While speaking with a 77-year-old reader frustrated by our plans to only provide an Akron Beacon Journal e-edition on Mondays, she told me she frequently uses her iPad to take pictures.
She was responding to my explanation of how our world has changed. People rarely use film cameras these days. And smartphones have even replaced digital cameras to a large extent.
This reality helps explain the challenge confronting local newspapers as reader habits evolve, one that's compounded by the popularity of social media and search engines and other factors disrupting our business model.
When I explained how her iPad can give her access to content she feared she was losing and much more, she agreed to give it a try. A week later, she was logged in to our apps with the help of a friend and a little guidance on fixing a login issue.
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I empathize with those who prefer print over technology. But I also know barriers that may seem too tall to scale can be overcome.
Thousands of readers of all ages use our replica e-edition of the print newspaper. But many of you have never tried the e-edition for a host of reasons, including confusion about what it is and how it works.
Following our recent announcement that we’ll only offer the Monday paper as an e-edition beginning March 7, it seems appropriate to help everyone understand the full array of digital services we offer.
What is the e-edition?
It’s an electronic replica of the print newspaper visible on your computer, tablet or phone. Users can click through each page and call up articles to read in a larger format. Text sizes can be adjusted, and stories can be read to you. Pages also can be downloaded as PDFs and printed on a home printer. It's popular with many, including while people are travelling.
On computers, the e-edition is accessible through BeaconJournal.com by clicking on E-Edition on the top right of the site. You can bookmark the page. On tablets and phones, download the Akron Beacon Journal E-Edition app first. Now, you must be a logged-in subscriber to get access, so read below on how to activate your access.
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We’re also adding e-edition access to every USA TODAY Network newspaper. It’s already available on the computer version by clicking on “universal” under the date icon on the right. The app will be updated soon.
We’ll also send you a daily email if you want to be reminded to check the e-edition. Click on e-notify on the right navigation near the bottom.
Wait, I see two apps?
Yes, the e-edition app focuses on the print edition while our main news app provides a different way of viewing all BeaconJournal.com content, including a richer presentation of stories, photo galleries and more. The “ABJ” app offers our latest updated headlines and users can opt in to receive notifications for breaking news and top stories. Again, users need to be logged in as subscribers to realize the full benefits of their subscription.
Can I just get emails?
Yes, but you need to enable your access first to make it easier. Once you’re signed-in on the main site, you can sign up for emails or “newsletters” on a variety of topics.
Under your name in the top right corner, one of the drop-down options is newsletters. Pick the newsletters you want to receive. I would recommend the daily briefing, which arrives early each morning, and news alerts for starters. You also can get a noon “afternoon” update, Browns headlines, high school sports and community news from our weekly newspaper markets.
The e-edition also offers a daily email reminder.
How do I activate digital access?
All print subscriptions already include digital access. Customers must first link their accounts by activating access.
On BeaconJournal.com, click on sign-in in the top right corner and then activate account and follow the process.
You will need your nine-digit account number, which can be found on renewal notices in the upper right-hand corner of our invoice and remittance section. Please note these numbers recently changed due to a system conversion. You’ll also need the phone number we have on file for you.
If you need help with either number, we recommend emailing circservice@thebeaconjournal.com and asking for them. Please provide your name and address.
Once you are signed in, please keep a record of your information in case you need to sign in again.
If you're already using email, I'm confident you can enjoy all of these opportunities to consume our local news and much more.
Michael Shearer is editor of the Akron Beacon Journal and BeaconJournal.com and northern Ohio regional editor for Gannett’s USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at 330-996-3750 or mshearer@thebeaconjournal.com.
