PTD Retail distribution in Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado

We received the list of retail locations you can find PTD Magazine from our first distributor today, and I’ve taken a minute to compile a Google map of the locations.  If you live in Wyoming, Nebraska or Colorado, take a look and find the closest outlet to you.

We’ll be mashing Google Maps with our WordPress install when we roll out the new site updates, but until then we’ll make sure this map is updated with our retail locations.

PTD 3.0 - the post page

Hi!

We’ve just finished up building a first draft of the “post” page for the new site design.  Take a look at let us know what you think.  Missing anything?

PTD 3.0 remixed

We’ve received a slew of feedback from our readers regarding the latest iteration of the website.  I appreciate the time you’ve all taken to take a look at what we’ve got.

With the in mind, one astute reader even went to further lengths and drafted his own mockup as to how he would like to see the site.  Take a look at J. Lanum’s version of PTD 3.0 and feel free to leave us some feedback on his design.  Thanks, Mr. Lanum!

PTD 3.0 mockup

A few weeks ago we mentioned that we’ve been hacking around on a new web-interface for ptdmagazine.com.  It’s not finished yet, but we should have it ready to go this month.  Take a look at the mockup and let us know what you think.

How we approach distributors

As I’ve mentioned before, distribution is the name of the game. Whether you’re selling virtual product, video games or magazines, getting them to the customers should be a serious consideration.

Here’s a copy of the form letter that we use to introduce our product. It’s sent to the new product managers of the distribution company we are looking to form a relationship with along with a copy of our magazine. Feel free to use this as a template for your own letter.

Hello,

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about PTD Magazine, the Internet’s #1 independent video-game magazine. A wholly owned subsidiary of Empire Consolidated, LLC, PTD Magazine has been covering video game culture and events since June of 2004. Since then, we’ve published electronic version of our magazine, both in a free digest format as well as a full subscription version to readers around the world.

Early this year, we decided that the time was right to have a newsstand presence for PTD magazine. We’ve been actively soliciting bookstores and distributors this quarter, and would be happy to add you to our family. At your convenience, take a look at the sample copy we’ve enclosed. The unique, digest-sized format has been exceptionally well received in our current distribution chains.

I would be happy to speak with your distribution manager in person, over the phone, or via email and answer any questions they might have regarding our product. If you would like to schedule a time to meet, please give me a ring so I can schedule the time.

Here are a few facts about PTD Magazine, as well as my contact information:

PTD Magazine is published in a monthly format, in a unique digest-sized format.

PTD Magazine has over 2000 current subscribers to our free electronic digest version.

Our target audience consists primarily of males between the ages of 18-32.

We started soliciting paid subscriptions in February of 2007, and currently have less than a thousand paid subscribers.

We currently have a distribution agreement with a Colorado distributor that orders 100 copies a month, at a 50% discount off the US$5.99 cover price.

Lorien Faulkner
Executive Editor
loriencfau@empireconsolidated.com
http://ptdmagazine.com

v: (970) 672-4008

103 Denver Street
Sterling CO 80751

PTD Magazine covers video-game culture and events in a monthly print format.
UPC 0-74470-27737-8
PTD Magazine is available for distribution at a 50% discount off the US$5.99 cover price.

This letter is a great initial step, but don’t forget to follow-up. I prefer to pick up the phone, as emails have a tendency to get shuffled about and lost. Good luck!

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