Meaning behind the title

Behind the music magazine title, there always should be a meaning. I have been interested recently to find out about couple of magazine and on why the plublishment companies called the magazine as what they did.

Why is Q music magazine called Q?

Originally it was to be called Cue (as in the sense of cueing a record, ready to play), but the name was changed so that it wouldn't be mistaken for a snooker magazine. Also, they thought a single letter would stand out more in shops.

Why MIXMAg is called as it is?

To the certaint extend it could be argued that, MIXMAG stands for Mixing Magazine. This lareads give the audience of which genre the magazine would- House, Electro and other sub-genres in this area.

Meanings behind my music magazine title

Beofre choosing the title of the magazine you should certainly read this post, as it would give you greater  understanding on which name to choose. 

        

BPM stands for beats per minute and refers to the number of beats that occur in a minute of time for a given piece of music. BPM is a measurement of tempo. The importance of BPMs is demonstrated when beat matching, which is a style of mixing. This style is based on the concept of having 2 different songs with two different BPMs that are not perfectly matched with one another. The goal is to get the two songs to match by either increasing or decreasing the speed of one or both songs, until their BPMs level out and match one another.

Ampex- is an American electronics company founded in 1944 by Alexander M. Poniatoff. The name AMPEX is an acronym, created by its founder, which stands for Alexander M. Poniatoff Excellence. At one time public, Ampex is currently a privately held company. This is where originally electro and house music originates, and its important to know the history of the genre. 

    

   Futurist   - The terms most commonly refer to authors, consultants, organizational leaders and others who engage in interdisciplinary and systems thinking to advise private and public organizations on such matters as diverse global trends, plausible scenarios, emerging market opportunities and risk management. This term could  also be used in the music industry. The production comopany who signs a future talent could be descrived as the futurists, as they believe that the artists would bring success and reputation. In this case, if the magazine would be called futurists then it would vastly concentrating on future artists that would be popular in the nexat decade or so.

Rhythm- may be generally defined as a "movement marked by the regulated succession of strong and weak elements, or of opposite or different conditions."This general meaning of regular recurrence or pattern intime may be applied to a wide variety of cyclical natural phenomena having a periodicity or frequency of anything from microseconds to millions of years.

Chorus

A solo section based on the main melody of a popular song and played by a member of the group

All of the definitions had been taken from Wikipedia.  Now make your choice and choose your favourite magazine title. THANK YOU

NAMING THE MAGAZINE

I have put up five different titles that could be used to call my music magaize. Help me to choose your favourite one, PLEASE :D

QR Code

Sorry for the large spacing between the images, but i was not able to fix it due to the technical issues. However, the content of the blog is good- so read it! something very original ;DDD




Due to the vast improvement of the technology, adaptation is crucial. Today, many businesses use QR Codes in order to promote their products either by sending a link to the website, video or giving the audience a small text.


What is QR Code?


QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be read by many cell phones and smartphones. The codes, which are small squares with black and white patterns, appear in a variety of places, such as magazine and newspaper ads. A QR code is used to encode some sort of information, such as text or a URL.


The "QR" in QR codes stands for "quick response," as the codes are designed to be read quickly. QR codes can be read by dedicated QR code readers and by some cell phones. To read a QR code, your cell phone will need a camera -- so it can snap a picture of the code -- and a QR code reader. You can find many free QR code readers in the various app stores for different phone platforms.

Example of the QR code

Once your cell phone reads the code, the information that it stores is shared with you. You may be taken to a URL where you can watch a movie trailer, or you may be given details about the company you saw advertised. You may even be presented with a coupon for a local business.




By using the internet, I went to do a little research in order to understand how many businesses were able to promote their products through the use of QR Codes. 

This is a perfect example, where a business had used Google Map in order to inform the audience of the business existence. As soon as the person, opens the link he? she would not only be able to find out the location of the outlet on the map, but also the opening times, link to the websites and reviews from previous customers.
































QR Codes in the Magazines

Cover Page

QR in the advert Pepsi

Content Page

Conclusion


I have not fully decided if I would use the QR Code, but for sure have taken into the consideration. Now its the time to create my own one, which would give a link to my blog. 

