With the news of the print based end of days for Total Film magazine, I cant help feel parallels with the situation at Flicks magazine all those years ago. The nail in the coffin for Flicks was the oncoming rush of the internet and the free distribution model, followed by a charge for something that has always been free.
In this day and age, print media coupled with cost of living has always had the sword of Damocles hanging over it but after 27 years this feels like a bitter pill to swallow. As a collector of movie related magazines it makes me wonder for the future of tangible media, there will always be a market for something you can hold in your hand.
I am not a regular reader of Total Film, I have dabbled. My main experience of it has always been when I have been travelling, long bus journey, flight etc. I might grab a copy along with a packet of Polo’s from the shop at the station/airport – could be a toss up between Total Film and Empire. However I always enjoyed reading it. Losing the choice to grab it on the go is definitely an oversight of the “Money Men” in my opinion.
The last edition of the print edition is issue 355. Maybe a new collection is warranted down the line.
Good Luck and Bon Chance to all who sailed in her and farewell to a great institution.