E-edition launch successful

MOUNT VERNON — As newspapers across the country continue to evolve to keep up with changes in technology and reader needs, the e-edition offered by the News continues to draw rave reviews.

“Thanks for the great Mount Vernon News e-edition,” said Tom Wilson of Lakeland, Fla, when the e-edition was launched last month. “Now those of us who are in the hinterlands can read the entire issue.”

Wilson is a prime example of the demographic the News is looking to reach with the electronic version of the print edition.

“Probably like most of your subscribers, I don’t live within your carrier circulation area,” said Wilson, who grew up in Mount Vernon and likes to stay informed on happenings in the county.

“Subscribers outside of our immediate delivery area had no option other than postal delivery, which has its disadvantages,” said News Publisher Kay Culbertson. “Now, they can get their copy the same day no matter where they live.”

The e-edition is not just for those living outside of Knox County; it is also perfect for those tech-savvy readers. Some of the exciting features built in to the e-edition include search options, direct links to advertiser Web sites, larger text sizes and the ability to read previous editions of the News.

The e-edition was launched Dec. 14 with one month free to allow readers the opportunity to explore the new format. Only six days remain on the introductory offer.

Cost for the e-edition is the same as standard carrier delivery rates, which are $7 for one month, $20.50 for 13 weeks, $40 for 26 weeks and $78 per year. Single copy sales will also be available for 50 cents each. All online transactions will be processed through Pay-Pal. Those interested in the e-edition can also subscribe at the News office, 18 E. Vine St.

“The only difference between our print edition and our e-edition is the delivery,” Culbertson said. “It’s the exact same product, only it arrives at your home in a different format.”

Compared to other newspapers in the area offering an e-edition, the cost is competitive. The Columbus Dispatch charges $7.95 per month for its electronic version. For $7.50 a month, readers of the Wooster Daily Record can read full content online. The Bellefontaine Examiner receives $8.23 a month for an online pdf subscription.

Wilson plans to subscribe to the e-edition next week.

“I don’t see much difference in the layout and fonts from the editions of 55 years ago when I started reading the News,” Wilson said. “Perhaps that is the charm and fun of the e-edition.”

The e-edition has been a successful addition to newspapers across the country over the last year. From the Wall Street Journal, which makes up nearly one-third of the electronically circulated papers, according to the Newspaper Association of America, to independently owned papers like the News, adding an e-edition to the list of available products opens the door to reach readers worldwide with a complete edition.

“We are not making any changes to our print production or our Web site with this circulation expansion,” Culbertson said.

The Web site, www.mountvernonnews.com, has been providing local news on the World Wide Web since 2003 as a complement to the printed format. The site will continue to offer select local content, breaking news, image galleries and video, and Associated Press content. Information found on the Web site will remain free of charge.

Current subscribers to the News can have access to the e-edition after Jan. 13 by calling the circulation department at 397-5333 and requesting a user name and password.