There’s
been lots of talk lately about how Apple and magazine publishers have been in deep discussions over the ability to sell subscriptions on the iPad, and the proposed launch of an Apple Newsstand, similar to the App or iTunes store, for selling periodicals. According to All Things Digital, however, that ain’t gonna happen too soon given that Apple and magazine publishers can’t agree on the terms.
The sticking points are Apple’s royalty terms–Apple wants to do a 70/30 split, taking the smaller portion, which publishers still think is too much–and, more importantly, Apple’s unwillingness to share credit card info, which magazine publishers use to bundle print and digital subscriptions. Instead, Apple is willing to give publishers “The ability to offer an opt-in form for subscribers that would ask them for a limited amount of information: Name, mailing address, email address,” according to All Things Digital.
Apple’s terms have apparently been on the table for a couple of months, and none of the publishers are biting. So, once again, the salvation of publishing depends on Apple’s tough dealmaking and publishers clinging to old models, not that the new ones are any surer to work…
