• Mediaweek, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:15 AM

Digital editions of consumer magazines never caught on, and now leading e-publishing company Texterity is scrapping its paid subscription model.

Texterity had been selling digital subscriptions separate from print subs, but since only 1% of print subscribers opted to pay extra for the digital version, it will offer subscribers the digital issues for free. Martin Hensel, president of Texterity, says the free service gives publishers a way to encourage trial, email subscribers and lower renewal costs. "Digital is a way to have low-cost sampling," he says.

The company also launched a new site, Coverleaf.com, where readers can browse its magazines and sign up for digital editions. Clients include Meredith Corp.'s Better Homes and Gardens and Condé Nast's Bon Appétit.

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