Magazine Subscriptions
Magazines, periodicals, publications, or serials are generally published on a regular schedule and contain written articles. They are financed by advertising, a purchase price, or both. Most magazines are either consumer magazines or business magazines. Generally magazines are a subset of periodicals and are distinct from periodicals produced by scientific, artistic, academic, or special interest publishers that are by subscription only. They are more expensive, have limited circulation, and may have little or no advertising.
Business and Trade Magazines
Many business magazines are available only by subscription, but in many cases the subscription is free or at no cost. The paid subscriptions are available to anyone that can pay for them, but most free subscriptions are available to readers who meet standards established by the publisher. This is known as controlled circulation, and is intended to let advertisers know the subscribers can read and will be interested in what they are advertising. This helps to assure magazine advertisers that most of the magazine subscribers are likely to be able to buy the goods or services advertised. Advertising is a very important source of revenue for business magazines.
