I launched the zine in 1995 because I couldn't find anything to read that I felt spoke to me. The proliferation of these Web-zines has broadened the content and depth of API media. But the question of whether online media can be a money-making business remains. According to the sales staff at larger API Web-zines, banner ads and memberships are their major source of revenue. But that would be gone in an hour.
Some executives even say that Internet banner ads are easier to sell than print ad sales.
For larger print magazines, the Web sites don't appear to be a main source of revenue, though publishers say that that trend is gradually changing. But print media's Web sites can be very useful attracting advertisers. Now we are getting inquiries from telephone companies and telecommunications firms about putting banner ads on our site. Right now we are dipping into our own pocket. Like any business, you have to put something in before you get something back.