Hibs to stop producing match day programmes

[Logie Green]

For those interested Hibs have announced a review of communications which include no longer producing a match day programme.

A sad day for all collectors.

[blackpoolhibs]

Although i never by them bar the odd cup final or European game, it is a very sad day indeed, maybe it's time for the fanzines to make a comeback?

[Iggy Pope]

Sad in lots of ways. Assuming they’ve stopped right away. I’m certain folk better versed than me have said in the past that Hibs and Hearts are the longest uninterrupted producers of a match day programme in Scotland.

[bigwheel]

For those interested Hibs have announced a review of communications which include no longer producing a match day programme.

A sad day for all collectors.

The comms strategy looks good apart for this decision . It’s a modern day o hectic right commercial decision that misses a key element of the emotion, tradition and history of football fans and programme collectors . Programmes mean something to a decent number of people, they mark a moment in time, show the evolution of the club , note a game in time and they are memory makers in their own right ..a wrong call.

[Mikey_1875]

It is sad for the collectors but I suppose if enough people were reading/buying them then they wouldn’t be stopping it.

The introduction of a quarterly magazine is good though and its something I would be interested in reading as someone who has not bought a programme in a very long time.

[worcesterhibby]

My initial reaction is to agree that it's a bad decision. But I have to admit to not buying them very often, I guess that is the crux of it, if there was demand for them, they would produce them..it's all very well us 50somethings saying it's a sad day...but if we don't buy them..what did we expect ? Huge numbers of printed magazines have gone out of business in the last 10 years, because the majority of people don't want to buy them, it's a commercial decision I guess.

[SaulGoodman]

How many people actually buy the programmes? And how much does the club print bi-weekly?

[BILLYHIBS]

Nooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

[Logie Green]

It is sad for the collectors but I suppose if enough people were reading/buying them then then they wouldn’t be stopping it.

The introduction of a quarterly magazine is good though and its something I would be interested in reading as someone who has not bought a programme in a very long time.

I think the statement from Hibs is misleading. The main reason that the sales numbers will be down is that they don’t print any for sale on a match day. This means that to get a paper version you have to order from the printer or a programme dealer.

When this started this season I couldn’t understand why they’d go to the bother of producing 50 odd pages of content but not put any on sale.

[Vault Boy]

They just aren't popular enough to justify the workload and spend. A quarterly magazine is a nice solution.

[bigwheel]

My initial reaction is to agree that it's a bad decision. But I have to admit to not buying them very often, I guess that is the crux of it, if there was demand for them, they would produce them..it's all very well us 50somethings saying it's a sad day...but if we don't buy them..what did we expect ? Huge numbers of printed magazines have gone out of business in the last 10 years, because the majority of people don't want to buy them, it's a commercial decision I guess.

Few of those have the traditions and history of a programme for a specific football match ..I get your point, but I’d rather they produced a better match day programme and get more people connecting with them again ..

People don’t buy the match day mag for the same Reason they might want a quarterly magazine ..may be a good commercial call, but it’s a sad day for Hibs
Match days for me

[bigwheel]

They just aren't popular enough to justify the workload and spend. A monthly magazine is a nice solution.

It’s planned quarterly and I’d say they are largely for completely different purposes …

[Vault Boy]

It’s planned quarterly and I’d say they are largely for completely different purposes …

Quarterly, yeah. It's being produced as a direct answer to the demand for print material from the club, so I'm sure the intention will be to make them an apt alternative. Not a like for like experience for those dedicated to match day programmes, but certainly better than providing nothing.

Ultimately if the demand was sufficient, they wouldn't be pulling them.

[Logie Green]

Sad in lots of ways. Assuming they’ve stopped right away. I’m certain folk better versed than me have said in the past that Hibs and Hearts are the longest uninterrupted producers of a match day programme in Scotland.

I believe this is the case. Apparently during the ‘Covid season’ hertz had decided not to produce programmes but when they found out that Hibs were and we’d therefore have a longer uninterrupted’ ‘run’ they changed their mind.

[Since452]

I can see why. There is really no need for programmes these days other than to collect and can't be cost effective to produce.

[bigwheel]

Quarterly, yeah. It's being produced as a direct answer to the demand for print material from the club, so I'm sure the intention will be to make them an apt alternative.

Ultimately if the demand was sufficient, they wouldn't be pulling them.

Hibs have made it less easy to get programmes in recent times. Most recently this season , when none have been available to buy on game day ..it feels like they’ve been trying to get out of it for a while tbh..

I think it’s a regretful decision .. the product hasn’t been great of late , but it’s a Hibs tradition that has lasted longer than probably all of us have been on this earth..sad day

[Iggy Pope]

Quarterly, yeah. It's being produced as a direct answer to the demand for print material from the club, so I'm sure the intention will be to make them an apt alternative. Not a like for like experience for those dedicated to match day programmes, but certainly better than providing nothing.

Ultimately if the demand was sufficient, they wouldn't be pulling them.

Stand to be shot down in time but the quarterly thing won’t last the course.
A lot of people disappointed and also very sad at this news.

[Vault Boy]

Hibs have made it less easy to get programmes in recent times. Most recently this season , when none have been available to buy on game day ..it feels like they’ve been trying to get out of it for a while tbh..

I think it’s a regretful decision .. the product hasn’t been great of late , but it’s a Hibs tradition that has lasted longer than probably all of us have been on this earth..sad day

I'm certainly not going to tell anyone that they shouldn't be upset about a long held tradition coming to an end, completely sympathise with that.

I do think the decision is led by the figures and that's probably based on more than just last season, but that's by the by.

[EHZERO7]

I think the statement from Hibs is misleading. The main reason that the sales numbers will be down is that they don’t print any for sale on a match day. This means that to get a paper version you have to order from the printer or a programme dealer.

When this started this season I couldn’t understand why they’d go to the bother of producing 50 odd pages of content but not put any on sale.

They can tart it up with their analyse etc but they simply don't get what a match programme means. How can you use purchases of each edition as ammunition if it isn't available on matchdays at the stadium?
Yes possibly they don't sell as much as previous years? Although I have never seen any figures to say if this is true or not. But IMHO part of the Matchday Experience that Hibernian say they are trying to create is getting a programme before the game at the ground?

A real big mistake and really disappointing

[Iggy Pope]

Team Sheets will now be like rocking horses *****.

[Vault Boy]

Stand to be shot down in time but the quarterly thing won’t last the course.
A lot of people disappointed and also very sad at this news.

Yeah that first point is something the club need to get right. Having a reliable and long-term option for collectors is important, I hope they commit to it properly.

[Iggy Pope]

Yeah that first point is something the club need to get right. Having a reliable and long-term option for collectors is important, I hope they commit to it properly.

I’ll see what the first one is like but nothing about a quarterly appeals to this collector.

[CMurdoch]

The end of an era

[Sir David Gray]

As much as I find this sort of move inevitable I'm really not a fan of these kind of moves in the modern world.

Programmes and other things like cashless societies are really not for me but it's the way things are going I guess.

Really poor decision for me.

[Bobo]

A very poor decision by the club to do away with match programmes.

They're clearly more intent on flooding every online media channel with endless clickbait rather than looking to continue producing a tangible publication despite matchday programmes having a proven historical importance and value to supporters for over the best part of a century.

Maybe they'll use the money they save on fixing all the issues with our sub-standard official website by employing someone who can actually keep it functioning properly and ensuring all it's information is up to date!

[Peevemor]

I understand why some will be disappointed by this (I collected hundreds of programmes), but I don't think they'll be missed other than by the more nostalgic among us.

Programmes used to give us a bit of insight that we didn't get elsewhere (including whether the featured player preferred The Clash or Spandau Ballet) but "the new generation" look for more than that.

By the time anything gets printed now it's already old news.

[bigwheel]

They can tart it up with their analyse etc but they simply don't get what a match programme means. How can you use purchases of each edition as ammunition if it isn't available on matchdays at the stadium?
Yes possibly they don't sell as much as previous years? Although I have never seen any figures to say if this is true or not. But IMHO part of the Matchday Experience that Hibernian say they are trying to create is getting a programme before the game at the ground?

A real big mistake and really disappointing

This sums it up for me better than I could articulate [emoji106][emoji122][emoji122]

[Bobo]

I understand why some will be disappointed by this (I collected hundreds of programmes), but I don't think they'll be missed other than by the more nostalgic among us.

Programmes used to give us a bit of insight that we didn't get elsewhere (including whether the featured player preferred The Clash or Spandau Ballet) but "the new generation" look for more than that.

By the time anything gets printed now it's already old news.

Match programmes over the past 40 years have grown larger and larger with increasingly more adverts and additional irrelevant content, making them overly large and ultimately more expensive to produce/buy.

For me a programme is a keepsake or memory of attending a match and only really needs to have a cover and team lines with managers comments and maybe a previous results/fixtures page which could include academy and woman's scores as well?

4-6 pages is probably enough to be honest, as I said, they're only ever meant to be a keepsake for supporters to remember the occasion.

[Since90+2]

Very much something of a bygone era. I can appreciate it brings fond memories for some but the sales must be tiny these days.

99% of the support won't be bothered at all.

[Peevemor]

Match programmes over the past 40 years have grown larger and larger with increasingly more adverts and additional irrelevant content, making them overly large and ultimately more expensive to produce/buy.

For me a programme is a keepsake or memory of attending a match and only really needs to have a cover and team lines with managers comments and maybe a previous results/fixtures page which could include academy and woman's scores as well?

4-6 pages is probably enough to be honest, as I said, they're only ever meant to be a keepsake for supporters to remember the occasion.I thought the same and bought a programme at every match without fail.

When I moved to France I could easily have brought them with me, but on thinking about it I realised that I never looked at them so, apart from a select few, I gave them away.

I honestly haven't missed them.

[Pretty Boy]

I collected programmes when I was a bairn and have a few full season sets from throughout the 90s. I haven't bought one for years now and I can't imagine it's something the youngsters do now.

It's a bit of a niche hobby these days. That in itself is no bad thing but ultimately Hibs are a business, something that if often forgotten for better or worse. They can't spend the time and money it takes to produce a programme, sometimes twice a week for dwindling returns. I daresay this decision hasn't been taken lightly.

[Bobo]

I thought the same and bought a programme at every match without fail.

When I moved to France I could easily have brought them with me, but on thinking about it I realised that I never looked at them so, apart from a select few, I gave them away.

I honestly haven't missed them.

Yeh, everyone will reflect on this differently and have their own views. Personally I think it's a poor decision with little thought given to it.

I, like many others, have collected Hibs programmes for many years (over 50) and have well in excess of 2000 covering a large part of the club's history. It's fair enough the club looking to be modern (digital) and to cater to younger fans but there has been little to no consideration given to older generations who have no real interest in the current bombardment of spam that eminates daily from the club over every conceivable medium.

Just another sad indictment of life today unfortunately.

[Iggy Pope]

Match programmes over the past 40 years have grown larger and larger with increasingly more adverts and additional irrelevant content, making them overly large and ultimately more expensive to produce/buy.

For me a programme is a keepsake or memory of attending a match and only really needs to have a cover and team lines with managers comments and maybe a previous results/fixtures page which could include academy and woman's scores as well?

4-6 pages is probably enough to be honest, as I said, they're only ever meant to be a keepsake for supporters to remember the occasion.

4 - 8 page issues would be nice and you never know, as I’ve suggested elsewhere, maybe an unofficial edition could pop up somehow.

[Bobo]

4 - 8 page issues would be nice and you never know, as I’ve suggested elsewhere, maybe an unofficial edition could pop up somehow.

Definitely best to have a smaller page count, I agree 4-8 is about right. Not sure if an unofficial edition would have the same appeal for me.

[BILLYHIBS]

Time to bring back the fanzines

[Andy74]

Yeh, everyone will reflect on this differently and have their own views. Personally I think it's a poor decision with little thought given to it.