And this is what I came up with, may you try and give me feedback if it work with your phone. 


In order to genreate and create my own QR Code, I have used http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

This is the task which the class had to complete before breaking out for the christmas holidays. The task included to insert couple of images, the title of the article and an article itself onto the double page spread. As the result, the task helped me to be more confident with InDesign- which I would probably use to create my double page spread.

Music Genre Associations

I have put together another mindmap, which in this case had been done online using bubbl.us. I have dropped down couple of words which have a direct association with the music genres which I have chosen to concentrate on. By making the mindmap, I was able to choose top five words for my music magazine title. The next blog would include, on explaining on why I have chosen these specific words and the blog after I would to  create a questionnare for other members of the class, to choose what would the most suitable name for my music magazine.


These are the five words which would be included in the questionnare

• BPM ( Beats per minute)
• Ampex
• Futurist
• Rhythm
• Chorus

Exploring the Media ( pages 116- 128 )

Over the holiday, the task for our class had been to read through one of the chapters about the magazines from Exploring the Media and to analyse and pick up any useful information that could be included either on to the blog or the written exam.

There are many different aspects of the chapter which I have not only found interesting to read but also learnt something new about this specific topic.  The chapter itself largely concentrates and tries to understand the ways in which the magazines target and appeal to their audiences and the ways in which different audiences respond to different magazines.

To get a better understanding about the magazine, there was  a direct comparison done with another source of media- newspapers. These differences include: Magazine coverage is often more detailed but with less timely information. Furthermore, magazines are weekly, fortnightly, or monthly while newspapers are daily and cover topics of general interest for a specific geographical area.  The biggest point is that the magazines content and audience are more specialised and focused.

 I have not done an analysis of the cover page or the content page yet, but one of the pages from the chapter, would seriously help to complete the task. In order to analyse the cover page these are the aspects, which the audience should look at:
- The title of the magazine
- The strap line or tagline
- The fonts and the colours used
- The main image
- The anchorage and cover lines

Furthermore, there are other tactics that may range from the use of stars and celebrities and cover- mounted ‘freebies’.

Shall I consider of including a free CD inside, an interview with the ‘star’?

In the previous blog, I have undertaken a research about of the magazine called MIXMAG and the production compoany. The magazine industry is dominated by major publishers, with a few notable exceptions like the Big Issue and Private Eye. IPC ( American owned company)- publishes the magazine which include NME, Nuts, Loaded etc. Bauer is the German company, with the second highest circulation levels, publishes magazine which included FHM, Empire, Heat etc.

‘’Many popular commercial magazine titles are global and are published in different countries. FHM, publishes 28 international editions and Cosmopolitan has 59 editions worldwide. This globalisation of the magazine industry suggests that the magazine producers make stereotypical assumptions about their audiences.’’ I found the paragraph, quite fascinating as on how larger publication companies were able attract large target audience from all over the world, with the same product.

The chapter goes on discussing and comparing three different magazines able to attract the customers and how they were able to achieve the objectives being set.

The chapter looked at these particular magazine- Total Film, Grazia and 2000 AD. But I am going to concentrate only on Total Film.

How the magazine able to achieve to achieve high circulation levels?

T   The content of the magazine is well structured and includes five main chapter

<     A lot of finance comes from advertisement, which also target at similar audience with similar needs ( games, gadgets and technology)

     The mode of address in Total Film is playful, masculine and youthful- specifically aimed at male customers in average age of 26. 

Analysing Mixmag Magazine

Mixmag

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In this powerpoint which I have created, I have undertaken a research in order to understand how does Mixmag attracts the audience in order to read the magazine. By the name- MIXMAG, it already gives an impression that the magazine would be dance and electro style of music as Mix would stand for Mixing. As mentioned on one of the last slides, Mixmag attracts audience by having articles and photoshoots with famous people which gives them possibly a competitive advantage. On the first slide, we can pick out that by also having free CD's inside, the likely of the person bying the magazine would certainly increase.

