Three of the leading lights over at
Linux Format have left the Future Publishing stable and set out to create a new Linux magazine called
Linux Voice.
The campaign is up on Indiegogo - link
here.
Some interesting ideas, including a plan to release all their published content for free no later than 90 days after its original publication. (Something that is going to create major problems for them if they plan on recruiting 'guest' writers btw!)
Unfortunately, it currently looks
very iffy. As of 11/19 they have managed to raise only 42% of their targeted £90K goal. And with only 35 days left in their campaign.
I'd give them a 1 in 10 chance of making it unless some angel investor comes along. A hope that is very unlikely to pan out in light of that 'free after 9-month' concept they've proposed. And therein lies the problem I see so often with this sort of thing:
- GNU/FOSS philosophy is NOT a business model
- Publishing IS a business
Therefor...(
the conclusion will be left as an exercise for the reader)
Oh well. I wish them luck. Linux Format is (or maybe was with them gone?) a good magazine. And these guys have a track record for being solid tech writers. Let's hope this campaign isn't their collective swan song.