I, like many others, have collected Hibs programmes for many years (over 50) and have well in excess of 2000 covering a large part of the club's history. It's fair enough the club looking to be modern (digital) and to cater to younger fans but there has been little to no consideration given to older generations who have no real interest in the current bombardment of spam that eminates daily from the club over every conceivable medium.

Just another sad indictment of life today unfortunately.

I’m sure they’ve given thought. Doesn’t make sense though to do something that only caters for a few people. Habits change, dint think it is an indictment of anything.

[Iggy Pope]

Definitely best to have a smaller page count, I agree 4-8 is about right. Not sure if an unofficial edition would have the same appeal for me.

A fellah down there produced a glossy 4 pager for the Stoke City closed doors friendly. Out of curiosity I picked it up on eBay at the time for not a lot and it’s quite appealing with a retro cover. Nice wee bit of work and unofficial could quickly become the new official!

[Bobo]

A fellah down there produced a glossy 4 pager for the Stoke City closed doors friendly. Out of curiosity I picked it up on eBay at the time for not a lot and it’s quite appealing with a retro cover. Nice wee bit of work and unofficial could quickly become the new official!

Will need to see what if anything becomes available but still not sure about it for me.

[weecounty hibby]

I can understand the collectors being pissed off by this but I don't think it will cause a big stir amongst most of the support. I used to buy a programme at every home match and added to the ones I got given by my uncle I probably have about 600 or so. Loads of the more collectible ones too. But the last one I bought was the 2016 cup final and before that I have no idea. Sadly the way of the world nowadays.

[bigwheel]

This is Hibs selling their vinyl collection moment and signing up for Spotify….in a few years time they will want to get their vinyl back ….

[Iggy Pope]

I can understand the collectors being pissed off by this but I don't think it will cause a big stir amongst most of the support. I used to buy a programme at every home match and added to the ones I got given by my uncle I probably have about 600 or so. Loads of the more collectible ones too. But the last one I bought was the 2016 cup final and before that I have no idea. Sadly the way of the world nowadays.

You’re right of course, it only affects the people affected. A bit like the retro shirts that don’t fit fat blokes, the crap pies that some folk don’t buy or stand in queues for, or the Tik Tok page that some folk don’t subscribe to or understand. Only this bit of heritage and tradition had been running 90 years.

[Capt Mainwaring]

It’s a shame but the reality is not enough people are buying them to justify the editorial time and expense of producing.

A bit like the closure of Jenners tho. Folk moaning and reminiscing of days gone by but those same people hadn’t been into Jenners or bought anything from it in years!

I remember in the Kenny Waugh era, the uproar when they started announcing the half time scores only by reference games matched up to a Letter in the programme. So Match A 2-0 ( but you needed to buy a programme to know that Match A was say St Mirren - Hearts)! Didn’t last long!😂

[Peevemor]

It’s a shame but the reality is not enough people are buying them to justify the editorial time and expense of producing.

A bit like the closure of Jenners tho. Folk moaning and reminiscing of days gone by but those same people hadn’t been into Jenners or bought anything from it in years!

I remember in the Kenny Waugh era, the uproar when they started announcing the half time scores only by reference games matched up to a Letter in the programme. So Match A 2-0 ( but you needed to buy a programme to know that Match A was say St Mirren - Hearts)! Didn’t last long![emoji23]About 5 minutes from what I remember.

[PolmontHibby]

I guess time has caught up with me.....the match program which I have for every game i have attended since 1979 has been replaced by tiktok, facebook, twitter, instagram and no doubt some other platforms I am not on and never will be.

My wife will be pleased though as sick fed up with them taking up space.

[Stairway 2 7]

It's like a newspaper company that has a tradition of almost 100 years, realising print media is like the dodo and moving fully online. It's sad for the collectors and hopefully hibs could give over the official rights to someone to do, if they could do it whilst breaking even which is doubtful. Hibs aren't a publishing company they are a team and you have to be ruthless.

[Iggy Pope]

It’s a shame but the reality is not enough people are buying them to justify the editorial time and expense of producing.

A bit like the closure of Jenners tho. Folk moaning and reminiscing of days gone by but those same people hadn’t been into Jenners or bought anything from it in years!

I remember in the Kenny Waugh era, the uproar when they started announcing the half time scores only by reference games matched up to a Letter in the programme. So Match A 2-0 ( but you needed to buy a programme to know that Match A was say St Mirren - Hearts)! Didn’t last long!��

That went on a long time before Kenny Waugh. The half time scoreboard at the corner of the Dunbar End worked that way for decades. As it did at a lot of stadia.

[GreenCastle]

I understand stopping selling them as clearly they aren’t selling many and it is more hassle / cost / time to produce.

But making a larger quarterly print will still take time / effort and money to produce ?!

Programmes as a hard copy or print I don’t know many who read them before games - seems an older generation thing but they do make a special memento for a child’s first game possibly - but again how often does this happen.

With the big screens now in the stadium..: team line ups and sponsors / news will be on that. Plus all other stuff done weekly online it seems we have most areas covered.

[bigwheel]

2016 will be the last full set of cup run programmes

[hibsfan7]

We have to move with the times it was ok maybe in the 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s but how many people buy them now and remember the cost of printing them do they even make a profit and hibs might think about having a digital version that you can download onto your mobile i mean everyone has a mobile do they not and most of the programme is adverts and with hibs having the big screens and ribbon adverts going round the stands i think it is the right time to call a halt to them of course that is just my opinion

[He's here!]

This is Hibs selling their vinyl collection moment and signing up for Spotify….in a few years time they will want to get their vinyl back ….

It's an interesting point. I can only see programmes gradually being phased out by almost all clubs, which will presumably make old programmes more valuable as curiosities in years to come?

I'm like a lot of others on here who used to faithfully buy a programme for every game and probably have several hundred in boxes. Before moving back to Edinburgh I used to make some pretty lengthy pilgrimages to watch Hibs and (way before mobile phones) the programme (plus the Pink!) would come in handy for reading material on long train journeys home. I guess I just stopped buying them because when I got older I came to realise that it just wasn't so important to have some sort of confirmation that I'd been at, say, Broomfield watching Hibs lose to Airdrie on a cold Tuesday night way back when.

[He's here!]

It’s a shame but the reality is not enough people are buying them to justify the editorial time and expense of producing.

A bit like the closure of Jenners tho. Folk moaning and reminiscing of days gone by but those same people hadn’t been into Jenners or bought anything from it in years!

I remember in the Kenny Waugh era, the uproar when they started announcing the half time scores only by reference games matched up to a Letter in the programme. So Match A 2-0 ( but you needed to buy a programme to know that Match A was say St Mirren - Hearts)! Didn’t last long!��

Didn't help that it became House of Fraser some time ago and there was nothing in it worth buying even if you did go in. The new plans for the building sound decent though, especially retaining the Jenners signage which Mike Ashley for some reason tried to do away with. Hopefully it can rekindle something of the unique feel it once had. As a kid, going down the stairs to the toy department was pretty magical.

Re Kenny Waugh, I'm pretty sure he was also responsible for installing the electronic scoreboard on the roof of the old cowshed. That didn't work very well either!

[heretoday]

It's a shame. A programme makes the match more of an event and it's a souvenir of that event, be it pleasurable or a nightmare!

I've got programmes back to 1963 and look at them periodically and they never fail to jog the memory.

[Sir David Gray]

2016 will be the last full set of cup run programmes

I really hope they still make them available for big games, same with match tickets.

Who wants to keep an email confirmation as your only souvenir of being at a Scottish Cup quarter final v Hearts on the way to lifting the cup?

[hibbyfraelibby]

Your 32 page match programme is now 2 large, 2 medium and 2 bands of Screen soon to be supplemented by digital ribbons

[ancient hibee]

That went on a long time before Kenny Waugh. The half time scoreboard at the corner of the Dunbar End worked that way for decades. As it did at a lot of stadia.

And at the bottom corner for many years before that!

[Nakedmanoncrack]

Always a sad day when something familiar comes to an end, but was inevitable, programmes are clearly a thing of the past, with no real value other than the sentimental.

[Ringothedog]

I really hope they still make them available for big games, same with match tickets.

Who wants to keep an email confirmation as your only souvenir of being at a Scottish Cup quarter final v Hearts on the way to lifting the cup?

It could end up like concerts where you pay extra for certain things. If you want a “real” ticket rather than print at home it will cost £5 .

[BILLYHIBS]

The end of an era


https://youtu.be/b0H_QwC2Xdk

[jgl07]

To be honest I am surprised that this decision has not been taken earlier. I used to be an avid programme collector home and away and was upset if I couldn't obtain one and would trawl the outlets to try and get one after the match. I used to stack them in a shoe box season by season.

I stopped buying match day programmes after Hibs stopped producing the full glossy programme and went for a 'cheap and nasty' shorter version many years ago. Even when the old-style programme was restored a season or three later I did not go back to buying a programme. The last time I bought a programme I ended up giving it away after reading it before the match. The guy with his young son who sat near to me in the North Stand was a bit distraught that he couldn't buy a programme, so I handed it over.

Can some sort of online programme be produced? I am sure that such was produced during the lockdown.

[Sir David Gray]

It could end up like concerts where you pay extra for certain things. If you want a “real” ticket rather than print at home it will cost £5 .

Probably, find it all quite depressing to be honest.

[Pagan Hibernia]

I found the Hibs programme from the last few years to be really excellent quality. Yes there wasn’t all that much news in it, but it was as much a part of the matchday for me as the pre match pints, a half-time pie and a bovril. It was also superior to most programmes produced by other clubs. I last bought a football programme at Dens Park earlier this season and was shocked at how poor it was. A flimsy, advert filled piece of crap.

This is a sad but almost inevitable development. Way of the world and all that but I’m not sure it’s a world I like.

if the fanzines or some sort of unofficial matchday publication were to make an appearance I would 100% buy them.

[Ozyhibby]

I’m surprised they lasted this long. If they were costing more to produce than they were bringing in through adverts and cover price then I’m glad they are gone.
I honestly can’t remember the last time I saw someone reading a programme at half time? Times have changed and most people get their media online now.


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[Ozyhibby]

I found the Hibs programme from the last few years to be really excellent quality. Yes there wasn’t all that much news in it, but it was as much a part of the matchday for me as the pre match pints, a half-time pie and a bovril. It was also superior to most programmes produced by other clubs. I last bought a football programme at Dens Park earlier this season and was shocked at how poor it was. A flimsy, advert filled piece of crap.

This is a sad but almost inevitable development. Way of the world and all that but I’m not sure it’s a world I like.

if the fanzines or some sort of unofficial matchday publication were to make an appearance I would 100% buy them.

Fanzines are online already. Nobody is going back to printed publications again anytime soon.


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[jacomo]

I’ll see what the first one is like but nothing about a quarterly appeals to this collector.


A quarterly magazine doesn’t reflect the rhythm of a football season. I can’t see the point.

[wookie70]

For those interested Hibs have announced a review of communications which include no longer producing a match day programme.

A sad day for all collectors.


Good day for the environment though

[Bishop Hibee]

I never bought programmes much apart from the season with the printed vouchers for money off the following seasons ST. If it saves the club money then fair enough, time to move on.

[The dalmeny]

Ultimately if the demand was sufficient, they wouldn't be pulling them.Perhaps it’s the price, when I go to EofS games I always get a programme 2 or 3 quid tops, I don’t expect much for that but normally get a decent product

[majorhibs]

I’m surprised they lasted this long. If they were costing more to produce than they were bringing in through adverts and cover price then I’m glad they are gone.
I honestly can’t remember the last time I saw someone reading a programme at half time? Times have changed and most people get their media online now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm awrite Jack! I had the pleasure of getting my programme for Pat Stantons testimonlal signed by almost all the team, even Benny! Typical nowadays, tho. Does'nt affect/bother me, get rid. Tell ye what, I work away a lot more nowadays, but one of the very very large irritations of attending seasons pre-covid for me were the absolute impossibility of getting a programme in the hour before the game, regardless which end you were in. No wonder the numbers were down, they were virtually impossible to find in the hour before kick-off. I'm really not caring for all the young tech'd savvy wide boys here, attending from early 70's onwards programmes were part of MY day! During the 4/5k years, during plenty other years. I, personally, think removing something that the supplier has been making increasingly difficult to even get near to push a newer type agenda is pretty insulting & condescending towards fans who havent had much of a say in said proceedings, but had plenty say in plenty years gone by keeping OUR club going.

