Magazines Canada launches "friends" site -- a possible "e-mail army"

Magazines Canada has plans to mobilize an "e-mail army" of Canadians to defend the Canadian magazines and content they love.

The national association is today launching the "Friends of Canadian Magazines Network". MC says the goal is to use the site to build awareness of the value and impact of Canadian content magazines among Canadians and thereby among political decision makers.

“Friends” who sign up will receive regular email updates with news about Canadian magazines and the important issues affecting them. They may, from time to time, be asked to mobilize to support industry policies.

In an era of immense challenge, a clearer focus on the value of “home grown” activity is paramount. The timing is right to remind the millions of readers that our vibrant Canadian-content magazines continue to engage and connect Canadians like never before. We’ve all seen the power and scope of social networking—so let’s harness this power for the Canadian magazine industry!

The initiative grew out of a 2006 study of consumer attitudes towards Canadian magazines by Innovative Research Group (IRG). It recommended a low key, long-term effort that responds to the undeniable fact that “Canadians love their magazines”.

Magazines Canada member titles are being asked to post links and buttons advertising the new site and to promote it to their readers.