I suppose it was only a matter of time before something like this came along and I have been anxiously waiting to see how this one pans out.  Launched in July, on seemingly razor-thin legal ice, it appears that beta site mygazines is still alive and kicking (not to mention enjoying the spotlight gained from a widespread AP news release).

The site provides member-scanned full digital copies of magazines, which can be browsed, shared, archived and even re-assembled to create aptly-named “mygazines”.  The site is hosted by Stokholm-based PRQ, “the world’s least lawyer-friendly hosting company“, which is also host to (and owned by two founders of) well-known bittorrent tracker, The Pirate Bay.

Interestingly, the site tour appears to be targeted at publishers, pitching itself as multi-faceted growth opportunity,  but most industry leaders asked aren’t exactly jumping at the “opportunity”.

Why should I upload my publication to mygazines.com?

• Our article-level search and archiving ability allows your audience to find the content they’re looking for faster
• Increase your distribution and advertising revenue by exposing your publication to more eyes
• Keep control of your publication: Mygazines will not allow for downloading or printing of your publication. Your original source file is never accessible.
• Save the trees – no paper will be used in the making of your virtual publication  

It’s absolutely free! Continue…