These are other key areas which I have covered in the powerpoint

• Publisher
• Frequency
• General Information
• History
• Examples of the Cover pages

Music Magazine Genres

I have put together a small diagram of different genres which I could possible choose and use for the music magazine. The genres which I am going to use for the magazine would be either Dance and Electronica or Pop and Chart music, or maybe even both. As the result, due to the chosen genres, it would play an impact on: articles ( especially style and writting and language being used) that would be written by the editor due to the specific interest of the target audience. Furthermore, the colour and the fonts that being used would most likely be colourful ( orange, red, yellow and so on..)which would make them stand out in comparison with other magazines on the shelf. The adverts that are included in the magazine would also be either promoting some DJ equipment, for the dance or electronica magazines or informing the audience of the future festivals or concerts of the certain artist in the pop chart music magazine. Also, the artists of the cover magazines would be very stereotypical, especially the outlook of them.

These are the magazines which I would most likely to study and analysis for the next task, as the match with similar target audience which I would be aiming at. I would be looking at cover pages and the contents pages in order to understand why the slaes revenues are high and what gives the magazines a competitive advantage.

·         VIBE ( Chart and a bit of Electro Music)

·         MIXMAG ( Dance and Electro Music)

·         XXL  ( RNB and Rap music)

Circulation of the Music Magazines

Music magazine circulation

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In this powerpoint, my concentration had been placed on the circulation which the magazines produces in the certain time period. Even though, in the third slide the data given is taken from 2009 it is still useful to study on how the technology affected the levels of sales which the magazines produces. On the last slide, I have taken the data from 2011, and the sales of some magazines had decreased dramatically whilst the others had improved and gained new customers.

In the Powerpoint, there is also an indication of the target audience of the magazine. I have undertaken a research on Q, Mojo and Vibe, and it was very interesting as the different target audience would play an impact on the tone, language, articles and even adverts that being used in the magazine.

Even though, there had a small amount mentioned about the effect and impacts of Internet on the magazine. I would do another powerpoint concentrating on what the customers would prefer to do: have a paper copy of the magazine or read the articles online which are free? In order to find an answer I would ask couple of my friends, about their personal opinion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audience Feedback

Feedback

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This powerpoint had been very useful for me, in order to understand especially what the target audience is mostly interested in. I have asked twelve students from different age groups, to fill in the questionnare which I have given out specifically, that the age groups and probably interests would differ. I am planning to make a magazine which would be targeted at both sexes, so by asking people what bands are they interested- this would help me improve on my articles.

The aspects in the magazine which I would certainly would include are: CD Revies and Fashion Section. Couple of my friends had told me that its not only the conent which includes Music Products but also Fashion Products which make them buy the magazine.

For one of slides, I have mistaken $ for £ sign. So when it would come to creating the magazine, the currency would the pounds.

Audience Research

How old are you?

What gender are you?

What is your favorite music ( place these genres in order. 1- most favourite, 2- least favourite)

House

Electro

Pop

RnB

How much are you willing to spend on the magazine?

£3.00

£4.00

£5.00

What bands or artist(s) would you want to see in the music magazine?

How often should the magazine be published?

Monthly   

Weekly

Do you usually open the website of the magazine? ( if yes, how often?)

Do you listen to the radio? If yes, please list the stations, which you prefer the most

If ‘freebies’ would be included in the magazine, what would be the most interested in?

A ticket to festival

CD

Another Magazine

Link to the website eg. Purchase free song

T- Shirt

What aspects should I include in my magazine? ( List three please)

Interview with the ‘star’

Photo Review/ Articles about previous event(s)

Photo shoot

Celebrity Gossip

CD Reviews

Fashion Section

Technology Section

I would carry out a research which would include twelve people in order to gain some feedback. I would print out twelve copies instead of asking people to open the blog. 