[Hulk1875]

There’s so much info available online etc, programmes years gone by were insight into players/club I’ve still got some from 90s Jimmy boco and that on front of them I’ll always keep but I’ve never bought programme for years

[The Harp]

Must say I'm saddened to hear of the demise of the Hibs programme. I'm one of the auld guys to whom buying a programme was part of the ritual of going to the fitba. I've collected them over the years from my schoolboy days in the 50s, swapping them in the playground.
An old friend years ago ran a printers in Porty and printed the hertz programme. He approached Tom Hart to let him print the Hibs programme but was turned down emphatically. He was told "You print the hearts programme ... you don't print the Hibs programme."
I remember hearing that back in those days the number of programmes printed was determined by the likelihood that 1 in 5 of the expected attendance would buy a programme for the game.

[SteveHFC]

What's everyone going to do with their old programmes? Cash in or keep them?

[Hulk1875]

What's everyone going to do with their old programmes? Cash in or keep them?

All the ones I have my uncle bought me don’t think I Could part with them even though don’t look at them. Probs gonna dig out out this weekend now.I have frank graham group hibs top aswell Could get good money but just can’t part with it

[MWHIBBIES]

2016 will be the last full set of cup run programmes

Unless we get drawn away from home in all rounds :wink:

[Since452]

Hibs aren't going to continue to do something that isn't making money to keep a small amount of collectors happy. Its a shame but it just doesn't make sense.

[Pretty Boy]

A quarterly magazine doesn’t reflect the rhythm of a football season. I can’t see the point.

I can see that being quietly dropped not too far down the line.

For collectors the programme has to be match specific. For the wider fanbase with so much online content from the club these days are there many people who need a quarterly magazine? I'm not sure it's a 'solution' that keeps anyone happy. I suspect it's being used as a bit of a cushion so we don't go from something to nothing overnight. I give it 18 months tops.

[heidtheba]

Just for info, here's how F1 does an online programme. Not much use to collectors though.

https://raceprogramme.formula1.com/desktop.html

[easty]

I'm awrite Jack! I had the pleasure of getting my programme for Pat Stantons testimonlal signed by almost all the team, even Benny! Typical nowadays, tho. Does'nt affect/bother me, get rid. Tell ye what, I work away a lot more nowadays, but one of the very very large irritations of attending seasons pre-covid for me were the absolute impossibility of getting a programme in the hour before the game, regardless which end you were in. No wonder the numbers were down, they were virtually impossible to find in the hour before kick-off. I'm really not caring for all the young tech'd savvy wide boys here, attending from early 70's onwards programmes were part of MY day! During the 4/5k years, during plenty other years. I, personally, think removing something that the supplier has been making increasingly difficult to even get near to push a newer type agenda is pretty insulting & condescending towards fans who havent had much of a say in said proceedings, but had plenty say in plenty years gone by keeping OUR club going.

They’ll probably still do special edition programmes for testimonials, so you’ll probably still be able to get one signed.

I think you’re being more than a little bit over dramatic in your post.

[Ozyhibby]

I can see that being quietly dropped not too far down the line.

For collectors the programme has to be match specific. For the wider fanbase with so much online content from the club these days are there many people who need a quarterly magazine? I'm not sure it's a 'solution' that keeps anyone happy. I suspect it's being used as a bit of a cushion so we don't go from something to nothing overnight. I give it 18 months tops.

I’m certain you are right there. I just can’t see the demand being there for printed output.


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[Perfect Hatrick]

Kieran Power has suggested we’re in the low hundreds in terms of programs sold.

If that’s the case then it’s no wonder we’ve stopped.

[CB_NO3]

Never even realised we still sold programmes. Match day programmes and newspapers are yesterdays news and generally for the older generation. Good move by the club especially as we promote this greenest club in Scotland.

[Ozyhibby]

I'm awrite Jack! I had the pleasure of getting my programme for Pat Stantons testimonlal signed by almost all the team, even Benny! Typical nowadays, tho. Does'nt affect/bother me, get rid. Tell ye what, I work away a lot more nowadays, but one of the very very large irritations of attending seasons pre-covid for me were the absolute impossibility of getting a programme in the hour before the game, regardless which end you were in. No wonder the numbers were down, they were virtually impossible to find in the hour before kick-off. I'm really not caring for all the young tech'd savvy wide boys here, attending from early 70's onwards programmes were part of MY day! During the 4/5k years, during plenty other years. I, personally, think removing something that the supplier has been making increasingly difficult to even get near to push a newer type agenda is pretty insulting & condescending towards fans who havent had much of a say in said proceedings, but had plenty say in plenty years gone by keeping OUR club going.

You accuse me of being selfish yet you want the clubs money spent on producing a programme that loses money just so you can keep collecting them?
They have been ditched because nobody wants them. It’s not just Hibs either. The rest of Scottish football will follow. And it’s already happening with newspapers.


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[easty]

You accuse me of being selfish yet you want the clubs money spent on producing a programme that loses money just so you can keep collecting them?
They have been ditched because nobody wants them. It’s not just Hibs either. The rest of Scottish football will follow. And it’s already happening with newspapers.


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I’ll very rarely even pick up a Metro on a bus anymore, and I’ve got absolutely no idea when I last paid for a newspaper. Years ago.

[marinello59]

Kieran Power has suggested we’re in the low hundreds in terms of programs sold.

If that’s the case then it’s no wonder we’ve stopped.

Yeap. It’s sad but they are no longer economically or environmentally sustainable. We just have to move on.

[Perfect Hatrick]

Yeap. It’s sad but they are no longer economically or environmentally sustainable. We just have to move on.

:agree:

Forgetting the physical production costs which won’t be insignificant, the actual creating the content side of it won’t be anywhere near worth it anymore.

About 10 years ago there was queues at the programme vendors and it seemed that a huge amount of groups had at least one between them. I don’t recall seeing anyone with one other than the actual vendors for years now.

[Pretty Boy]

I’ll very rarely even pick up a Metro on a bus anymore, and I’ve got absolutely no idea when I last paid for a newspaper. Years ago.

I'm the same with the Metro. 15 years ago it helped pass the time on a journey. Now I can read, watch or listen to what I want when I want on my phone.

I quite like the idea or a smaller fan led programme springing up from somewhere. However there has to be an acceptance that printed output has largely had it's day. Widespread access to the Internet was the 1st blow and the smartphone was the final nail.

[Keith_M]

While the club are being praised for reaching out on more forms of Social Media to a specific target group, I think they'll have to accept criticism that they're abandoning another target group.

[Yorkshire HFC]

While the club are being praised for reaching out on more forms of Social Media to a specific target group, I think they'll have to accept criticism that they're abandoning another target group.

Player Profile - Favourite Drink? Lager shandy - every single player in the 70s and 80s - the last time I bought one!

There are plenty of other places to find out about what's going on with players and clubs nowadays - life moves on.

[.Sean.]

Find this all a bit of a shame, even though other than big league games or cup ties I don’t buy them any more. I really don’t like everything going digital - I’ll always have a paper copy of a ticket for say a gig, same as I’ll use my season ticket card instead of the qr code mobile version. Unfortunately it’s just the way the modern age is.

I must have over a thousand from everywhere up my mums attic, a fair few older ones from the 50s and 60s, most from way back to when my dad started going home and away in the late 70s until I became drinking age at the game about 2007 stopped buying them. Also got lots of random ones from over the years that have been given to me, loads of obscure England national team ones for instance as a guy my dad worked with followed them home and away and he’d give them to me, I used to love reading them and I still enjoy going through them now and again. It’s quite sad but I suppose understandable and I can’t really even grumble as like I said I no longer buy them. Hopefully the still produce them for derbies and Scottish cup ties.

I’m sure they could produce something less substantial and glossy and in much smaller numbers. Unless I’m tripping there was a very basic Hibs programme in circulation for a bit maybe 15 years ago that cost a quid or so before reverting back to the thicker ones full of adverts. They were genuine Hibs programmes and not a fanzine.

[Logie Green]

Kieran Power has suggested we’re in the low hundreds in terms of programs sold.

If that’s the case then it’s no wonder we’ve stopped.

The reason for that is probably because this season the only way you could buy a programme was either directly from the printers or from a programme dealer as no printed programmes were on sale outside ER on match days.

Given Hibs have not taken in any money at the closed food kiosks this season I assume they’ll not be re-opening them as they’re not making any money?

[.Sean.]

Kieran Power has suggested we’re in the low hundreds in terms of programs sold.

If that’s the case then it’s no wonder we’ve stopped.
In that case and as much of a shame as it is, totally understandable

[Perfect Hatrick]

The reason for that is probably because this season the only way you could buy a programme was either directly from the printers or from a programme dealer as no printed programmes were on sale outside ER on match days.

Given Hibs have not taken in any money at the closed food kiosks this season I assume they’ll not be re-opening them as they’re not making any money?

It was the case before COVID as well from what I’ve witnessed. The last time I remember seeing a queue for programs was on the way out of Hampden after winning the cup and it was probably quite telling that it was after the game when we’d actually won the cup.

[Brightside]

TBH the electronic version itself has been very poor. Very little point in programmes now when all information is available up to the minute digitally.

[easty]

Given Hibs have not taken in any money at the closed food kiosks this season I assume they’ll not be re-opening them as they’re not making any money?

That’s not a good comparison.

[90274]

This news is no surprise to me and a sign of the times.

Is there not an opportunity for someone on this forum or this forum its self to take the lead and produce a fan led programme/fanzine 4-6 pages using the functionality of the site and publishing tools that are now available in line with other fan led output such as the podcasts that are available. Reckon someone clever enough could produce something pretty cool and create a programme style template pretty easily. Just a thought.

[90274]

TBH the electronic version itself has been very poor. Very little point in programmes now when all information is available up to the minute digitally.

If someone was able to collate all the digital content together such as the previous game, interviews, press conferences ahead of the next game and teamsheet posts from the club in a blog style, an unofficial programme could be produced pretty easily and would be popular IMO.

[Pagan Hibernia]

Yeap. It’s sad but they are no longer economically or environmentally sustainable. We just have to move on.

I’m actually very surprised that Hibs missed a trick and didn’t mention environmental concerns as even part of their reasoning in their communication about discontinuing the programme, rather than just flat out economics. Normally they can’t wait to push the ‘greenest club in Scotland’ stuff and it might have softened the blow for some.

[Yorkshire HFC]

This news is no surprise to me and a sign of the times.

Is there not an opportunity for someone on this forum or this forum its self to take the lead and produce a fan led programme/fanzine 4-6 pages using the functionality of the site and publishing tools that are now available in line with other fan led output such as the podcasts that are available. Reckon someone clever enough could produce something pretty cool and create a programme style template pretty easily. Just a thought.

Please no - it would just be 4 - 6 pages of slagging off every player, Hearts and the Old Firm, together with a poll after every defeat on whether the manager should be sacked!

This website has enough negativity - please don't suggest spreading it even further!

[Sir David Gray]

Find this all a bit of a shame, even though other than big league games or cup ties I don’t buy them any more. I really don’t like everything going digital - I’ll always have a paper copy of a ticket for say a gig, same as I’ll use my season ticket card instead of the qr code mobile version. Unfortunately it’s just the way the modern age is.

I must have over a thousand from everywhere up my mums attic, a fair few older ones from the 50s and 60s, most from way back to when my dad started going home and away in the late 70s until I became drinking age at the game about 2007 stopped buying them. Also got lots of random ones from over the years that have been given to me, loads of obscure England national team ones for instance as a guy my dad worked with followed them home and away and he’d give them to me, I used to love reading them and I still enjoy going through them now and again. It’s quite sad but I suppose understandable and I can’t really even grumble as like I said I no longer buy them. Hopefully the still produce them for derbies and Scottish cup ties.

