Bassmaster Magazine Gets Digital Makeover
OutdoorHub 04.09.14
Bassmaster Magazine has long been recognized as the bible of bass fishing. Its cutting-edge content and award-winning design have made the publication a staple for angler libraries since its inception in 1968. Now, Bassmaster has embraced the age of electronic consumption with the introduction of the new, interactive digital Bassmaster.
Although the magazine has been available to view on computers and smart devices, readers simply saw an exact duplicate of the print edition. This is not the case with the new digital version.
First, the content of each issue is redesigned to take advantage of the functionality of smartphones and tablets. The contents page jumps to each feature or department with a simple touch, and the text of features and departments scrolls within smart text areas so photos remain adjacent to pertinent copy.
Secondly, the digital edition will take advantage of touch-screen technology to enhance the reader experience. For example, the steps of DIY projects will pop up as the user touches each number, with larger photos illustrating the text. Some photos will also have 360-degree views, where users can swipe a finger over a lure, reel, etc., to view every angle of the subject matter.
The new digital Bassmaster also will include bonus multimedia content unavailable in the print edition. The magazine’s most popular feature, “Day On The Lake,” is a prime example. In coming months, along with the story and photos published in the print edition, digital readers will also see a video of the featured pro, discussing his outing. Bonus video footage will also be included in the Tournament Trail department, as well as several key magazine features each issue.
“Consuming the new digital Bassmaster is an entirely different experience than sitting down with the print version,” says Bassmaster editor James Hall.
“Readers will enjoy a true multimedia experience with smartphones and tablets. Touch an icon, and a photo, illustration or text pops up. Swipe your finger to manipulate photography. Read how a pro fishes a certain bait, then click on a video to hear him elaborate on the technique. I spent three hours playing with our first digital test edition, and I had already read the magazine four times,” Hall says.
To get the new digital edition, readers can go to Bassmaster.com/digital and purchase a digital subscription. Current B.A.S.S. members will receive a 50 percent discount by ordering through Bassmaster.com. Then they can download the Bassmaster Magazine app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play store. After logging in with newly created account information, readers will find the new issue of Bassmaster will be available for download. The app also offers single copies of back issues for purchase.