Cover Page Analysis

Presentation1

After I have analysed the cover pages of the music magazines. I have made a small powerpoint to show what aspects of the cover pages I have covered

Cover Page Analysis- MIXMAG

Mixmag is a British electronic dance music and clubbing magazine. It styles itself as ‘ the world’s biggest selling dance magazine’ ( which could be seen on the strap line). Mixmag is launched in 1982 in the UK, which covers dance events, reviews music and club nights. On the top left hand corner, we can see that, inside the magazine there is a free CD included, which is certainly a good way to attract the audience by giving out ‘free-byes’.  The title magazine is Mixmag which stands for Mixing Magazine, that already gives an impression that the articles would be about house and clubbing life. There is a variety of fonts and color schemes that have been used. The main colors are pink, black and white, which is a good mix between different tones. The pink, in this case, is associated with beach, summer and party. The pink is being edged with black and white to make it appear solid and bold. These types of fonts and the use of bright colors would help the magazine to stand out and attract customers attention. The sequence is- the larger the size of the fonts would outline bigger importance or maybe the length of the articles. The headline of September’s 2010 Mixmag magazine would be a large interview with Swedish House Mafia, who are very popular amongst the house music industry. Not only Swedish House Mafia but also other DJ’s and artists are included and mentioned on the cover page- Eric Prydz, Deadmau5 and Annie Mac. Whilst other magazines largely concentrate vastly on music, MIXMAG also cover other aspects- Fashion and Future Events and Tips ( this is shown both on the right and left hand columns of the cover pages). The main image on the magazine is Swedish House Mafia. The audience can pick up about the genre of music which the group plays as they are wearing very bright clothing, wearing sunglasses and holding an alcohol drink on their hands. The atmosphere of the image is very friendly, positive and relaxing. The image itself had been taken in Ibiza, where the group had been holding an opening of the event.

On the bottom right corner, there a link to the magazine’s website but also the price overseas. This gives an impression to the audience that the magazine is also popular in other countries as well.

Editor  Nick Decosemo

Publisher Delepoment Hell LTD


Firtst Issue February 1983

Cover Page Analysis- Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone is a US- based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks.The Rolling Stone’s masthead uses the same font style in every issues creating its house style, which is the style of font, colour or layout which is unique and consistent with that particular magazine, helping readers to identify the brand. The title of the magazine is in red, which is very eye- catching, this helps to attract the audience. This front cover relies almost entirely on the main image to sell the issues with just the masthead, a lead article and a sky line. On the image is Jay Z ( famous hip- hop singer and producers) who is known world wide. The size of the image is certainly a close up,with the face big enough to stand out at the news stands, with the singer making eye-contact with the audience to draw them in. ( even though Jay Z is wearing a pair of sunglasses). In comparison with other magazines which I have looked at,Rolling Stone does not advertise any freebees or giveaways in this issue, relying totally on the quality of the content of the issue and the recognition of a known name brand. As we can see, there is a wide range of articles which the magazine covers, not only music. Rolling Stones highlights political and eco- friendly issues in the article sequence. With the masthead in  red allowing the branding of the magazine to help with the sale. The main image is very picturesque and classic, appealing to a more sophisticated target audience. Giving the magazine much more of a intellectual, academic and serious context then other music magazines like NME. This view is intensified by the cover article on the oil spillage, which ads a level of maturity to the magazine. This gives an understanding  about the target audience of the magazine, I would say both sexes between the ages of 20-35, due to the tone and more formal language being used, the age boundaries differ in comparison with Mixmag or Vibe. 


