Though the content is mostly similar, Ananda Vikatan & Kumudam are pursuing very different web strategies. Both of them require users to login to track their usage pattern. While Vikatan is using web channel as an additional revenue source, Kumudam is using the web to drive more business to its print version.
Vikatan portal recently switched to a fee based format and charges around INR 700 per year. This fee gets access to all of vikatan magazine publications like Ananda Vikatan, Junior Vikatan, Chutti Vikatan, Aval Vikatan etc., Also the entire print content is simulataneously published online. This is clearly a strategy to generate revenue through its Portal by targetting the audience mainly outside India.
Kumudam portal, on the other hand is free but publishes only select portion from its print versions. Also, there is a time lag between Print and online publications. The strategy here seems to be aimed at providing teaser articles online and driving business to it print publications. (Narayanan: This is the reason you won't find ஆறு வித்தியாசங்கள் online)
While it is difficult to argue against free, Vikatan's strategy is better. By providing full content in a timely manner to the NRI Tamil population, Vikatan seems to have found a way to make money of the Web channel.
What do you think ? Which strategy do you prefer ?
MHO - I don't mind paying the money for Vikatan..which I did. I like it..but still think its not complete..I am not able to read my Mom's stories/tips etc..which sometimes get published in Aval Vikatan.!! So, Is is a complete edition?
ReplyDeleteKumudam - I like it but I think it is more of a Masala.!
I prefer Vikatan.
hmm..
ReplyDeleteI thought Vikatan.com was a complete web edition..
Yes, I prefer Vikatan.com, it is more current and generates a revenue stream for the company.. which will prompt them to do 'more' for the web edition..
I really disappointed to see fee based Vikatan magazines. I don't mind paying few rupees, but some of my family members find very difficult to read it on my system/laptop. They always prefer printed version as they can take it anywhere(toilet, bath-room, kitchen, short drive...)Sometimes i don't get printed version(aval vikatan,motor vikatan) on stores.
ReplyDelete