Industries: the appeal of print - blog tasks

 1) Writer's Edit journal article

Read this excellent Writer's Edit academic journal article on the independent magazine industry and answer the following questions:

1) What is the definition of an independent print magazine?

 It is a magazine which is produced without the financial support of a large company/corporation.

2) What does Hamilton (2013) suggest about independent magazines in the digital age?

 It suggests that magazines may not be dead as they are actually still growing and are aimed towards a specific niche group.

3) Why does the article suggest that independent magazines might be succeeding while global magazine publishers such as Bauer are struggling?

 They are struggling to keep readers away from online print.

4) What does the article suggest about how independent publishers use digital media to target their niche audiences?

They have to ensure that their presence online is strong so that they can attract audiences.

5) Why is it significant that independent magazines are owned and created by the same people? How does this change the creative process and direction of the magazine?

By being independent they will be able to be fully in control thus providing them with a sense of authority and control. This way they can focus on what they want.

6) What does the article suggest regarding the benefits of a 'do-it-yourself' approach to creating independent magazines?

The article suggests that a community magazine is created as all the people are working on it together thus all their creative visions can be expressed.

 
7) The article discusses the audience appeal of print. Why might audiences love the printed form in the digital age?

They may see print as an escape from the internet as people become tired of social media and would rather prefer a physical form of reading.

8) What are the challenges in terms of funding and distributing an independent magazine?

Due to not being owned by a corporation they are left to pay high fees for their employees ect as they cannot pay professional rates. They would also have to spend more on distribution as they would need to target their niche audience.


2) Irish Times feature on independent magazines

Now read this short feature in the Irish Times on the growth of independent magazines and answer the following questions:

1) Why are independent magazines so popular?

Niche magazines are able to target things that big magazines such as the GentleWoman are not able to which in some way is fulfilling.

2) Why is the magazine publishing industry set up to favour the big global conglomerates?

Inorder to survive smaller magazine companies survive off advertising but due to conglomerates using the advertising space also it becomes difficult.

3) What does the article suggest regarding finding an audience for an independent magazine?

Finding an audience is like the goldilocks zone, too big of an audience and now its too broad but to small then there will be money lost. It has to be just right.

4) What are the challenges for magazine distributors?

Due to having to spend high amounts when distribution is in process it has to be effective or they lose money, if they dont sell all that they distribute they lose out.

5) The article suggests that many independent magazines only make money by diversifying into other products. What examples do they give?

Selling graphic prints, Setting up a pateron account, Hosting events, A magazine on league of ireland culture.

3) Interview with Ruth Jamieson

Finally, read this excellent interview with Ruth Jamieson, who has written a book on the renaissance of the independent magazine sector. Answer these three quick questions: 

1) What does Ruth Jamieson suggest about the 'death of print'?

 

He suggests that print is not dying but that it provides users with a sense of nostalgia or luxury. He also says new media refocuses on old media.

2) What are the common themes for successful independent magazines?

 

Successful independent magazines will often have their own style of font or even their own house style. The house style gives users a visual appeal.

3) How many of these aspects can you find in The Gentlewoman? 

The front cover photo is boxed off which is unconventional which users may be into. The typography is also unconventional as it is in lowercase.