I'm not disagreeing with you. Personally, I think WotC would do well to pursue both a print and internet strategy. Take a look at British astronomy mag "Sky At Night." It's a print mag that ships with a disk of supplemental content, including a full episode of the British TV show the magazine is associated with. Plus it all ties into their website. I think a product like this would be very cool for D&D.
Well, Wizards has said they're going to do yearly compilations, probably in hardcover.
Even if it's softcover, that's gravy as far as I'm concerned. Best of both worlds.
And of course, they have a much better chance of reaching people overseas this way as well.
THAT is where the new blood is. 120 million internet users in China alone. Add in 60 million for India.
MMOs are huge over there, which tells us they are gamers and can shop online. That's where you're most likely to have a kid stumble by and learn about D&D: the website.
Anyway, I just see way more upside to this strategy than downside.
I'd prefer the magazine stuck around forever, of course I'd also be happier if Marvel hadn't cancelled the Avengers or killed Captain America or if Paizo hadn't cancelled Polyhedron.
Damn... I was subscribed to all three books at the time. I'm a jinx. At least I wasn't still subbed to Dragon and Dungeon, can't blame this one on me