INBOX

In the last issue, Smartphone & Pocket PC subscribers were mailed the premier issue of Smartphone magazine's iPhone Life. I explained in a cover letter: "For 11 years, we have published our magazine based on Microsoft's mobile Windows operating system. With great regret I inform you that we will publish a final issue of Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine in November and then indefinitely suspend publishing it. Suspension means that if a sponsor or buyer steps forward, we may continue publishing Windows Mobile editions of Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine. 


"The decision was made because of the difficulty we've experienced reaching and informing new Windows Mobile smartphone customers about the availability of this magazine, and the ongoing lack of advertising sponsorship and cooperation from Microsoft, phone companies, and OEMs. We are a small self-funded, one-magazine publishing company that did not make this decision lightly and probably hung on longer than we should have. 


"Feel free to e-mail me your comments, angry or supportive or in between.Ӊ۩

About 250 of you did just that through e-mail or by commenting on my blog post at PocketPCmag.com/cms/finalissue. One of you called me a "pea brain,” many were disappointed, others were more understanding, and a surprising number were happy with the switch. Here is a sample of the responses.


—Hal Goldstein, Publisher


Thanks and good luck


Value the magazine—good luck!


Having been with the magazine for many years, I have always valued the content of your magazine. You really have my sympathy; I would argue that you and your team have been as much a part of the creation of Windows Mobile as you have been observers/reporters. Good luck to you and your team.


Robert Wilkins


Best of luck with the new publication


I hate to see that you have to make such a business decision. I looked for some time after I bought my first smartphone (BlackJack II) before I subscribed to the magazine. I chose it because it fit my level of understanding and would allow me to grow—it's a quality publication.


I understand that if you want to survive in this business world, you have to make some hard decisions for the sake of the employees you have and your families' financial security. Will the VIP site still be available after November?


Regards and the very best of luck in the future!!


Bill Ishmael





[VIP privileges, including a 15% Handango software discount last through 2008. – Hal]


Good luck with iPhone Life


I think it is a great idea to switch to an iPhone magazine from Windows Mobile. The iPhone is very popular and I think you will be successful—time will tell. Good luck! 


Meir Grunhut


Why not cover both?


Have iPhone and Windows Mobile sections in one magazine


I have been a subscriber to Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine for several years, and have been reading it even longer. While I understand the commercial and economic reasons for the change in focus to the iPhone, I believe you've gone a little too far. Rather than solely focusing on the iPhone, consider the following:


Even if the vast majority of coverage may be iPhone-focused, consider mixing in or having a separate section, albeit maybe rather small, covering Windows Mobile. This likely would not "turn off” advertisers, and might draw a minimal amount of additional advertising in that portion of the magazine.