Good ideas come from the web vol 2 (retrieved from the web)

We've written on several occasions about Blurb, which offers the prolific content producers of Generation C high-quality book publishing. For those interested in creating a magazine, Issuu is a new site that converts users' documents into interactive, magazine-style online publications that can be viewed directly in a web browser.

Whereas most online publications today (other than websites and blogs) are still presented either as PDFs or other downloadable files, Issuu's viewer features full-screen mode and vector graphics to create the online equivalent of a print magazine right from within a web browser. In addition to uploading their own PDF documents for publication, users of the site can browse the works of others and create their own personal libraries; through its community features, they can discuss and share what they see. It's like a YouTube for magazines, and the result is what Issuu calls a "living library" of the best publications on the web—readers can gain access to zines that have a very limited reach, and micro-publishers gain access to a global readership. Which is what blogs already offer, of course. But some still prefer the look of a magazine. All content is hosted for free on Issuu, and once a document has been uploaded, it can also be posted in preview or full size on any website, blog or social network, including Facebook and MySpace.

Michael Hansen, Issuu's cofounder and CEO, explains: "We've been watching how B2B companies charge large amounts for putting documents online with less advanced technology than ours. We want to empower anyone, businesses as well as privates, to publish online using the best technology available. By making Issuu free and providing hosting and viral tools, we see no reason why great publications shouldn't find the worldwide audience they deserve."

California-based Issuu just launched in February, but it already has an interesting mix of users on the site, including designers, editors, agencies and artists. It was also named a finalist in the SXSW Interactive Web Awards. One to adapt on a localized or niche basis?

Website: www.issuu.com
Contact: contact@issuu.com

=> That's for project phase 2. I'm good at teasers right?

Good ideas come from the web (retrieved from Springwise)

Even as consumers spend more and more time online, they continue to crave the comfort of the printed page. MagCloud, a new self-publishing magazine service from HP Labs, is making the most of these conflicting desires by enabling anyone who can create a PDF to publish a magazine.

How it works? Users can upload a PDF of their magazine for free, creating their own profit margins by calculating the difference between their cover price and MagCloud’s charge of USD 0.20 per page, plus shipping. The concept builds on the success of companies that offer a simple, online method for consumers to self-publish books (such as Blurb, which we’ve covered in the past), and on the understanding that members of Generation C are eager to share their creative output, and expect to be paid for their efforts. Whether they’re professional or pro-am journalists, photographers, designers or entrepreneurs, MagCloud provides them with a no-risk business and communication opportunity, and the ability to tap into infinite niche audiences that don't yet have a mag to call their own.

While the site is in beta, publisher accounts are by invitation only. Shipping is currently restricted to the US, but the business is working hard to open up its service to Europe and then the rest of the world. One to partner with? (Related: Online magazines for the masses.)

Website: www.magcloud.com
Contact: www.magcloud.com/home/contact

> probably a good idea for the next project I'm working on... To be continued!

seen on the web: too cute for words

I guess the wesite vente privée has a good web designer; clever strategy, this cute squirrel is coaxing me into doing some web shopping...