User:Izzygog/Printcasting

Printcasting is a web site and technology designed to let anyone publish a self-updating PDF magazine or newsletter using content from participating blogs or news providers. It has been featured in the Rocky Mountain News and several newspaper industry publications. Printcasting was founded by Dan Pacheco and is supported by a $837,000 grant to The Bakersfield Californian newspaper by the Knight foundation through the Knight News Challenge.

How it works
Printcasting breaks apart all of the roles traditionally filled only by members of one organization, and allows anyone to participate in one or more role. These include writing, layout and design, placing advertising and distribution. Anyone with a Web browser can register as a publisher, then pick and choose content from participating contributors. Layout is managed automatically using web-based software, and ads are placed directly by businesses using self-serve tools. All revenue generated through Printcasting advertising is shared with publishers and content contributors, and a small portion is shared with the network to allow its continued operation. It is built on top of the Drupal framework, and all technology will be open sourced in the summer of 2010.

Project Phases
Printcasting entered open beta testing in pilot city Bakersfield, Californian in February 2009. A public launch was planned for March of 2009, with additional city partnerships beginning in December of 2009.