“AT&T’s killing their $10/1,000 text plan. Now, you’ll have to choose between $20 for unlimited, or forgo a plan and pay $0.20 per message. AT&T calls this “streamlining.” We call it what it is: an outrageous, gigantic scam.

It’s important to note, before considering anything SMS, that text messages are essentially free. Not for you, of course, but for companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint.

For you, it’s quite the opposite. For you, text messages cost money. A lot of money. How much money? Well that all depends. Starting next week, the only texting options for new AT&T subscribers will be a $20/month unlimited buffet, or paying per text, which is insane.”

Gizmodo

People had a panic attack over Netflix raising it’s rates by up by $6, yet there is a surprising lack of outrage over AT&T raising text message costs by $10. I guess we can expect Verizon to follow suit soon too.

The New Yorker, a magazine that has always been heavy on text, took a different tack from its peers. Instead of loading its iPad app with interactive features, the magazine focused on presenting its articles in a clean, readable format. 

“That was really important to us: to create an app all about reading,” said Pamela Maffei McCarthy, the magazine’s deputy editor. “There are some bells and whistles, but we’re very careful about that. We think about whether or not they add any value. And if they don’t, out the window they go.” 

It is surprising that Condé Nast’s biggest success has been The New Yorker and not, say, a magazine that has a more technologically stimulating app and a younger, more Web-oriented readership like Wired.

NYTimes

I love how the author is surprised by two things: the New Yorker is winning over the iPad’s audience and people who subscribe to the New Yorker actually enjoy reading.

I think it just goes to show that magazine apps don’t have to be flashy. New Yorker’s app focuses on simplicity and good writing, which is the focus of the print version as well.

Magazines can’t deviate too far from their original mission. Also, they shouldn’t forget that their publications are meant to be read. I know it is crazy, but some people actually enjoy reading without a graphic interrupting every 10 seconds.

Most companies now recognize a well crafted social media strategy is a vital part of the marketing mix. In fact, a study from Jive Software and Penn, Schoen & Berland found 78% of executives thought a social business strategy was somewhat or very important to the future success of their business. 

Despite this realization, most executives are still only in the tentative stages of making social strategy a priority. 

The survey of executives who have final say or significant input on social business strategy found that only 27% listed social business as a top strategic priority. Nearly half (47%) admitted a social plan was necessary but not a strategic priority and 19% said social business strategy was simply not necessary.

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