411VM Only in Core Shops

This post copied from my other blog.

Video Mags Slash Prices

Ok, this is from last year, so it’s not exactly breaking news, but I found parts of this quite interesting.

1. 411VM is returning to its twelve-year-old roots, effectively eliminating its snow, surf, and BMX video magazines to focus solely on skateboarding.

2. From here on, 411VM will only be sold in ’core shops, ringing the end of 411VM in large retailers such as Best Buy and Circuit City.

3. 411VM will come with an audio CD and a small magazine with photos.

I heartily congratulate Josh on these moves. I’ve been disturbed over the past few years at how skateboarding has been lumped in with BMX, snowboarding, and surfing. Not that I have anything against those sports. I snowboard myself and I think BMX and surfing are cool. I just think they’re separate activities with separate cultures and I’d like them to be recognized as different.

The more those providing the skateboarding merchandise only sell it to core shops the better off we’ll all be. Except for Best Buy and Circuit City.

And finally, the article doesn’t state this but I see the combination of a print magazine being distributed with the DVD as a smart way to combat video piracy. There is no true protection against digital piracy, so the trick is to bundle the digital item with a physical item that gives those who purchase the physical product a benefit over those who only get the bootlegged digital version. Sure, someone could scan the magazine but they won’t. Too much work.