Editor Jann Wenner


First Issue November 1967


Company Wenner Media LLC

Cover Page Analysis- VIBE

Vibe is the music and entertainment magazine founded by producer Quincy Jones. The publication predominantly features R&B and hip hop artists, actors and entertainers. The magazine owed its success to featuring a broader range of interests than its closest competitors The Source and XXL, which focus more narrowly on rap music. After shutting down production in Summer 2009, Vibe still attracts vast amount of audience through the use of Internet. This is the issue of December 2007 and the price of the magazine is £4.99. On the front cover, there a medium shot of the hip- hop singer called Keyshia Cole. , Keyshia is also known as ' the Princess of Hip- Hop', not only due to the outstanding production of songs but also due to the look. This could be argues is a very stereotypical image as many covers include a woman gazing into the camera. In this case Keyshia is represented as sultry, alluring and showing lost of skin for the male gaze. The image already gives a clear indication of who the potential target audience of this particular magazine. The target audience of the magazine is vastly men, between 16-32 years old, who are very interested in the hip hop industry.  Furthermore, the image could certainly help to increase and boost the sales levels of the magazine, as the male audience would want to see more photos from the photo shoot inside.  The cover uses warm but at the same time very powerful and eye catching colors- red and white. As the issue of the magazine is before Christmas, color red would represent in the theme of love and passion. The color red, as already mentioned eye- catching, which could possibly lead to the competitive advantage where the audience would pick up the VIBE magazine instead of other publications. On the top of the page, there is a strap line, which outline one of the key articles which the magazine includes. The title of the magazine, has a very big font in order to been seen from far, but Keyshia’s body covers half of it, so the title is to be seen on the background. On the left hand side, there are other famous artists which are mentioned- Nelly, Bow Wow etc., which gives an understanding that there are many interviews included. These are big names in the Rap industry making the magazine seem more important in comparison with the direct competitors. The cover lines certainly differ in size, but the main articles either written in bold or bigger size of the font, this had been made in order to outline what this issue of the magazine would vastly concentrate on. In this case, the magazines outlines two major articles- '' American Beaty Keyshia Cole'', and '' 51 best Myspace rappers'. By looking at those specific articles, I can understand what kind of audience ( age, lifestyle and gender) the magazine is trying to attract and persuade to buy the magazine. Even though the cover lines range in size and color but the font is generally the same.

Furthermore, it is important to outline the price of the magazine. Vibe costs around £4-£5, which would certainly have a direct impact on the quality and possibly the quantity (number of pages) in the magazine. In my opinion the quality of the magazine is high, which is proven by high circulation levels (approximately 900,000).

Editor-in Chief Jermaine Hall


Company InterMedia Partners

Content Page Analysis- MIXMAG

The header on the page is useful information for the reader. It includes title of the magazine, titel of the page and the date that the magazine had been released. The colour schemes on the page is black, pink and yellow. The use of black helps the image to stand out which brings close attention and concentration on the image. These particular colour schemes certainly match with the style and genre of the magazine. The main feature is clearly displayed as the largest image on the contents page. Its size represenets its importance in the magazine. This image shows an event where a lot of people have gathered around in order to celebrate. The message of the group- shot, is to show that people are part of somethinng bigger and that you could be present there aswell. The font is used consistent throughout the page, which keeps continuity for the theme. This font had been used in many 'Mixmag' issues, which, has helped to provide identity for the magazine. Font used for the page numbers in the two images is quirky which adds to the theme of 'Mixmag'. The genre of msuic that is promoted in this magazine is also quirky ( Electro and House) so adds to the theme. Furthermore, on the content page there is plenty of updates included which particulary had been designed for the fans. Magazine does not just talk about the music but others in the dance music scene such as the latest fashion etc. Also has a feature on the latest music keeping the fans updated showing a positive relationship between the consumer and the customer. As the result, this leads and helps the reader get what they want as the magazine keeps them updated on the latest dance music scene. Mention of freebies to remind the readers of what is on the front cover and to entice. All the text and images on the page are square. All the lines are clean and it makes the magazine look well and presentable, which leaves a good impression on the readers.

Content Page Analysis- VIBE

This contents page is a copy of the November 2008 issue of Vibe magazine. As we cann see the title of the piece is positioned at the top of the page, however, what is very interesting about the page is breaking down the word- Contents into three different piece, which bring a sense of originality to the magazine. The title on the page, had not only been made at the biggest font size, but also in bold in order to demonstrate the importance and be more eye- catching. Furthemore, we can see, that the image is highlighted and prioritised in comparison with the text, on the bottom right hand corner.

The image on the page is of the same subject used on the front cover. This creates consistency throughout the publication because the reader can connect the front page to the contents of the magazine. This image is a mid shot, therefore showing much more of the subject. The professional and political theme has been carried on through the colour scheme on this page. Although it is not the same as the front cover, it is black, grey and white, which mirrors he colours used as a mark of the American recession, which many of the target readership should be able to relate to. The background of the page is white, which creates a dramatic contrast between the black font and the rest of the page. The page also has a grey ‘V’ in the background, the signature identification of the magazine. This ‘V’ is obscured by the image of Barack Obama, whose attire matches the colour scheme of the page, with his grey tie, white shirt and black suit. Obama is smiling in this image, therefore creating an inviting atmosphere. The image has been place slightly off centre on the page to allow space for the contents listings.On this contents page, the listings have been divided into sections, features and fashion, and the titles of these sections are in a different typeface. A serif font has been used, which is much softer than the sans serif font used on the rest of the page. The page numbers are in bold black font and the titles of the features are in bold grey font. This allows them to become points of reference so that the reader doesn’t need to read the entire listings to find what they are looking for.