I’m sure they could produce something less substantial and glossy and in much smaller numbers. Unless I’m tripping there was a very basic Hibs programme in circulation for a bit maybe 15 years ago that cost a quid or so before reverting back to the thicker ones full of adverts. They were genuine Hibs programmes and not a fanzine.

:agree: I'm the same with physical copies of tickets etc. I've no interest in keeping a digital copy of a match programme or a ticket as a souvenir.

It is inevitable but I really don't like this new way where every single thing is online instead of having things that you can actually keep.

[CropleyWasGod]

Slightly off-topic, but I have just received an email inviting me to advertise in the "Heart's" programme.

The Hibby in me has had to defer to the Grammar Nazi in me. :greengrin

[Sir David Gray]

While the club are being praised for reaching out on more forms of Social Media to a specific target group, I think they'll have to accept criticism that they're abandoning another target group.

Yep agree.

I've seen it mentioned on here and elsewhere how it will mainly be the older generation and people who collect them as a hobby who continue to buy programmes these days and point out how Hibs are now present on every social media platform - 95,000 followers on Twitter, over 83,500 followers on Facebook etc.

That's all great but the majority of these followers aren't people who actually ever attend Easter Road. As much as I can understand that this move is inevitable I do think it's a shame that those people who attend Easter Road every week but who don't own any social media accounts have lost out on possibly their one source of direct information from the club.

I appreciate these people I've just described are in the vast minority these days and are probably becoming even more of a minority with every passing day but they do still exist. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, I am not a massive user of either of them and I have no intentions of getting Instagram or TikTok and that's me speaking as someone in my 30s.

This is all very predictable and I've no doubt things are only going to head in this one direction but much like how I explained to a shop assistant last week when I was told I could only get my receipt via email instead of a paper copy, I do fear that moves like this are only going to intensify the marginalisation of older people which is a real shame.

[scoopyboy]

A sad day for me.

When I started going with my dad in the late 60s buying the programme was every bit as big as going to the match for me, one without the other was unthinkable.

I've collected programmes from the day I ever got my first one and I'm honestly struggling to take it in that Hibs just won't do them anymore, just doesn't seem right.

I think the writing has been on the wall for a while and it doesn't come as a great surprise to me. FWIW I think Hibs have been reducing the quality of the programme for a fair period of time now, possibly with an eye to making this decision.

My laddie isn't interested in programmes, newspapers or books and I reckon it's a generation thing.

I'm all for moving with the times but I don't like this one.

[Bobo]

If the club had any true interest or concern about reaching the correct decision for the benefit of the whole of the fan base, instead of alienating part of it, then they would have previously canvassed for everyone's opinion on the matter.

They could have looked at offering a seasonal subscription to those interested in obtaining matchday programmes by offering a sign up service during each close season to gauge the numbers required and determine printing/ distribution costs before passing them on to the subscribers. It wouldn't cost anything extra to add a check box to season ticket application forms for those who wanted to avail themselves of the service..... or am I being too simplistic?

[BILLYHIBS]

How did it come to this?

Almost £30 to get in

Nae chips ( West Stand Upper )

Nae hot running water

Nae Programme now

Apart from the Big Screens what did Ron Gordon ever do for us ? :greengrin

[500miles]

My laddie isn't interested in programmes, newspapers or books and I reckon it's a generation thing.



Agree with this. I think with the moves to podcast, hibs tv and online content, the programme would be little more than a digest of that and low earning adverts.

Print media has been on the way out in every other way for a while now.

[Since452]

Please no - it would just be 4 - 6 pages of slagging off every player, Hearts and the Old Firm, together with a poll after every defeat on whether the manager should be sacked!

This website has enough negativity - please don't suggest spreading it even further!

:faf:

[CMurdoch]

Slightly off-topic, but I have just received an email inviting me to advertise in the "Heart's" programme.

The Hibby in me has had to defer to the Grammar Nazi in me. :greengrin

I think what you have there is a wee wummin' employed by Hearts who is not into fitba sending an email to you.

[andrew70]

Just a quick one would anyone be up for approaching Hibs to do a smaller programme fan led. 8,10,12 etc pages full of Hibs content and opposing team information.

I’d be more than willing to contribute as long as it hit break even. I can’t afford to lose any money.

I previously wrote looking back accounts and visitors section in years gone by and I am gutted this has happened.

I know Maurice done a good 4 page one for the 20s.

Is it possible we can continue this in some shape or form.

[Iggy Pope]

Just a quick one would anyone be up for approaching Hibs to do a smaller programme fan led. 8,10,12 etc pages full of Hibs content and opposing team information.

I’d be more than willing to contribute as long as it hit break even. I can’t afford to lose any money.

I previously wrote looking back accounts and visitors section in years gone by and I am gutted this has happened.

I know Maurice done a good 4 page one for the 20s.

Is it possible we can continue this in some shape or form.

Count me in.

[St.Kristopher]

I’m very surprised that Hibs missed a trick and didn’t mention environmental concerns as even part of their reasoning in their communication about discontinuing the programme, rather than just flat out economics. Normally they can’t wait to push the ‘greenest club in Scotland’ stuff and it might have softened the blow for some.

They announced months, maybe even a year ago, that programs would be paperless due to our green ambitions. The news this week is that not enough people were reading the online programs, so they are going to communicate in other ways.

If people haven't noticed now that we have not been producing printed programs until now; I doubt they were buying them when they were available.

[bigwheel]

They announced months, maybe even a year ago, that programs would be paperless due to our green ambitions. The news this week is that not enough people were reading the online programs, so they are going to communicate in other ways.

If people haven't noticed now that we have not been producing printed programs until now; I doubt they were buying them when they were available.

Nah. You’re wrong, there was a subscription service to get every Home match day programme delivered to your home…via Curtis sports


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[Sir David Gray]

They announced months, maybe even a year ago, that programs would be paperless due to our green ambitions. The news this week is that not enough people were reading the online programs, so they are going to communicate in other ways.

If people haven't noticed now that we have not been producing printed programs until now; I doubt they were buying them when they were available.

As far as I'm aware physical programmes were available to buy up until the league shut down in March 2020.

We then weren't able to attend any matches for 16 months so it would have been a bit pointless selling physical programmes during that time.

It's really only been in the last 3 months that physical programmes could have been sold again.

I first noticed that programmes were probably on the way out a few weeks ago when I was at hospitality and there was no programme waiting for me at my table despite the website saying a free programme was part of the hospitality package - which it still does even now.

[Iggy Pope]

They announced months, maybe even a year ago, that programs would be paperless due to our green ambitions. The news this week is that not enough people were reading the online programs, so they are going to communicate in other ways.

If people haven't noticed now that we have not been producing printed programs until now; I doubt they were buying them when they were available.

As you already know you’re misinformed. Paperless programmes only stopped with this news.
What you should know is the online content went to a printer who converted it to paper. That printer /supplier distributed them solely and has done since the lockdown.. All Hibs do is offer the content.

[Iggy Pope]

As far as I'm aware physical programmes were available to buy up until the league shut down in March 2020.

We then weren't able to attend any matches for 16 months so it would have been a bit pointless selling physical programmes during that time.

It's really only been in the last 3 months that physical programmes could have been sold again.

I first noticed that programmes were probably on the way out a few weeks ago when I was at hospitality and there was no programme waiting for me at my table despite the website saying a free programme was part of the hospitality package - which it still does even now.

Physical programmes were produced for all closed doors games at Easter Rd.

[Sir David Gray]

Physical programmes were produced for all closed doors games at Easter Rd.

So I see from the post above mine. I wasn't aware of that, so definitely not the case that they announced the end of physical programmes around a year ago.

[bigwheel]

I actually think Hibs have gotten this completely the wrong way round. They could have used social media to engage with fans….got them to share what stories and content they wanted each programme to explore…eg. What player would you love a profile of? Name your favourite memory against Dundee United. Etc etc…..what questions do you want to put to the gaffer….and then built the programme with content much more connected with stories fans wanted to read….they could then use their digital channels to market it and get people interested in picking one up…they could have used modern comms channels to enhance the quality of the product rather than kill it off.

Anyway, I’m sure they will come back at some time…poor decision by the club. Amongst many good ones..


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[CapitalGreen]

I actually think Hibs have gotten this completely the wrong way round. They could have used social media to engage with fans….got them to share what stories and content they wanted each programme to explore…eg. What player would you love a profile of? Name your favourite memory against Dundee United. Etc etc…..what questions do you want to put to the gaffer….and then built the programme with content much more connected with stories fans wanted to read….they could then use their digital channels to market it and get people interested in picking one up…they could have used modern comms channels to enhance the quality of the product rather than kill it off.

Anyway, I’m sure they will come back at some time…poor decision by the club. Amongst many good ones..


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All content which could go in a quarterly publication.

[Since452]

I actually think Hibs have gotten this completely the wrong way round. They could have used social media to engage with fans….got them to share what stories and content they wanted each programme to explore…eg. What player would you love a profile of? Name your favourite memory against Dundee United. Etc etc…..what questions do you want to put to the gaffer….and then built the programme with content much more connected with stories fans wanted to read….they could then use their digital channels to market it and get people interested in picking one up…they could have used modern comms channels to enhance the quality of the product rather than kill it off.

Anyway, I’m sure they will come back at some time…poor decision by the club. Amongst many good ones..


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I don't know the figures but i'd love to know how many programmes were sold for the average home match of say 13.5k. I'd hazard a guess at the low hundreds. I think it's probably a sensible, realistic decision.

[bigwheel]

All content which could go in a quarterly publication.

Match day programmes are relevant at that time, a record and history of a particular game…..they have emotive meaning that is much more than just the content. My suggestions were to improve the product. quarterly mags are completely different….and I bet it doesn’t last much time at all…..


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[bigwheel]

I don't know the figures but i'd love to know how many programmes were sold for the average home match of say 13.5k. I'd hazard a guess at the low hundreds. I think it's probably a sensible, realistic decision.

They’ve not been selling them on match days, they’ve not been marketing them, and the product is poor…so yes, you are right….my suggestions were to make it better and to get more sold. I also think as well as improving the product, they should have been clear that u less they get x number sold, it will stop…give the fans a chance to back it again….

Anyway, just my view….


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[Iggy Pope]

So I see from the post above mine. I wasn't aware of that, so definitely not the case that they announced the end of physical programmes around a year ago.

No, definitely not. The next competitive game at Easter Road with no programme issued will be the first in a long time.

[Iggy Pope]

I don't know the figures but i'd love to know how many programmes were sold for the average home match of say 13.5k. I'd hazard a guess at the low hundreds. I think it's probably a sensible, realistic decision.

Minuscule clubs all over the UK produce a match programme.

[easty]

I actually think Hibs have gotten this completely the wrong way round. They could have used social media to engage with fans….got them to share what stories and content they wanted each programme to explore…eg. What player would you love a profile of? Name your favourite memory against Dundee United. Etc etc…..what questions do you want to put to the gaffer….and then built the programme with content much more connected with stories fans wanted to read….they could then use their digital channels to market it and get people interested in picking one up…they could have used modern comms channels to enhance the quality of the product rather than kill it off.

Anyway, I’m sure they will come back at some time…poor decision by the club. Amongst many good ones..


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Trying to push paper media is pointless, and backwards. People don't want it. By "people" I don't mean every single person, I'm aware there are a tiny minority who'll talk about traditions and the likes, but most people aren't at all interested.

This is completely the right move by Hibs.

[St.Kristopher]

Nah. You’re wrong, there was a subscription service to get every Home match day programme delivered to your home…via Curtis sports


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Happily stand correct. I was sure I had heard or read that.

[Iggy Pope]

Trying to push paper media is pointless, and backwards. People don't want it. By "people" I don't mean every single person, I'm aware there are a tiny minority who'll talk about traditions and the likes, but most people aren't at all interested.

