Some recent events in our industry are certainly grabbing attention.

Rodale, a Pennsylvania based publisher of books and magazines including Men's Health, Women's Health and Runner's World announced 111 jobs are being cut. This represents approximately 10% of its work force. Last week, Time Inc laid off as many as 700 employees in an attempt to consolidate certain departments. Conde Nast has decided that Vogue will now absorb Men's Vogue (circ 350,000) and publish it twice a year. Sadly, here in Canada, North Island Publishing announced it’s shutting down Masthead after 21 years. Two full-time staff will be effected. Masthead's last issue will be the November/December edition.

The scary part is that these are well known titles and who knows what will be next. I really don’t want to dwell on doom and gloom and know there are bright spots out there. I’m writing this on the eve of the upcoming US election, and I’m hoping that the next President will give us the hope and change that has been promised for the last 18 months! Please send me your success stories so that I can speak to them in our next CMC newsletter! Send comments to tuppy@scoregolf.com

PS - CMC membership renewals will be sent out soon - please be sure to fill them out and renew them before the early bird deadline of December 15th, 2008.

Thanks

Tuppy

Q: Just give us a bit of background on yourself.

A: I grew up in small town Midwestern Ontario, Seaforth, the mid point between Stratford and Goderich in the heart of farm country. I attended college in Sarnia, taking Business Administration, and then University in Sudbury, taking Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration. I spent 12 years working on a golf course, and two years in home construction before my publishing career started. In my professional life, I enjoy technology, systems, great ideas and even better solutions. In my personal life, I have a wonderful wife, two beautiful girls aged 5 and 2, and enjoy sports, camping and good times with family and friends.

Q: When you were in school, were you thinking of a career in publishing?

A: Not at all. I was heading for business in some area, for an opportunity in the golf industry somewhere at that point. An opportunity presented itself at Telemedia, and with Transcontinental acquiring Telemedia many years ago, I have been here my entire publishing career.

Q: You’re currently Digital Marketing Manager at Transcontinental. What does your department handle?

A: I work within the consumer marketing department, and I manage the ecommerce activities for our English language magazines. Our department engages in the activities of selling subscriptions, products, customer care and activities to enhance our database. The group I lead is a team of two, plus several external suppliers and service providers that support our operations.

Q: What’s been one of your most challenging assignments to date?

A: That would be the evolution of my current role. Why? Because it’s constantly changing, evolving, being defined and redefined. The evolution of the online environment is happening so quickly. On top of that it’s the manner in which traditional circulation is embracing digital into the marketing mix. And then there’s the shear volume of learning and understanding which is a challenge to keep up with. It takes a very large commitment to self learning and continuous improvement. I start every day by reading and consuming things that are happening in the technology and online industry. The evolution of skills and continuous improvement has to be done quickly, effectively, and always with an eye to the future, often unknown.

Q: If you weren’t in publishing, what would have been a second career choice?

A: I expect I would have been involved in computers and marketing or business systems in some capacity, most likely in the golf industry. I do miss working outside everyday, that would have been nice too.

Q: If you were on a desert island that had postal service, what one magazine would you just have to subscribe to?

A: The Hockey News, the magazine closest to my heart because of my job and my country.

Thank you for your time Jason. It’s much appreciated.

Newsstand Seminar and CMC Social at the

Spice Route

October 9th, 2008

If you were there, you know that the Newsstand Seminar was top-notch and the social following at Spice Route was indeed one of our best. Both events were well attended and once again, we thank everyone for coming out and also for your ongoing support of the CMC.

Here are some pictures snapped by two of our favourite CMC members - Marco Ursi and Tuppy Blair.

Our thanks to you both!

Pictures #1 Pictures #2