Double Page Spread- Mixmag

Double page spread analysis- Mixmag

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Double Page Spread- iDJ

What really strikes me and bring my attention is having an image of an artist- Skream, being palced above beneath the article text, which is odd as he is supposed to be a big feature within the magazine yet he does not dominate his part of the page - something that I now know should be taken note of when I create my own DPS.

Another flaw is that his name is incredibly small considering; the quote about him is written in larger, bolder font, which is even bolder than the standfirst which is a bit awkward to read.

Visually, they have gone for a grungey, urban theme, making the pages look like worn scrapbook or dirty cardboard, suggesting an imperfect, rough-around-the-edges suburban DJ. The text in the upper right which reads "Players of the Year" is written in an urban, graffiti font which also emphasizes the general theme.

It's a very informal article and has a bit of unnessacary swearing to confirm that, with silly sentences like "any old muppet can work their cock off" really making sure that no formality is suggested. However, this is somewhat effective as it makes the DJ and interviewer more relatable to the reader, as they are not holding themselves back or creating a false impression of their personalities. Furthemore, through the use of foul language we can certainly pick up the target audience of the magazine, which probably would male readers between the ages of 16-19.

Comparison of Music Magazines

For this task I have undertaken a research about different music magazines. This is the type of information which I was looking for:

• price
• number of pages
• sections of magazine
• number of pages per section
• sample of advertising
• types of articles

To conclude, the task had certainly helped me to understand how much normaly the magazine would cost. Usually the quality of photography and paper would have a direct influence on the price being set. In this case, Classic Rock has best quality pictures and the price of the magazine is £5.50, which is a pound or ecen two more than other magazines.

All of the adverts are very similar to each other as they either try to promote a band/artist or a festival. Other adverts inlcuded- a clothing website where you could create your own T-shirt. I need to look at different magazines, as the genre of music is very similar between the magazines which I compared with ( Classic Rock, Rock Sound, Q etc). Due to the target audience of the magazines is similar, it would reflect on their general internets.

Furthemore, it is very interesting how the magazines are trying to promote Christmas and events happening during the holiday either making an article or two or an interview the 'star'

Coursework Feeback Sheet

After the class had completed the Front Cover and the Conent Page of the Student Magazine, the teacher had given us the feedback on what things we can improve on and what was good about the blog.

Things to Improve on:

• there is no detailed analysis of a front cover and contents page
• Both pages are good but show potential for development
• Both pages could also be improved by some stronger photography
• Need to pay attention to detail and spend more time on drafting the final pages
• Need to go a bit further- everything what I have done is good but I need to push myself and try different ideas to secure the grade

The feedback is very imporant as it gives me an understanding on what aspects of the cource I have to improve on. In this case, even though I have done all the task up to a 'average' standard, I should really push myself and improve.

Action Plan: Music Magazine

5.12.11

• action plan
• compare magazines
• do a photoshop task ( remake the cover magazine)

12.12.11
We  would only have three days until we leave for the Christmas holidays

• collect the data together for the audience research
• start doing Internet research

Christmas Holidays

• Internet Research- institutions and readership feagures
• textual analysis

2.1.12

• if possible I would do the photoshoot during the holidays, if not do the task to be completed when I would come back to school
• layout designs- start looking at Dafont, consider possible fonts and styles to use

9.1.12

• Create page layout for cover, conent and double- spread page. create two different so the students can choose their favourite one

16.1.12

• Finish all the tasks from previous weeks if they are not completed on time. If they are, then I should start creating and putting the final piece together

23.1.12

• making pages (Front Cover)

30.1.12

• making pages ( Content Page)

6.2.12

• making pages ( Double Page)

 Half Term

20.2.12

• audience feeback

27.2.12

• evaluation

                                                                                                                

I am finished!!!