This is completely the right move by Hibs.

That’s the most bumptious post on the thread yet.

[Iggy Pope]

Kieran Power has suggested we’re in the low hundreds in terms of programs sold.

If that’s the case then it’s no wonder we’ve stopped.

Do you have a link to this quote?
Pre lockdown I’m certain it wasn’t low hundreds then lockdown meant mail order only which is a policy Hibs have kept post lockdown.
KP talks a lot of sense but I’d like this one to be backed up.

[dp00]

Would imagine the downloads are so low because hibs didn’t push it ?

I was sure Season ticket holders were meant to get it last season as a download and never once seen the link & I’ve not seen any physical sales since we got back in the stadium .

I would imagine the type of supporter who wants a programme isn’t the one who is going to download it to there phone so if we are taking this decision on downloads without looking at physical sales again then that’s poor

This is something which the club really should have consulted the fans on which doesn’t appear to have happened. Think the pod casts ect are good but I reckon there is still a market for programmes in physical form


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[King Cosell]

I'm gluing myself to my seat on Saturday,. Or lying down in front of Big Ron's car. Or something.

[bigwheel]

Trying to push paper media is pointless, and backwards. People don't want it. By "people" I don't mean every single person, I'm aware there are a tiny minority who'll talk about traditions and the likes, but most people aren't at all interested.

This is completely the right move by Hibs.

Fancy working with me on the replacement ?? [emoji23]

[bigwheel]

Count me in.

Use @johnnyboys match report as the content for
“Previous match” :).

[scoopyboy]

Trying to push paper media is pointless, and backwards. People don't want it. By "people" I don't mean every single person, I'm aware there are a tiny minority who'll talk about traditions and the likes, but most people aren't at all interested.

This is completely the right move by Hibs.

It's completely the right move by Hibs if you aren't interested in programmes.

If however you have been collecting programmes since you were a youngster then it's a terrible decision.

[Andy74]

It's completely the right move by Hibs if you aren't interested in programmes.

If however you have been collecting programmes since you were a youngster then it's a terrible decision.

That’s more about how the decision impacts people rather than whether Hibs have made a good decision. If it was loss making and only selling in the low hundreds then unfortunately overall it is the right decision.

[scoopyboy]

That’s more about how the decision impacts people rather than whether Hibs have made a good decision. If it was loss making and only selling in the low hundreds then unfortunately overall it is the right decision.

Before lockdown the programmes were selling well and not in their low hundreds.

Since then they haven't tried a leg and the numbers now are in their low hundreds due to not being sold at the ground and the digital version being poor.

A decent production would help and am not convinced it wouldn't at least break even.

Everything isn't about making a profit.

[bigwheel]

That’s more about how the decision impacts people rather than whether Hibs have made a good decision. If it was loss making and only selling in the low hundreds then unfortunately overall it is the right decision.

When you don’t market it , don’t create a decent product and don’t sell it at home games , it’s always going to sell a small amount and be a failure . It’s remarkable that a few hundred are currently bought .

I can only assume Hibs have wanted rid of it and they have taken an approach to kill it ..

[Radium]

Is a quarterly magazine the right replacement?

I would have thought that it would be better based around the league fixtures, reflecting/ looking forward to each round of matches.

Otherwise I can’t see what content they will hold back from social media to give it some freshness


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[Andy74]

When you don’t market it , don’t create a decent product and don’t sell it at home games , it’s always going to sell a small amount and be a failure . It’s remarkable that a few hundred are currently bought .

I can only assume Hibs have wanted rid of it and they have taken an approach to kill it ..

They’ve been on sale for years and suspect sales were dwindling anyway, regardless of effort or content.

I’m sure they will be missed by some but that doesn’t mean it is worth the effort or cost anymore.

[bigwheel]

They’ve been on sale for years and suspect sales were dwindling anyway, regardless of effort or content.

I’m sure they will be missed by some but that doesn’t mean it is worth the effort or cost anymore.

Wasn’t that long ago they were making a small
Profit ..under John Stephen’s ….so not sure where you get that from ….

[HFC93]

I feel like nostalgia is fueling a lot of the uproar about this decision. I would be interested to see how many programmes Hibs sold per game during the last full season that wasn't interrupted by Covid. I bet it was tiny. I have a framed programme of my first game and it's a shame folk won't be able to do that in future. However, print media is dying and time has moved on.

[Nakedmanoncrack]

Trying to push paper media is pointless, and backwards. People don't want it. By "people" I don't mean every single person, I'm aware there are a tiny minority who'll talk about traditions and the likes, but most people aren't at all interested.

This is completely the right move by Hibs.

:agree:
Most people won't even notice its gone, away from a few people getting worked up on Social media this isn't something that many feel strongly about.
Of course its sad for collectors, the end of steam was a sad day for rail enthusiasts, things move on - for better or worse.

[bigwheel]

I feel like nostalgia is fueling a lot of the uproar about this decision. I would be interested to see how many programmes Hibs sold per game during the last full season that wasn't interrupted by Covid. I bet it was tiny. I have a framed programme of my first game and it's a shame folk won't be able to do that in future. However, print media is dying and time has moved on.

Nostalgia isn’t necessarily a bad thing though . Football is full of heritage and tradition .

If they had given it a trial period , really given it a go , and been clear that unless the take up was there it would cease ….then they would have my full support

Nostalgia aside - that’s my main gripe .

[Iggy Pope]

It's completely the right move by Hibs if you aren't interested in programmes.

If however you have been collecting programmes since you were a youngster then it's a terrible decision.

Shamelessly nicked off Twitter

https://i.ibb.co/zfpY6Xv/0593-E252-18-F1-4-FB6-81-FC-9-A8-F7-FF5-BE0-C.jpg (https://ibb.co/h8bjYBz)
sti quarter mile stock (https://statewideinventory.org/subaru-0-60-times)

[Iggy Pope]

:agree:
Most people won't even notice its gone, away from a few people getting worked up on Social media this isn't something that many feel strongly about.
Of course its sad for collectors, the end of steam was a sad day for rail enthusiasts, things move on - for better or worse.

I reckon about 50% or more of the contributors to this thread alone think differently and as for Social Media…the club don’t give a **** if you ask them anything on any platform.

[Nakedmanoncrack]

I reckon about 50% or more of the contributors to this thread alone think differently and as for Social Media…the club don’t give a **** if you ask them anything on any platform.

Yes, that's my point - those getting worked up about it on here probably aren't at all representative.
The nature of such forums is that those with a gripe, genuine or otherwise, are always going to be the most vocal.

[Iggy Pope]

Yes, that's my point - those getting worked up about it on here probably aren't at all representative.
The nature of such forums is that those with a gripe, genuine or otherwise, are always going to be the most vocal.

I’m representative or is it only you?

[Daniel 1875]

I wrote for the programme in the season that was curtailed. Back then it was a proper 64 pager with features and extra bits exclusive to the programme - stuff you couldn’t read anywhere else. It was advertised in advance and you knew there was X or Y feature coming up.

I’m led to believe it sold well, in the thousands, and was worth picking up.

Some of my stuff was later drip fed out on the club website during the off-seasons.

It’s no surprise the open rates for the digital programmes have been poor, the reality is there was very little in them worth clicking for. It’s a catch 22, if the programme isn’t worth reading then it won’t sell. If it doesn’t sell then it’s deemed not worth making an effort to make it worthwhile.

A quarterly magazine sounds fine but at 100 pages it’s not going to be a lot more substantial than a standard match programme was only a couple of years ago. Kilmarnock ditched their match programme but they’re producing a club mag every month, not every three.

New podcast was a great listen, and it’s good to see the club developing the media output, but if Spartans and Leith Athletic can produce a programme every other week I really struggle to see how Hibs can’t.

[AngloHibs]

I'm not a programme collector, but I always buy one because it's part of being at the game. It makes me feel part of the occasion, and is something to read on my transport home.

Serious question - is everyone's eyesight so good that they can read the names on players' shirts from all over the pitch? I for one can usually only make out the numbers, so the team line-up in the programme is invaluable for glancing at during the game.

Online information is all well and good, but nowhere near as convenient as a handy printed programme. And phones often work too slowly at games because of shortage of bandwidth caused by too many folk gawping at their phones instead of watching the match.

And I don't buy the theory that programmes make a loss. As another poster has pointed out, clubs throughout the UK at all levels produce programmes. I believe that many leagues, certainly in England, stipulate that all member clubs most produce a programme of a certain standard, so I am actually mystified as to how Hibs are allowed to get away with this.

Terrible decision by the club. Sorry this was a bit of a rant, I had to get this off my chest.

[Allant1981]

New podcast was a great listen, and it’s good to see the club developing the media output, but if Spartans and Leith Athletic can produce a programme every other week I really struggle to see how Hibs can’t.[/QUOTE]

Its not really a case of cant though is it, they must have looked at the amount selling and the cost and decided it wasnt viable, at the end of the day its a business and they need to make a decision on whats best for the club, there will always be the odd few that dont like decisions like this

[Iggy Pope]

I wrote for the programme in the season that was curtailed. Back then it was a proper 64 pager with features and extra bits exclusive to the programme - stuff you couldn’t read anywhere else. It was advertised in advance and you knew there was X or Y feature coming up.

I’m led to believe it sold well, in the thousands, and was worth picking up.

Some of my stuff was later drip fed out on the club website during the off-seasons.

It’s no surprise the open rates for the digital programmes have been poor, the reality is there was very little in them worth clicking for. It’s a catch 22, if the programme isn’t worth reading then it won’t sell. If it doesn’t sell then it’s deemed not worth making an effort to make it worthwhile.

A quarterly magazine sounds fine but at 100 pages it’s not going to be a lot more substantial than a standard match programme was only a couple of years ago. Kilmarnock ditched their match programme but they’re producing a club mag every month, not every three.

New podcast was a great listen, and it’s good to see the club developing the media output, but if Spartans and Leith Athletic can produce a programme every other week I really struggle to see how Hibs can’t.

First two paragraphs and the last one are my point earlier in the thread. It’s never been “low hundreds’ until it was watered down along with everything else and made harder to purchase. The paper issues past season and a half have been ***** in content and that’s nothing to do with the environmental policy at the club.
HSL to produce one? (tin hat on) There appear to be people interested in doing something.

[Allant1981]

I'm not a programme collector, but I always buy one because it's part of being at the game. It makes me feel part of the occasion, and is something to read on my transport home.

Serious question - is everyone's eyesight so good that they can read the names on players' shirts from all over the pitch? I for one can usually only make out the numbers, so the team line-up in the programme is invaluable for glancing at during the game.

Online information is all well and good, but nowhere near as convenient as a handy printed programme. And phones often work too slowly at games because of shortage of bandwidth caused by too many folk gawping at their phones instead of watching the match.

And I don't buy the theory that programmes make a loss. As another poster has pointed out, clubs throughout the UK at all levels produce programmes. I believe that many leagues, certainly in England, stipulate that all member clubs most produce a programme of a certain standard, so I am actually mystified as to how Hibs are allowed to get away with this.

Terrible decision by the club. Sorry this was a bit of a rant, I had to get this off my chest.

So you have a pop at folk looking at their phone during a game but you want a programme to look at so you can get player numbers!!

[j'adorehibs]

looking to be greenest club in scotland - reduce carbon footprint and tree felling for paper
kids are digital they are the future
old men dont like change hence grumpy

how have you all managed without the pink?

[Iggy Pope]

looking to be greenest club in scotland - reduce carbon footprint and tree felling for paper
kids are digital they are the future
old men dont like change hence grumpy

how have you all managed without the pink?

Same way you managed without punctuation.

[scoopyboy]

looking to be greenest club in scotland - reduce carbon footprint and tree felling for paper
kids are digital they are the future
old men dont like change hence grumpy

how have you all managed without the pink?

