Well guess what, someone must have been listening! Step forward Sovereign Media staffers, who have finally got off their large rears to announces the launch of SciFiNow.com - a fusion of their two print magazines SCI FI and Realms of Fantasy. Combining the print content of both Sovereign Magazines titles, SCI FI and Realms of Fantasy, the site will also publish regular online-only articles on a variety of science fiction- and fantasy-related topics. "Scifi-Now will be the premiere content-related website for the science fiction and fantasy community," boasted Mark Hintz,their publisher. Yeah. Like, we haven't heard that one before. "Content-related is key," said Mr. Hintz. "Our sci-fi and fantasy magazines generate huge amounts of very timely, informational content on every aspect of sci-fi and fantasy, from the literary, to film, game, website and TV reviews. We feel we can give the sci-fi & fantasy fan more to sink their teeth into than any other sci-fi/fantasy website in existence." Content is the key, huh? Well, they got that right. Let's hope they believe it - and this isn't something they just read in this month's Wired. Paul T. Riddell, who is the editor of the website, said "In addition to fiction and features from our magazines, we plan to offer a considerable amount of web-only material, focusing on all aspects of the science fiction and fantasy industry. I've argued for years that this genre needed a Steve Irwin," (referring to the enthusiastic host of the Australian nature series The Crocodile Hunter), "and I guess I just got drafted." Paul T. Riddell is a writer and essayist specializing in science fiction currently based in Dallas, Texas. Riddell currently contributes the "Rant" column in the print edition of SCI FI, as well as other articles. Last time we checked, Paul's previous work is currently archived at hpoo.com. In future months, Sovereign Media claim they will expand upon the articles and reviews already published in both magazines, including additional articles and commentary on upcoming genre films and television programs, book and DVD reviews, interviews, and international reports. The site will also feature regular online-only articles intended for both longtime science fiction and fantasy fans as well as for newcomers who have an interest in the genre but have no idea where to start. "Increasingly, our advertisers are interested in reaching our readers across multiple media," said Joe Varda, VP for the company's Advertising gonks. "We will offer advertising packages involving multiple media, including ad pages in the magazines and promotions on our special-interest websites." Web developers for the project will be Margin Point. "Commerce on the web is increasing exponentially each year," said Ed Joella, president of Margin Point. "We're going to help Sovereign take advantage of that. We feel that Sovereign's highly targeted magazines will generate huge traffic on their websites. Sovereign can benefit substantially from ancillary product sales tailor made to the interests of their readers." Hmmm. Well, this all sounds very good, but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. For starters they're coming to the party six years late. Secondly, the web is about to change into much more of a multimedia experience. Will they be getting real with Real, or funky with Flash? Sadly, we suspect the Sci-fi Channel may be the true inheritors of this SF Earth. Make your own mind up by visiting their new operation over at http://www.scifinow.com |