Finally, the day has come!!!! It took me a long time to create the school magazine and to blog all about it but there is much more to come when I will start blogging in a week time about the main task- music magazine

Evalution

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

The conventions of a student magazine are a background picture that relates to what the magazine is about and usually a mid close up is the most effective type of background picture. A catchy and bold masthead is a good thing to have in order to draw the viewer in and to represent what the magazine may be going to contain inside. Eye catching cover lines help to explain a little more about the magazine without having to actually open it, so things that would really appeal to students are a good thing to have on the front cover. Putting a website on the magazine is helps to advertise the magazine further. A bold reasonable price should be used on the front cover in order to attract students, but if its too cheap it could effectively make people think it’s going to be a bit rubbish, but in my case the price for the magazine is free, which is vastly voted by the students as the would not want to spend any money on the magazine. The biggest element on the front cover of the magazine should be the most exciting article, for example if you were interviewing someone famous this should be represented big and bold.

I think that I have done all of these but the thing I did slightly differently to conventional magazines is that the foreground of my picture is in colour whilst the background is in black and white.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

I think that my magazine has represented teenagers in general and I don’t think that it is specifically aimed at students but I definitely think that this would attract students more because it is not specifically aimed at college or school based subjects. The language which I have used is simple and easy to ready which in some cases could be argued that would attract more customers as there no complex language present. Overall, the representation is very positive and friendly, proven by the smiling faces of the students.

                                           

What kind of media institution might distribute your product and why?

I think that there is a gap in the market for student magazines, in shops and newsagents it's mainly music, or lifestyle, or motor, or hobbies, or girls or boys but no students. Viewpoint should be sold in local shops, school shops or even online where the student can log in or open the website. My offers a wide range of articles which already suggests that the target audience is wide, both male and female. Even though there is already a magazine being published at St. Edmunds College, about school, VIEWPOINT would be a good idea to be read by the students as well as the articles are aimed particularly at them! Furthermore, if the magazine would be sold in other school the articles would need to be adapted as section SCHOOL would be irrelevant.

Who would be the audience for your media product?

Before I started even creating the magazine and making any draft, I wanted to find out some information on who my possible target audience would be. Through the use of questionnaire, which I have asked ten students from sixth form to fill in, I was able to find out some crucial information: the target audience would be both sexes which meant that information provided would have to be interesting for both male and female students. Furthermore, the magazine would be aimed at older students (Year 11-13) as the articles would be about health and university advices. It is very hard to describe a stereotypical profile of the student who would be interested in reading the magazine, but some factors could include: the student is concerned about the future, interested in news, music and different gadgets.

Key points

Gender: Both

Target Audience: Year 11-13

How did you attract/ address your audience?

In order to attract customers, the product has to be either unique or very interesting in terms of content. In my case, I think the cover is very colorful and eye-catching which already brings potential customer’s interest. By making my magazine FREE, the number of students who would read the magazine would increase dramatically, as they don’t have to pay any money at all. In my cover, the medium close- up of two students, gives an idea away of who the target audience would be . In terms of content, there is a wide range of articles and stories included, as students would be interested in different sections of the magazine.

Furthermore, by creating different competitions where the students could win a prize of either 10 pounds or a free ticket to the Christmas event, the magazine would find that the ‘sales revenue’ would boost dramatically.

Why would someone buy my magazine? Not only due to the fact that the stories included are very interesting and well written and the front cover and content page would attract many customers, the editor has massive experience in media industry  :D 

What have you learn about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

I have used a wide range of programs in order to create the final draft of the front cover and the title page

·         Camera- I took couple pictures of my friends

·         Photoshop- I have used this program in order to edit pictures, for example, make the background in black and white

·         Scanner- I have used scanner couple of time- to scan the answers from the questionnaire and the front covers of the school magazines which I used for the textual analysis.

·         Printer- I have used printer in order to print out the questionnaire which I have give to ten students

·         Microsoft Office- before posting any information to the blogger, all of the typed out text is being done using Microsoft word.

·         Blogger- this is the website where the students keep the track of all the work done through out the year

·         InDesign- in order to create a Content Page

Dafont- where I have taken my font from