I liked the Pink as well as my programme, kept me amused until Sportscene came on.:greengrin

[BILLYHIBS]

I found the Programme handy for identifying opposition players

My old phone doesn’t work at Easter Road as there is no WiFi

[JohnStephens91]

Wasn’t that long ago they were making a small
Profit ..under John Stephen’s ….so not sure where you get that from ….

Hi bigwheel, you are right about that. I mentioned it on Twitter earlier today. The programme wasn't a huge money spinner in the full years I was in charge of it (16/17,17/18, and 18/19) but it made a small profit - it wasn't even my full-time job as I produced content across all our platforms and had responsibility of some media operations too. After I left, and I don't mean this to sound disrespectful to anyone, nobody really cared for the programme and sales have evidently dwindled. Then the pandemic came round on top of that.

When I moved from being a bit-part member of the media team at the club to a full-time employee I was keen to make the programme profitable and a worthwhile product again. I consulted with the supporters via a survey to understand what you all wanted, spoke to programme/media professionals consistently to understand what is working and what isn't across all UK clubs, and, most importantly, recruited very talented writers and spoke with them about what they wanted to write about - with all of them volunteering to write content. This iteration of the programme won a couple of awards and was popular with the supporters. It had exclusive content unique to the programme, which was in turn adapted for the website during the summer, when football content was leaner, to keep supporters engaged. The current content is poor in comparison and I don't think many of the volunteers were ever really asked back.

I'm a Hibs supporter who buys and reads programmes, so obviously I disagree with the decision on that level. But, from the point of view of a communications professional too, it's a very bad decision.

Straight away you've alienated certain sections of the support who have no desire to be on social media and essentially only engage with club media via the programme on a matchday, lost a (small) revenue source, and your content can no longer be recycled in the way I described earlier in my post.

Considering the expansion in the media team since I left the club in late 2019 it's bizarre that they can't produce a profitable programme with worthwhile content on top of the other content they're proposing. For the record, I fully support modernising the media output.

To round off, I don't think the club has tried enough to save the programme. It's never promoted well, it just gets tweeted about once, usually a few hours before a game when folk are busy doing other things, and then is instantly buried by other content on the social media feed. Additionally, it's not sold at a game, which is standard practice for this sort of product. No wonder it's not done well this season.

I hate sounding so critical of the folk working for the club as I've no doubt they are working to the best of their capabilities and really hard. I also think that the content has improved in some aspects too, especially in terms of actual output when compared to last season. I'm really in favour and supportive of them modernising the approach to media. I really don't mean to sound like I'm being unduly negative towards them and the club.

[scoopyboy]

Hi bigwheel, you are right about that. I mentioned it on Twitter earlier today. The programme wasn't a huge money spinner in the full years I was in charge of it (16/17,17/18, and 18/19) but it made a small profit - it wasn't even my full-time job as I produced content across all our platforms and had responsibility of some media operations too. After I left, and I don't mean this to sound disrespectful to anyone, nobody really cared for the programme and sales have evidently dwindled. Then the pandemic came round on top of that.

When I moved from being a bit-part member of the media team at the club to a full-time employee I was keen to make the programme profitable and a worthwhile product again. I consulted with the supporters via a survey to understand what you all wanted, spoke to programme/media professionals consistently to understand what is working and what isn't across all UK clubs, and, most importantly, recruited very talented writers and spoke with them about what they wanted to write about - with all of them volunteering to write content. This iteration of the programme won a couple of awards and was popular with the supporters. It had exclusive content unique to the programme, which was in turn adapted for the website during the summer, when football content was leaner, to keep supporters engaged. The current content is poor in comparison and I don't think many of the volunteers were ever really asked back.

I'm a Hibs supporter who buys and reads programmes, so obviously I disagree with the decision on that level. But, from the point of view of a communications professional too, it's a very bad decision.

Straight away you've alienated certain sections of the support who have no desire to be on social media and essentially only engage with club media via the programme on a matchday, lost a (small) revenue source, and your content can no longer be recycled in the way I described earlier in my post.

Considering the expansion in the media team since I left the club in late 2019 it's bizarre that they can't produce a profitable programme with worthwhile content on top of the other content they're proposing. For the record, I fully support modernising the media output.

To round off, I don't think the club has tried enough to save the programme. It's never promoted well, it just gets tweeted about once, usually a few hours before a game when folk are busy doing other things, and then is instantly buried by other content on the social media feed. Additionally, it's not sold at a game, which is standard practice for this sort of product. No wonder it's not done well this season.

I hate sounding so critical of the folk working for the club as I've no doubt they are working to the best of their capabilities and really hard. I also think that the content has improved in some aspects too, especially in terms of actual output when compared to last season. I'm really in favour and supportive of them modernising the approach to media. I really don't mean to sound like I'm being unduly negative towards them and the club.

Exactly my thoughts, happy to let it run down and then stop it.

[AngloHibs]

So you have a pop at folk looking at their phone during a game but you want a programme to look at so you can get player numbers!!

The odd quick glance at a team listing for the game I'm at is hardly the same as spending most of the match checking bets and scores from elsewhere. Not sure why you're being confrontational, to be honest.

[Allant1981]

The odd quick glance at a team listing for the game I'm at is hardly the same as spending most of the match checking bets and scores from elsewhere. Not sure why you're being confrontational, to be honest.

Not confrontational in the slightest, just thought your post was very ironic

[Iggy Pope]

The odd quick glance at a team listing for the game I'm at is hardly the same as spending most of the match checking bets and scores from elsewhere. Not sure why you're being confrontational, to be honest.

My Mrs likes to sit with a programme with the squads showing so she can identify why someone, anyone is getting stick! Or so she knows what a trumpet the ref is. Or so she can see the boy everyone on here (not the tiny minority) want us to sign next day. She also likes me filling her head with ***** and nonsense about some of the retro pages stories and pics. She also knows that I took on Tony Mowbray in the quiz a few years back and might’ve lost but got my photo in it. She also knows when her wee cousin was in it as team mascot. She also knows it’s a worthwhile thing to stick under the nose of Mixu/ Franck / Russell / Deek / Gary / Paul / Jason etc to sign with a sharpie after we’ve battered them. She also knows why I remember my dead sisters wedding anniversary as I’ve only got to look at the programme to recall the day (Killie 71).

Sentimental tosh. Nostalgia doing me in. ****ing traditionalist nonsense..

As I’ve said on other media, won’t ever beat a video of Martin Boyle jumping through a hedge.

[Hibernia&Alba]

It's such a shame, but times change, and, just like paper tickets, programmes are becoming a thing of the past. I still like to buy them, but it seems they are becoming too expensive for the revenue they generate. Sad, it's but another victim of the digital age.

[Bobo]

looking to be greenest club in scotland - reduce carbon footprint and tree felling for paper
kids are digital they are the future
old men dont like change hence grumpy

how have you all managed without the pink?

They're certainly green alright, the naivety of their decision is truly outstanding.

[WhileTheChief..]

My Mrs likes to sit with a programme with the squads showing so she can identify why someone, anyone is getting stick! Or so she knows what a trumpet the ref is. Or so she can see the boy everyone on here (not the tiny minority) want us to sign next day. She also likes me filling her head with ***** and nonsense about some of the retro pages stories and pics. She also knows that I took on Tony Mowbray in the quiz a few years back and might’ve lost but got my photo in it. She also knows when her wee cousin was in it as team mascot. She also knows it’s a worthwhile thing to stick under the nose of Mixu/ Franck / Russell / Deek / Gary / Paul / Jason etc to sign with a sharpie after we’ve battered them. She also knows why I remember my dead sisters wedding anniversary as I’ve only got to look at the programme to recall the day (Killie 71).

Sentimental tosh. Nostalgia doing me in. ****ing traditionalist nonsense..

As I’ve said on other media, won’t ever beat a video of Martin Boyle jumping through a hedge.

:top marksPersonally I don’t give a damn the programme, but they should keep it going ‘cause of posts like this.

[j'adorehibs]

Same way you managed without punctuation.

Exactly

[Iggy Pope]

If anyone still reading the thread has any ideas about how they might assist and contribute to collaborative approach on getting a good quality and worthwhile match day programme off the ground then please PM me. I have ideas and so do others.
Please, only reply if you are serious I’m not looking for debate.

[Nakedmanoncrack]

I’m representative or is it only you?

You think those who disagree with the decision are representative of the wider support? Fair enough. I disagree, I can't prove I'm right & never claimed I could, merely stated a view that they "probably" arent.

[Iggy Pope]

You think those who disagree with the decision are representative of the wider support? Fair enough. I disagree, I can't prove I'm right & never claimed I could, merely stated a view that they "probably" arent.

You said bugger all about “wider support” in your reply my friend so don’t be tangling with this wideo . I’m ‘probably’ representative of my demographics view. I don’t see the need to prove anything and you started on the representative nonsense not me. How can we gauge a proportion of representation on any punters views on anything as wide ranging as the big tellies to cold pies to the size of Akpo Sodje’s boaby? (All well discussed of course)

Representative yer ‘crack’.

[easty]

You said bugger all about “wider support” in your reply my friend so don’t be tangling with this wideo . I’m ‘probably’ representative of my demographics view. I don’t see the need to prove anything and you started on the representative nonsense not me. How can we gauge a proportion of representation on any punters views on anything as wide ranging as the big tellies to cold pies to the size of Akpo Sodje’s boaby? (All well discussed of course)

Representative yer ‘crack’.

Programmes are going to be no more. You’ll get over it. Stop being such a moody brat about it.

[Iggy Pope]

Programmes are going to be no more. You’ll get over it. Stop being such a moody brat about it.

Only about 8 hours late with your juvenile reply dad.

[Bishop Hibee]

A fan produced paper program for every home game would interest me far more than any official offering has over my time supporting Hibs.

[easty]

Only about 8 hours late with your juvenile reply dad.

It’s not particularly a reply to what you said to me, I couldnae care less, it’s the way you’re replying to anyone who disagrees with you.

Time to pick your toys up from round your pram and go to bed, son.

[Iggy Pope]

It’s not particularly a reply to what you said to me, I couldnae care less, it’s the way you’re replying to anyone who disagrees with you.

Time to pick your toys up from round your pram and go to bed, son.

Disparaging stuff from one who couldnae care less. And that ***** ^^^ might make you look barry on here but wider, it’s not that great.

Threads gone, as always.

Waste of ****ing time really.

[scoopyboy]

If anyone still reading the thread has any ideas about how they might assist and contribute to collaborative approach on getting a good quality and worthwhile match day programme off the ground then please PM me. I have ideas and so do others.
Please, only reply if you are serious I’m not looking for debate.

Good luck mate, where there's a will there's a way.

[Nakedmanoncrack]

You said bugger all about “wider support” in your reply my friend so don’t be tangling with this wideo . I’m ‘probably’ representative of my demographics view. I don’t see the need to prove anything and you started on the representative nonsense not me. How can we gauge a proportion of representation on any punters views on anything as wide ranging as the big tellies to cold pies to the size of Akpo Sodje’s boaby? (All well discussed of course)

Representative yer ‘crack’.

Hope you are feeling better in the morning.

[RoxburghHibs]

A fan produced paper program for every home game would interest me far more than any official offering has over my time supporting Hibs.

Maybe that’s the answer. The club allows fans to create and sell a programme. Curtis sports productions have been very poor and contributed to the poor uptake in recent times.

Edinburgh City’ have a far superior programme than we did and it’s “fan produced”.

[blackpoolhibs]

Good luck mate, where there's a will there's a way.

I hope there is, as there are still a decent amount of folk who still want it.

Maybe a fan led programme is the way forward for now, and if it can be done by those who still want it, then why not?

[Bristolhibby]

I can understand the collectors being pissed off by this but I don't think it will cause a big stir amongst most of the support. I used to buy a programme at every home match and added to the ones I got given by my uncle I probably have about 600 or so. Loads of the more collectible ones too. But the last one I bought was the 2016 cup final and before that I have no idea. Sadly the way of the world nowadays.

I always buy a programme. Living in the West Country, I don’t have loads and loads like others, but a good few.

