January 28, 2012

So for quite a while now we've been trying to figure out how to best bring the full Tape Op print magazine into the digital era, and we've think we've settled on some sort of mobile app..but we'd really like your input before committing to one direction or another.

We know life is busy enough as it is, but if you have a moment and you'd like to put your two cents in on this issue(fave platform, fave existing reader app, etc) please click the link below to take a short poll and tell us what you think. It will definitely influence what we end up doing!

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Wed, Feb.1.2012 - Hacksaw wrote:
Unless there is a thing you want to do that is beyond the capability of HTML and CSS, please just make a good mobile site. Special apps to read a magazine are an irritation.
Fri, Feb.3.2012 - Scotty Hughes wrote:
I use an Apple iPod Touch - I would really enjoy a digital subscription of the magazine. Also, is there a possibility your mag could be posted online, as Premier Guitar Magazine does? Thanks so much for a very informative publication.
Fri, Feb.3.2012 - michael salmon wrote:
we should talk, i head up the verizon wireless app innovation group in vzw and have subscribed to your pub. for awhile. happy to talk. my team focuses on mobile apps & tech r&d in san fran.
Fri, Feb.3.2012 - Al Casey wrote:
I think that it would be great to have it available at anytime.
Fri, Feb.3.2012 - Craig wrote:
Though it may seem obvious, make sure it works with iPad. Apps are cool. If you are looking for more of a electronic reader format, check out the "newsstand" capabilities with the iPad.
Sun, Feb.5.2012 - Neil Fein wrote:
I agree with hacksaw, a good mobile site would make much more sense than an app.
Sun, Feb.5.2012 - Michael E. wrote:
Please consider an Android App. Thanks
Mon, Feb.6.2012 - chrometop wrote:
gotta go with hacksaw, a good mobile site makes the most sense. also if you gotta do an app please make an android and ios version. you have the best recording mag / info available. i read religiously cover to cover.
Tue, Feb.7.2012 - Igor Len wrote:
Roland US/UK just came out with the iPad version of their Roland Users Group magazine, that was a publication and successful at that. Soon, it will be distributed through the Newsstand feature of the iTunes. Considering it was printed originally, is music instrument industry related and does a great job - I thought to share the link. It is free, of course :
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/poweron-rug/id494557071?mt=8
If you will find a few good ideas, its already worth the download :-)
Mon, Feb.13.2012 - Max wrote:
iPhone would be brilliant. Had an android, hated it.
But maybe mobile site is easier?
Mon, Feb.13.2012 - jt wrote:
I use the kindle fire for my reading and would like it available for the kindle fire.
Thu, Feb.16.2012 - Roger wrote:
Having an iPod Touch I don't have the processing power of an iPad, so an app/mobile site that's compatible to the lowest iOS platform would be ideal. The forums I feel would be most beneficial in a mobile sized format, but a full out magazine would be pretty cool in itself. So long as it's not bloated down with videos and annoying banner ads it shouldn't suck on too much cpu power. The gearslutz forum app is a nice example to follow.
Thu, Feb.23.2012 - Tim wrote:
I believe, based on where the trends are heading, having a mobile app makes sense only if you are using specific hardware features of the mobile device that are otherwise unavailable through HTML5, like camera, mic, etc. In your case, designing the site with "responsive design" to accomodate most devices (not an easy task, but doable), is the best approach. User experience, is the key factor here.
With that said, your hardcopy magazine always had a unique charm and style, which I always loved. It will be easy to lose that moving to digital.
Thu, Feb.23.2012 - Brian wrote:
I thought of TapeOp when I read an article on CNET today called "Under the hood: HTML5 or native? A guide". It's written by the guy who does web sites/apps at CBS and has useful information. Here's the link:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-57382010-92/under-the-hood-html5-or-native-a-guide/#ixzz1nGKJpQtV
Fri, Feb.24.2012 - Billy wrote:
It would be cool to be able to bookmark articles to read later on the app such as the DIY sections.

Wed, Feb.29.2012 - Snake wrote:
Great idea. I work in digital research and released around 20 of apps last year year. FWIW, I recommend that you follow the path of iOS (sorry droids). Also shoot for the iPad as the goal but keep it compatible with the iTouch and iPhones. I am happy to share some best practices if you would like... Also, app development can be kind of expensive, but maybe a Tape Oper can help with development? I can envision some really creative executions... Oh yeah, keep in mind that Apple has to review and approve all Apps before they are released into the iTunes App store. If you have any contacts there, it would be worth reaching out for additional insights. Thanks.
Fri, Mar.2.2012 - Javi Guerra wrote:
I agree with Michael E. from Sunday, 2/5. It seems like alot of cool music aps give Apple the priority, while Android tends to get sidelined. I've been reading your magazine since issue one and I'm super excited to be able to carry it around in my pocket.
Fri, Mar.2.2012 - Mike K wrote:
I would like to see a mobile site, or apps that would support both Android and Apple (so nobody gets their feelings hurt...).

Btw, for Kindle Fire I like to use the "printFriendly" link already provided on the site - makes great PDFs for reading on the plane!
Fri, Mar.2.2012 - AJ wrote:
Unless you need features that go beyond what is available through the browser on most mobile devices HTML 5 should do a great job and allow you to avoid having to create it for multiple platforms or leave people out if they don't have an iOS device. If it doesn't need location services, alerts etc and just needs to deliver text and multimedia it would be a huge win to keep it HTML 5/browser based.. even if doing it for iOS would seem like more fun..
Tue, Mar.6.2012 - David M wrote:
I skimmed the comments... I have been waiting for a year! :-) That's ok I'll renew my paper sub again... but I am excited for this.
I agree with the "Please don't drink the Apple Kool-Aid" sentiment. Choose something that is cross platform. I am a huge fan of Zinio. I have no idea what the business model looks like but I love reading magazines on Zinio.
Sun, Mar.18.2012 - John Hardie wrote:
I moved my Guitar Player and Guitar World subscriptions to digital this year. It's better for two reasons:
(1) you can go directly to product websites.
(2) if you like to keep back issues you can, without them taking up space.
Go for it!
Mon, Mar.19.2012 - Costa wrote:
I think having it in the ebook format would be best. Where you can flip pages, bookmark pages, highlight words to remember for later or make notes. I agree with one of the comments though. Don't make it an actual app like some of the subscription ones. They are annoying.
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