Magazines turn to Internet for flexibility

NEW YORK, D.C., July 8 (UPI) -- Time Inc. plans to put the Internet to use to cater subscriptions to magazine readers' changing needs and tastes, the company said.

With the launch of Maghound Enterprises in September, subscribers will be able to pay a monthly fee for subscriptions and change subscriptions as frequently as they like, USA Today reported Tuesday.

Maghound will list as many as 300 titles with customers paying about $5 per month for three magazines and up to $10 per month for seven, the report said.

Although select magazines may cost a little more, customers receiving a magazine for its football coverage, for example, can use Maghound's Web site to change to a different magazine after the football season ends, the report said.

Switching magazines may not take effect immediately, but Maghound Enterprises President Dave Ventresca said consumers will be able to track their subscriptions on the Web site, ending confusion over when they last paid for a subscription.

Patrick Taylor, spokesman for Meredith, publishers of Better Homes and Gardens and Ladies' Home Journal said it was a "great concept."

"We're always looking for innovative ways to test our magazines with readers," Taylor said.