Prize possessions are the two 2016 Cup Final Programmes. Priceless.

J

[Antifa Hibs]

I've always thought clubs including Hibs over-complicated the programme.

"Exclusive match day content, A4 premium glossy paper".

Surely it can't be hard to copy and paste the fixtures list and results from the official site to the back of the programme, some articles, transcripts, quotes and interviews from the official site and now podcasts, a few pictures from training/matchday with a few ads. Some cheap matte paper, normal programme/fanzine dimensions and sell it from the pie stands for a couple of quid?


Don't buy the programme but can sympathise with those who'll miss it. I much prefer print when reading but unfortunately does seem to be on the way out.

[hibee-boys]

When I was a lad I pinned all my programs onto my bedroom walls, covered just about every inch so do feel quite nostalgic about them but haven’t bought one for over 20 years. The club is moving with the times, running a loss leading publication to satisfy a very small proportion of fans makes no sense so happy they’re calling time on it.

[Iggy Pope]

There are moves afoot for anyone interested, to get a programme resurrected amongst the fans. But there will be a lot to do.
I’ll open a separate thread purely for the innovators to get in touch and contribute.
If it’s not something you’re interested in best just to leave that one alone and maybe stick to this one.

[JohnStephens91]

I've always thought clubs including Hibs over-complicated the programme.

"Exclusive match day content, A4 premium glossy paper".

Surely it can't be hard to copy and paste the fixtures list and results from the official site to the back of the programme, some articles, transcripts, quotes and interviews from the official site and now podcasts, a few pictures from training/matchday with a few ads. Some cheap matte paper, normal programme/fanzine dimensions and sell it from the pie stands for a couple of quid?


Don't buy the programme but can sympathise with those who'll miss it. I much prefer print when reading but unfortunately does seem to be on the way out.

Hi Antifa, I used to be in charge of the programme from 2015 to 2019 when I worked at Hibs. Hopefully I can answer that.

It takes a couple of minutes to decide what type of paper to use and the size of it. These are important specifications that can affect the quality of the final product. Glossy and matte were the same price from the suppliers we used and the sizing is relatively similar for every club.

You do need matchday exclusive content too. Why would someone, other than a collector, pay £3 for a programme with loads of content you can get elsewhere at your own convenience? That was what the supporters said when I consulted them back in early 2016. Certain content remained exclusive in the programme, but others would be published online during the summer when football content is harder to come by. This was content that was researched thoroughly by one of the great writers I had recruited.

The interview content also had to be different compared to what you usually get online too. The main feature was usually a really interesting read, with content from both the Development Squad and the Women's team too. You can't just lump up a transcript as that'd be basically unreadable to many. Q&A style writing is okay but lazy, but you add more depth to the articles by adding in a couple of short paragraphs around the discussion topic.

Overall, it's not easy, but, when done correctly, it can be profitable, adds to the club's media output in a positive way, and, most crucially, isn't as labour intensive as some try to make out.

[Antifa Hibs]

Hi Antifa, I used to be in charge of the programme from 2015 to 2019 when I worked at Hibs. Hopefully I can answer that.

It takes a couple of minutes to decide what type of paper to use and the size of it. These are important specifications that can affect the quality of the final product. Glossy and matte were the same price from the suppliers we used and the sizing is relatively similar for every club.

You do need matchday exclusive content too. Why would someone, other than a collector, pay £3 for a programme with loads of content you can get elsewhere at your own convenience? That was what the supporters said when I consulted them back in early 2016. Certain content remained exclusive in the programme, but others would be published online during the summer when football content is harder to come by. This was content that was researched thoroughly by one of the great writers I had recruited.

The interview content also had to be different compared to what you usually get online too. The main feature was usually a really interesting read, with content from both the Development Squad and the Women's team too. You can't just lump up a transcript as that'd be basically unreadable to many. Q&A style writing is okay but lazy, but you add more depth to the articles by adding in a couple of short paragraphs around the discussion topic.

Overall, it's not easy, but, when done correctly, it can be profitable, adds to the club's media output in a positive way, and, most crucially, isn't as labour intensive as some try to make out.

Interesting - thanks for your reply :aok:

[Allant1981]

Hi Antifa, I used to be in charge of the programme from 2015 to 2019 when I worked at Hibs. Hopefully I can answer that.

It takes a couple of minutes to decide what type of paper to use and the size of it. These are important specifications that can affect the quality of the final product. Glossy and matte were the same price from the suppliers we used and the sizing is relatively similar for every club.

You do need matchday exclusive content too. Why would someone, other than a collector, pay £3 for a programme with loads of content you can get elsewhere at your own convenience? That was what the supporters said when I consulted them back in early 2016. Certain content remained exclusive in the programme, but others would be published online during the summer when football content is harder to come by. This was content that was researched thoroughly by one of the great writers I had recruited.

The interview content also had to be different compared to what you usually get online too. The main feature was usually a really interesting read, with content from both the Development Squad and the Women's team too. You can't just lump up a transcript as that'd be basically unreadable to many. Q&A style writing is okay but lazy, but you add more depth to the articles by adding in a couple of short paragraphs around the discussion topic.

Overall, it's not easy, but, when done correctly, it can be profitable, adds to the club's media output in a positive way, and, most crucially, isn't as labour intensive as some try to make out.

Out of interest how much profit is made on a programme

[JohnStephens91]

Out of interest how much profit is made on a programme

Unfortunately, I can't say as it's commercially sensitive data that I'm not willing to divulge. The figure I was given during my time at Hibs was all based on sales figures only, ie no advertising revenue, so profits would be higher including other assets like that too.

[Allant1981]

Unfortunately, I can't say as it's commercially sensitive data that I'm not willing to divulge. The figure I was given during my time at Hibs was all based on sales figures only, ie no advertising revenue, so profits would be higher including other assets like that too.

Fair enough, this is probably another reason for stopping the programmes, they are likely to make more money from the new screens for advertising than the programmes

[Peevemor]

Unfortunately, I can't say as it's commercially sensitive data that I'm not willing to divulge. The figure I was given during my time at Hibs was all based on sales figures only, ie no advertising revenue, so profits would be higher including other assets like that too.

Did the calculation take into account the staff costs for those involved in the programmes preparation?

[JohnStephens91]

Did the calculation take into account the staff costs for those involved in the programmes preparation?

Yeah, it did.

[Peevemor]

Yeah, it did.

OK cheers. :aok:

[CMurdoch]

My Mrs likes to sit with a programme with the squads showing so she can identify why someone, anyone is getting stick! Or so she knows what a trumpet the ref is. Or so she can see the boy everyone on here (not the tiny minority) want us to sign next day. She also likes me filling her head with ***** and nonsense about some of the retro pages stories and pics. She also knows that I took on Tony Mowbray in the quiz a few years back and might’ve lost but got my photo in it. She also knows when her wee cousin was in it as team mascot. She also knows it’s a worthwhile thing to stick under the nose of Mixu/ Franck / Russell / Deek / Gary / Paul / Jason etc to sign with a sharpie after we’ve battered them. She also knows why I remember my dead sisters wedding anniversary as I’ve only got to look at the programme to recall the day (Killie 71).

Sentimental tosh. Nostalgia doing me in. ****ing traditionalist nonsense..

As I’ve said on other media, won’t ever beat a video of Martin Boyle jumping through a hedge.

Great post. Your writing retains the vitality and sharpness of a punk root.
A fanzine programme written in the same style would be a winner.

[Since452]

My 13 year old pointed out to me that there was a Hibs podcast on Spotify and she'd already listened to it. A physical programme isn't even on her radar. It's just a sign of the times. I do sympathise with the collectors as i occasionally look back at some of the ones that my old man passed on to me and ones i bought myself. I don't think i've actually bought one myself for 20 odd years though. It's a dying source of information, much like newspapers. I literally get all my Hibs information online and anything printed in a programme would already be old news by the time it was bought. I do get the collection aspect though.

[JohnStephens91]

Fair enough, this is probably another reason for stopping the programmes, they are likely to make more money from the new screens for advertising than the programmes

Why not both? A strong programme reaching the numbers of people it did during my time at the club is a decent commercial asset for very little effort on the club's part. Again, I can't go into the figures, but they did generate a good deal of advertising revenue in addition to the sales. I'm not a commercial sales expert, they seem to be doing a good job bringing in sales though.

To me, it just seems far too convenient for them to cull the programme. Yes, the pandemic has had an impact, that's why I'd support it being put on ice and for the club to consult with supporters about what they want to see in it, and then to bring it back with improved content and promotion of it as a trial next season if certain aspects of laws relating to Covid are removed. There's so many more actions and routes they could've taken which would seem a lot more positive than this one.

[RoxburghHibs]

The programme wasn't a huge money spinner in the full years I was in charge of it (16/17,17/18, and 18/19)

The current content is poor in comparison and I don't think many of the volunteers were ever really asked back.

If I’m right you would have been working with Programme Master? Those post cup win programmes were probably the best we have ever produced, both in quality and content. However as soon as we moved to Curtis Sports the quality dropped massively.

I went from purchasing every copy, to one in a while and now rarely. This is simply down to the poor quality.

It’s a shame they have gone down this route and hopefully a fan run publication can be produced. In truth something had to change as the Curtis sport programmes clearly were not being invested in by the club.

[Iggy Pope]

Yeah, it did.

Can I drop you a PM?

[Iggy Pope]

There won’t be a programme tomorrow but there will be one soon.

[scoopyboy]

There won’t be a programme tomorrow but there will be one soon.

Well played that man, my hero:greengrin

[Iggy Pope]

Well played that man, my hero:greengrin

You’ll have more to thank than me Scoopyboy.

[oneone73]

There won’t be a programme tomorrow but there will be one soon.

Excellent

[majorhibs]

Page 5? People nowadays, eh. Kids, eh? Not for me, really, especially this sort of technology rules people from before don’t matter it’s how it’s going to be attitude. We wouldn’t have tried that in the 70s IMO not cos we were feared of getting our ears clipped, more cos we looked up to our elders who had basically put us here 1st. I have ZERO programmes from my past. Really wish I still had some. But, I would not dream about taking away something like programmes, from others or myself. Not so this generation tho eh? Move on you old useless etc’s! I don’t want to see the end of programmes. But obv. from the posts here the new tech aces, better than old guys previous supporters can’t work computers non aces, should be listened to. Kill the programmes! Only “social media” allowed!
Hopefully for you young lot, us that kept this club going with our support 70/80/90s, in honour of our forebears who kept the club going 40/50/60s, in honour of they’re forebears, hopefully we won’t last too long so our silly old desire to cling on to what we like with Hibs won’t inconvenience you too long because you want it all your way & stuff the older generations.

[Allant1981]

Page 5? People nowadays, eh. Kids, eh? Not for me, really, especially this sort of technology rules people from before don’t matter it’s how it’s going to be attitude. We wouldn’t have tried that in the 70s IMO not cos we were feared of getting our ears clipped, more cos we looked up to our elders who had basically put us here 1st. I have ZERO programmes from my past. Really wish I still had some. But, I would not dream about taking away something like programmes, from others or myself. Not so this generation tho eh? Move on you old useless etc’s! I don’t want to see the end of programmes. But obv. from the posts here the new tech aces, better than old guys previous supporters can’t work computers non aces, should be listened to. Kill the programmes! Only “social media” allowed!
Hopefully for you young lot, us that kept this club going with our support 70/80/90s, in honour of our forebears who kept the club going 40/50/60s, in honour of they’re forebears, hopefully we won’t last too long so our silly old desire to cling on to what we like with Hibs won’t inconvenience you too long because you want it all your way & stuff the older generations.

