Online sales could be included in circulation figures
Print Media Management has reported that online sales, such as the digital edition of the Guardian, could be included in future versions of ABC circulation figures. Susan Fakes writes in the April issue that ABC are undertaking a research programme to investigate. Meanwhile BPA International already offer circulation figures for several countries including the UK.
Comment
This is useful for advertisers with global brands. The web is not easy to control if the aim is to restrict an audience to the UK. This site for example rarely attracts more than 20% from the UK although the first page invites the reader to go to Acrobat Services dotcom unless they have a specific UK interest.
UK Guardian and Observer available as PDF from March 2nd
The Register asks 'Is it any good?'
After extensive beta-testing, the digital version of The Guardian and Observor was launched on March 2nd. The full range of photography and illustration are included. Downloading PDF is one option.
Normally 'The Register' is prepared to look at the downside of IT, so Kieren McCarthy's review of the digital Guardian beta is to be considered.
"Yes, it’s extremely good. The navigation is surprisingly easy - you can jump to exactly where you want to be in no time at all; the graphic gives you an excellent view of the actual page; the click-on aspect works extremely well; and it is all very fast and efficient."
Record of November media chat 
PDFGuardian-Nov.pdf
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VNU Computing opts in for
'digital edition' circulation certificates
New figures show that Computing now has 14,678 subscribers for the digital edition from Zinio, and 100,891 for the printed version. The certificate is issued by BPA Worldwide. This is one of the first such statements that will allow advertisers to assess the rate of growth of web readership.
The Audit Bureau of Circulation for the UK and Ireland (ABC) announced on June 10th 2004 that from July publishers would be able to report circulation figures for digital editions on their ABC print certificates. The Working Group included leading UK advertising buyers and publishing representatives from National Newspapers, Regional Newspapers, Consumer Magazines and B2B Magazines. The Association of Online Publishers was also represented in the formation of the rules. However, so far no newspapers have opted in for such a statement on circulation.
