - These are articles about the drawing together and use of multiple Windows applications to address a common goal or need. Topics will include how the programs were selected, how they individually added to the sum total output, any problems that arose and how the programs fared. Product Reviews - Unbiased reviews by qualified outside experts. The reviews follow accepted procedures and present real user concerns and opinions. Overall value and performance totals are included. New Products - A monthly section devoted to announcements of new Windows applications, hardware, accessories, etc. Announcements and Errata - A monthly section devoted to announcements of Windows program or application bugs, program fixes, product upgrade announcements, etc. Advertisers Index - This section includes a reader service number for response card use and the page numbers of advertisements. HARDWARE and ACCESSORIES COVERAGE The inclusion of related computer hardware and accessories, in addition to software, makes both the magazine and the products mentioned in it more appealing to the readers. Hardware is covered in both feature articles and reviews. Typical hardware articles include: - Scanners - Dot matrix, PCL and Postscript laser printers, ink jet printers - Computer mice, graphics tablets and tracker ball pointing devices - 286, 386 and 486 computers (general discussions) - Various accessories - New technology products and accessories WRITING STYLE The magazine writing format and general style follow these guidelines: The writing style accommodates neophyte to intermediate understanding and skill levels, although some columns, by their nature, are more technical in content. This implies shorter sentences and less "technotalk". Articles may include short glossaries where they would be effective in communicating new terms or concepts. We use two to three text columns, set in easy-reading fonts and type sizes for quick readability and comprehension. We actively encourage the use of photos, video screen shots, simple graphics, charts, line art, and scanned graphics. MAGAZINE STAFF WRITERS, AUTHORS, EDITORS We maintain an experienced, competent writing and editorial staff, including magazine and advertising design, editing and production personnel. The PCPW staff consists of management, training, publishing and marketing veterans with extensive and varied computer backgrounds. Their expertise is supplemented by articles and reviews from qualified contributing editors, are all experienced writers specializing in software or hardware usage, presentation graphics, systems integration, databases, word processing, etc. We have found it beneficial to encourage end-users and software and hardware industry types to submit magazine articles, ideas and editorial commentary (i.e., a short industry editorial). This activity encourages additional viewpoints, diversity and reader satisfaction. Several Windows software providers contribute to the magazine by sharing of technical product or editorial information, and by inserting PCPW brochures and subscription forms into their shipping product. MARKETING and READERSHIP CONSIDERATIONS After exhaustive review of existing publications, and consulting with users and software producers, PCPW becomes the first publication to truly address and answer the concerns of the Windows and PM user population. The magazine effectively combines the most user-requested coverage elements under one banner. PCPW magazine is beneficial to the Windows/PM end-users, third-party application programmers, and software and hardware dealers. PCPW greatly enhances end-user knowledge, software capabilities, and reduces application providers technical support expenses. The following are some marketing considerations for potential PC PowerWindows advertisers: Subscription Pricing - A special charter subscription rate of $19.97 for 12 issues applies until June 30, 1990. The regular subscription rate is $35.97 for 12 issues. Newsstand Distribution - It is anticipated that by the November 1990 issue, national single-copy distribution of PCPW will be instituted. Computer dealers, especially those retailing Windows and application programs, have committed to stocking this magazine. Information with Product - We feel that software and hardware providers benefit both their end-users and themselves by including our magazine subscription brochure in each product package. Display Advertising - The magazine offers quality paid display advertising ranging in size from multiple-page spreads to 1/9th page classified ads. They are available in up to five colors. Circulation Lists - PCPW offers circulation lists on labels or disks to qualified third parties, including advertisers, and Windows/PM software and hardware providers. These lists are provided only with the consent of our readership. Windows and PM User Groups - PCPW extends a welcome to all Windows users, including the many user groups that have or will be established. We note that many such groups are already recommending the PCPW publication to their members. INFORMATION PC PowerWindows 4120 Galbraith School Road P.O. Box 9599 Knoxville, TN 37940 (615) 693-5829 All U.S. and International rights reserved. Certain trademarks used in this outline are hereby acknowledged as being owned by their respective companies. PC PowerWindows Magazine Subscription Form SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER.....save 42% off single issue price through June 30, 1990 (Regular Annual Subscription Rate $35.97) SUBSCRIBE NOW! You pay only $19.97* for 12 monthly issues! OR..... only $36.97* for 24 monthly issues! Please enter my charter subscription to PC PowerWindows Magazine. I am enclosing [ ] $19.97 for 12 issues (__)Check (__)Money OR [ ] $36.97 for 24 issues Order | Computer Make _________________ | Name __________________________ | Computer Model ________________ | Company _______________________ | Monitor _______________________ | Address _______________________ | Printer _______________________ | _______________________________ | Scanner _______________________ | City __________________________ | WINDOWS or PM programs used: | State ___________ ZIP _________ | _______________________________ | Phone# (_____)_____-___________ | _______________________________ | | _______________________________ * Canadian Rates: $29.97 in $US for 12 issues $56.97 in $US for 24 issues Please allow 6 to 8 weeks delivery for your first issue. Contact publisher for subscriptions outside the USA and Canada. Send payment and this completed form to: PC PowerWindows Subscription Department P.O. Box 9599 Knoxville, TN 37940