You post some utter nonsense on here

[RoxburghHibs]

Page 5? People nowadays, eh. Kids, eh? Not for me, really, especially this sort of technology rules people from before don’t matter it’s how it’s going to be attitude. We wouldn’t have tried that in the 70s IMO not cos we were feared of getting our ears clipped, more cos we looked up to our elders who had basically put us here 1st. I have ZERO programmes from my past. Really wish I still had some. But, I would not dream about taking away something like programmes, from others or myself. Not so this generation tho eh? Move on you old useless etc’s! I don’t want to see the end of programmes. But obv. from the posts here the new tech aces, better than old guys previous supporters can’t work computers non aces, should be listened to. Kill the programmes! Only “social media” allowed!
Hopefully for you young lot, us that kept this club going with our support 70/80/90s, in honour of our forebears who kept the club going 40/50/60s, in honour of they’re forebears, hopefully we won’t last too long so our silly old desire to cling on to what we like with Hibs won’t inconvenience you too long because you want it all your way & stuff the older generations.

I've read this post twice and I'm still really struggling to understand the point you are trying to make. I believe you are attempting to state that the club in the "good old days" would never have taken something away from the supporters, such as the match day programme, without consulting us "the fans" first?

However it's so badly written this is a wild guess I'm afraid.

If that is your point then sorry but don't agree at all. Communications in the present day, between the club and supporters, are far better than they were in the 1970's/1980s.

[Lancs Harp]

Personally Im disapointed, Im not aware of any other to flight club in Scotland , or England for that matter going down this route but I guess the club dont think there's much commercial viability in it anymore.

I guess it means my European home programme collection will remain for ever intact and complete.

[Centre Hawf]

https://twitter.com/JamTarts/status/1450810680018411529

Hearts choosing to double down on the production of a programme. By increasing the pages in theirs.

[Billy Whizz]

Wonder who made this decision at Hibs, Commercial or Comms?

[Jones28]

"Hibs stop their programmes, we expand ours ! Gorgie Rules!"

This is a terrific tweet. It's not like Hibs have made some major commercial investments in things like their stadium or anything...

[Danderhall Hibs]

What a brilliant bit of ****housery from hearts!

[Kato]

Does this make the Hearts programme the bigliest?

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[JammyDoidger]

Jesus, big programme, big club, they're desperate are they not haha.

[Bobo]

Wonder who made this decision at Hibs, Commercial or Comms?

Wonder why our Chairman and CEO have blindly been lead by the nose into allowing such an utterly pathetic decision to be reached?

Hibernian claim to be an "inclusive" club yet are quite happy to alienate a section of their support by dictating to them that part of an almost 100 year matchday experience has been cast aside without even a second thought?! No consultation, no consideration and no interest in the support unless they have money in their hands.

For me, they can stick their crypto currency tokens and online hard sell of all and sundry where the sun don't shine.

[Since452]

https://twitter.com/JamTarts/status/1450810680018411529

Hearts choosing to double down on the production of a programme. By increasing the pages in theirs.

More business sense from the club that ended up in administration 😂

[Since452]

Wonder why our Chairman and CEO have blindly been lead by the nose into allowing such an utterly pathetic decision to be reached?

Hibernian claim to be an "inclusive" club yet are quite happy to alienate a section of their support by dictating to them that part of an almost 100 year matchday experience has been cast aside without even a second thought?! No consultation, no consideration and no interest in the support unless they have money in their hands.

Foe me, they can stick their crypto currency tokens and online hard sell of all and sundry where the sun don't shine.

It's only pathetic for the collectors. The vast majority won't even bat an eyelid.

[Billy Whizz]

It's only pathetic for the collectors. The vast majority won't even bat an eyelid.

I’m not a buyer, but for a lot of fans it’s part of the pre game ritual. Go to your seat and read the programme

[Since452]

I’m not a buyer, but for a lot of fans it’s part of the pre game ritual. Go to your seat and read the programme

True but they are in the huge minority.

[Billy Whizz]

True but they are in the huge minority.

Maybe, but to not engage with fans is a bit dictatorial
If they’d said sales were down and we needed to increase sales, that’s at least a starting point

[Logie Green]

Maybe, but to not engage with fans is a bit dictatorial
If they’d said sales were down and we needed to increase sales, that’s at least a starting point

Sales were definitely down but that’s what happens when programmes are not available to buy around the ground on match days as has been the case this season.

[lyonhibs]

Page 5? People nowadays, eh. Kids, eh? Not for me, really, especially this sort of technology rules people from before don’t matter it’s how it’s going to be attitude. We wouldn’t have tried that in the 70s IMO not cos we were feared of getting our ears clipped, more cos we looked up to our elders who had basically put us here 1st. I have ZERO programmes from my past. Really wish I still had some. But, I would not dream about taking away something like programmes, from others or myself. Not so this generation tho eh? Move on you old useless etc’s! I don’t want to see the end of programmes. But obv. from the posts here the new tech aces, better than old guys previous supporters can’t work computers non aces, should be listened to. Kill the programmes! Only “social media” allowed!
Hopefully for you young lot, us that kept this club going with our support 70/80/90s, in honour of our forebears who kept the club going 40/50/60s, in honour of they’re forebears, hopefully we won’t last too long so our silly old desire to cling on to what we like with Hibs won’t inconvenience you too long because you want it all your way & stuff the older generations.

Tell me you've had a bit too much to drink without telling me you've had a bit too much to drink.

[Jones28]

Tell me you've had a bit too much to drink without telling me you've had a bit too much to drink.

😂😂😂

[majorhibs]

Tell me you've had a bit too much to drink without telling me you've had a bit too much to drink.

Why’d I bother, you’d only come back wi a smirky type reply? Fortunately for you I’m back at work where drink’s not allowed. Soon as I’m finished here tho…

[BILLYHIBS]

Interesting fact :

HIBS have lost every game since deciding to stop publishing a Match Day Programme

[Phil MaGlass]

Interesting fact :

HIBS have lost every game since deciding to stop publishing a Match Day Programme

:greengrin

It might be an idea to have an online subscription version that is only released 1hr before the game to mobile phones, (at a cost of course)?

[Keith_M]

Interesting fact :

HIBS have lost every game since deciding to stop publishing a Match Day Programme


There you go, as if any other evidence was needed that we need to bring it back

:greengrin

[Bobo]

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs-are-the-only-club-in-the-world-whose-match-programme-has-appeared-in-an-art-gallery-they-cant-cease-publication-3448085

[Iggy Pope]

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs-are-the-only-club-in-the-world-whose-match-programme-has-appeared-in-an-art-gallery-they-cant-cease-publication-3448085

Anyone got an email address for Aidan Smith? We are still short of an Editor for our planned resurrection and he surely fits the bill.

[hibeg]

I see on eBay that somebody produced an unofficial 8 page programme for the Dundee Utd game !
£3.50 a pop which was more expensive than the official programme :confused:

[BILLYHIBS]

I see on eBay that somebody produced an unofficial 8 page programme for the Dundee Utd game !
£3.50 a pop which was more expensive than the official programme :confused:

Probably Wee Ron 😃

[Iggy Pope]

I see on eBay that somebody produced an unofficial 8 page programme for the Dundee Utd game !
£3.50 a pop which was more expensive than the official programme :confused:

Was it a Ukrainian seller?

[hibeg]

Was it a Ukrainian seller?

Nope, Saltcoats 😂

[Iggy Pope]

Nope, Saltcoats 😂

Same thing :greengrin

[CMurdoch]

Same thing :greengrin

:faf:

[CMurdoch]

Page 5? People nowadays, eh. Kids, eh? Not for me, really, especially this sort of technology rules people from before don’t matter it’s how it’s going to be attitude. We wouldn’t have tried that in the 70s IMO not cos we were feared of getting our ears clipped, more cos we looked up to our elders who had basically put us here 1st. I have ZERO programmes from my past. Really wish I still had some. But, I would not dream about taking away something like programmes, from others or myself. Not so this generation tho eh? Move on you old useless etc’s! I don’t want to see the end of programmes. But obv. from the posts here the new tech aces, better than old guys previous supporters can’t work computers non aces, should be listened to. Kill the programmes! Only “social media” allowed!
Hopefully for you young lot, us that kept this club going with our support 70/80/90s, in honour of our forebears who kept the club going 40/50/60s, in honour of they’re forebears, hopefully we won’t last too long so our silly old desire to cling on to what we like with Hibs won’t inconvenience you too long because you want it all your way & stuff the older generations.

:faf: I love humorous posts

[majorhibs]

:faf: I love humorous posts

I quite like a laff tae. But YOU most definitely are not it!

[CMurdoch]

I quite like a laff tae. But YOU most definitely are not it!

I enjoyed your post but thought it was a dry humour job with a serious message rather than a totally serious one. hence my reply.
Moreover, as someone older than you it struck a chord and I was laughing with you, not at you.

[worcesterhibby]

I keep trying to decide if the end of programmes is inevitable and Hibs are actually ahead of the curve, or if this is a terrible idea, that laughs in the face of tradition, lifelong supporters and the true meaning of what a local football club is about.

I've finally decided it's the latter. I think this stinks and I really believe its a mistake, particularly if Hibs really want to have a closer relationship with their fans.

Good luck to Iggy Pope and the others looking to put together a fan version, I really hope its a big success and shows Hibs that they have made an error.

[nairn hibee]

I keep trying to decide if the end of programmes is inevitable and Hibs are actually ahead of the curve, or if this is a terrible idea, that laughs in the face of tradition, lifelong supporters and the true meaning of what a local football club is about.

I've finally decided it's the latter. I think this stinks and I really believe its a mistake, particularly if Hibs really want to have a closer relationship with their fans.

Good luck to Iggy Pope and the others looking to put together a fan version, I really hope its a big success and shows Hibs that they have made an error.
I agree ,I’ve always bought a programme

[BILLYHIBS]

I keep trying to decide if the end of programmes is inevitable and Hibs are actually ahead of the curve, or if this is a terrible idea, that laughs in the face of tradition, lifelong supporters and the true meaning of what a local football club is about.

I've finally decided it's the latter. I think this stinks and I really believe its a mistake, particularly if Hibs really want to have a closer relationship with their fans.

Good luck to Iggy Pope and the others looking to put together a fan version, I really hope its a big success and shows Hibs that they have made an error.
:agree:

:top marks

[Alfred E Newman]

Anyone got an email address for Aidan Smith? We are still short of an Editor for our planned resurrection and he surely fits the bill.

[email protected]

[Iggy Pope]

I keep trying to decide if the end of programmes is inevitable and Hibs are actually ahead of the curve, or if this is a terrible idea, that laughs in the face of tradition, lifelong supporters and the true meaning of what a local football club is about.

I've finally decided it's the latter. I think this stinks and I really believe its a mistake, particularly if Hibs really want to have a closer relationship with their fans.

Good luck to Iggy Pope and the others looking to put together a fan version, I really hope its a big success and shows Hibs that they have made an error.

Still a bit of work to do but plenty people ready to contribute.

[Iggy Pope]

[email protected]

Time wasters need not apply.

[BILLYHIBS]

Noticed there is a guy on Twitter based down South selling Match Day Programmes for the recent Hibs v Dundee United 1-1 draw £4.50 inc post and packaging

He reckons he has sold about 200

https://i.ibb.co/0Bq1D9n/55-B34984-D2-F8-4-BBA-9-B23-00-AC0-AE87-F6-C.png

[SteveHFC]

Noticed there is a guy on Twitter based down South selling Match Day Programmes for the recent Hibs v Dundee United 1-1 draw £4.50 inc post and packaging

He reckons he has sold about 200

https://i.ibb.co/0Bq1D9n/55-B34984-D2-F8-4-BBA-9-B23-00-AC0-AE87-F6-C.png

Got a link mate?

[BILLYHIBS]

Noticed as well there is a guy on EBay selling the last eight official programmes of 2021/22 including the two European games £22 + p and p or free collection

[BILLYHIBS]

Got a link mate?

Will send you a PM

[RoxburghHibs]

Will send you a PM

Can you PM me the also please? Thanks

[BILLYHIBS]

Can you PM me the also please? Thanks
Done

Just been chatting to the guy and he tells me that he has done Celtic 21/10/21 and The Rangers 1/12/21 all the way through

£3+postage