The new issue of Mountain Xpress is smaller, so to speak, but better. Here’s why: Today’s issue debuts our new format; the paper is about one-inch shorter, but still contains all the news, features and event and entertainment info and that we offer every week — while offering some new extras:
• Our new printer allows color on every page, so a rainbow of images will sprout on our pages.
• Our print quality will be better than ever, putting everything you look at, from articles to advertisements, in better focus.
• Xpress’ binding will be stapled, which means no more falling apart in your hands or on the stand, and no more pages blowing in the wind. We’re keeping it together.
Other than that, Xpress remains the same.
So pick one up, and tell us, in the comment field below, or at xpress@mountainx.com, what you think of our changes. And feel free to suggest some more.
— Jon Elliston, managing editor
Is this a cost-cutting measure?
soulfetishdeux:
No, our print costs remain roughly the same as they were before. But we’re able to get better print quality, and much more color in our pages, for roughly the same cost. In addition, we’re happy to say that our ad rates remain the same, even with the improvement in print and color quality.
Well said, Jon. We are happy to say that we have not raised our ad rates since fall of 2006! In fact, we have even lowered some costs, including color pricing. We hope that this is welcome news to our advertisers, especially in this economic climate. We are proud to remain an affordable option for these businesses and encourage our readers to support our incredible local business community. Local Matters!
James Fisher
Advertising Director
Mountain Xpress
I like it. The change in size isn’t that noticeable, but it does feel more like a portable reference for what’s going on around town. The stapling is a big improvement, too. Overall, thumbs up!
It looks good — and a still from Twilight in color is certainly a bonus (I think).
As someone who worked in post-production at a newspaper for far too many years, I have to compliment the folks running the saddle-stitcher (that’s the thing that aligns and trims the paper and puts the staples in). It’s a most excellent job of getting the staples the right length. (Anyone who has ever operated one of these spawn of hell machines will know what I mean.)
i like it too – the new size is just enough smaller to be more weildy and yet it still feels like a big paper (and i have operated a saddle stapler and agree completely with Professor Hanke). Great job, guys-n-gals!
and i have operated a saddle staple
Comrade! You have my deepest sympathy.
And as I found out today, the new edition now fits much easier folded into purses and small shoulder bags. Easy to move with when I am traveling on the go.
Thanks Mountain Xpress – you’re the best! ;-)
Speaking of new and improved, A&E;is looking good these days! Better and better every week. Love the changes, the new editorial column at the front of the A&E;section, and the foxy new editor. You rock, Sulock!
I think it looks great. Design changes inside look great – – wonderful evolution of a fantastic paper.
Do a little nip and tuck, add a fresh design aesthetic, while keeping the alt-news content the same and everybody’s happy. :D Nice work, Mountain Xpress!
nice!! although i did find myself staring at the new edition & fingering the staples asking a random passerby if they knew what was going on! lol, like the world was topsy turvy! where did those staples come from? looking good & keeping it together!
Soulfetish began this round of comments saying,
“Is this a cost-cutting measure?” Managing Editor Jon Elliston wasn’t quite correct to say it wasn’t.
The process of changing the product began with a concern that rising newsprint prices were going to be significant and require us to raise advertising rates — which seemed a bad idea in these difficult economic times.
So we began a lengthy round of negotiations with various printers, which bore fruit. We reduced the size of the page, which enabled us to keep our ad rates the same — which we’ve kept unchanged since Nov. 2006.
But those negotiations also resulted in us figuring out how to improve product, with more color, better printing and a binding. Each of these carry an additional cost, rather than cut our costs.
Two days into the new product, all feedback has been positive, except maybe Soulfetish, who just asked a question.
Jeff Fobes, Xpress publisher
I’d leave positive feedback, but I’m in D.C., and thus cannot grab a copy just yet.
I’m so glad you’re stapling the paper now….no more falling apart. Also, while the size difference isn’t all that noticable, it IS a handier size to manage when reading/carrying.
Thanks.
A subtle change that makes a world of difference. I hadn’t heard that the format was being tweaked, but the second I picked one up, I noticed the stapled binding which significantly sturdies up the publication as a whole, keeping it from flying away in pieces, or fanning out messily when folded in half… Amazing results from a simple improvement.
Hey everyone stop jumping on the forum-wagon. I heard about the change and was hoping the paper was going to get bigger and every page would be glossy. Just to show my displeasure I took out all the staples out of all the issues at izzy’s coffee shop. That will show them how I feel about change.