An online magazine can be called by many names including ezine, e-zine, disk magazine, electronic magazine, cyberzine, hyperzine or an online journal. They are similar to online newspapers but have more of the traditional magazine format and tight control by editors or editorial boards to manage content and uphold their quality standards

Some traditional print magazines offer their content in an online magazine format to extend the reach of their distribution of content. Some of these are free while others are accessible in part or wholly by having the reader pay a fee. The online magazine can make money just like their sister print magazines by charging for advertising. They can run classified ads, banner display advertising, affiliate ads, and they may receive payments from directory links to advertisers. Purchasing of products is possible at online magazines and that is another good way they will be profitable.

Online magazines are produced in digital format and are presented on their own websites. They could also be distributed via e-mail or mailed out in disk form on CD or DVD. These are highly competitive to traditional magazines because they do not have the expensive costs of production on paper and mailing costs. More creative time is devoted to content and layout and production costs are minimal. This may be the cause for some magazines shutting down their print operations today because they cannot remain cost competitive with an online magazine.

This type of publication is ideal for certain industries such as science and research. Current discoveries and research are published quickly and widely distributed over the Internet. Mainstream magazine names are also published online in an effort to remain in business. Going online is a natural progression for print publications if they want to stay in business and be competitive. Design and image manipulation tasks are much faster and easier in digital format than with print production. Making changes even after publication is possible with online electronic magazines.

The benefits of online publishing to the consumer are in the speed and accessibility of receiving these publications. There is no need to go to a store and spend time looking for wanted content. A simple browser search will bring up many suggestions to fit a search for a particular topic in magazines. Delivery is not even necessary for many electronic publications; the audience can simply read it online at that website. If the consumer is paying a fee for a publication it is instantly delivered to their online mailbox.

One drawback to online publishing of magazines may be that persons without computer and Internet access will not be able to review the magazine or receive delivery via email. This can be overcome somewhat by borrowing someone else’s computer or going to a library to read the online magazine.

An online magazine is easily started up by virtually anyone who has a computer and Internet service. A website is helpful but ezines can be sent out by email and be in a short and simple form. Expenses are minimal.

The idea of advertising network marketing business opportunities is not new. As a matter of fact, there is a whole host of e-books written on this very subject. If you are currently involved in a multi level marketing (MLM) business as part of a down line, you will be wise to discuss this idea with someone in your up line and not only get their opinion on it but also to get some tips and advice about campaigns they might have attempted themselves in the past with more or less success. Stop to think before advertising network marketing in print ads because there are a number of issue, some of them sticky that you need to deal with before you buy that first set of postcards.

1. First and foremost, whenever you advertise anything in print, you need to think long term and in the case of direct mailings this will mean repeat campaigns. Conversely, in the case of newspaper ads, this means taking out the same ad for a number of weeks or maybe even months. Adequate budgeting is the only way to make it possible for you to take this step. Do not be deceived by slogans or promises, a print campaign is expensive when it is done right.

2. Advertising network marketing in print, especially if it is done via direct mailings, has the potential to create a liability under the postal laws that prohibit fraud from being transported via the mail. Ensure that each and every statement on your advertisement is genuine, provable and above reproach.

3. Plan a decisive strategy. For example, are you just trying to get out the name? In this case generic ads may be placed in papers. Conversely, would you like to generate generic leads? In this case generic sounding ads may be placed in Sunday papers that are delivered to households across the country. On the other hand, if you are hoping for the more qualified ads, you will need to carefully consider ad placement in trade journals, magazines catering to small business entrepreneurs and those who might be looking into joining this group.

4. When doing direct mailings, choose your demographics well. Whom are you trying to reach? Do you want to entice current network marketers who might have become disenchanted with their network marketing opportunity? Are stay-at-home moms your target? Are you aiming for the student population that needs something to do during the summer months? Each and every campaign needs to be tailored to its own demographic and contain appeal that will have them rushing for the phone or computer. Unless you are just looking for generic leads, one size does not fit all.

Last but not least, when advertising network marketing opportunities in print via direct mailing and purchasing leads, protect those leads. Use them time and again as a valued asset and not just a disposable list of potential clients, customers or down line candidates. It is this latter mistake that causes so many direct marketers to waste a lot of their money and fails to capitalize on the name recognition your business is beginning to build up.