Industries: the appeal of print and independent magazines

 1) Writer's Edit journal article

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

A magazine which is published without the financial support of a large corporation or institution in which the producers control the publication and distribution.  

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

That there a small but growing body of evidence suggests that small printed magazine are quietly thriving even as the global newspaper and book industries falter. They aim towards a "global niche audience". 

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 from moving online. 

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

They try to keep a strong online presence.

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?

The independence will give them a sense of authorship and ownership: it is the best way for them to develop their own work. They keep a maintain a strong vision for their magazine without having the pressure to appeal to a wider market. 

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

That through the collaboration of likeminded creative people, the concept of a magazine community is established. The collaborators share their united version in print.

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

Internet fatigue is one main reason. People are tired of social media and internet and want a  break, which results in audiences reading actual print. Some magazine producers suggest that print is "something real that will never go away".

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

The challenge for funding for independent companies is that they cannot pay professional rates and their editorial management style comes at cost of inquisitorial journalism. The use of the high quality print justifies the high prices. The independent magazines are smaller in business which prevents a large-scale distribution. The distributers need to see where the more frequent readers are to chase their A market.

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?

They range in different topics and a have a subject matter which more far "diverse" from their production technique. They are driven by passion for their content and so are popular as they can reach the world.

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

The titles rely on advertising for their revenue and so the magazines are filled with adverts from the big conglomerates.

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

If you make a subject on magazine too broad the you will have too big of an audience, if you make it too specific then it will be small. If you make it just in between then you will have a good audience size. When you find this then other elements of the magazine and audience will fall into place. 

4) What are the challenges for magazine distributors?

One main issue for distribution is the cost of shipping and if they don't sell, then they have to pay for the shipping back, so publisher focus on taking risks on getting as many online sales as possible, which means you need to build your audience before publishing.  

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

If there was magazine on League of Ireland fan culture magazine , you can host events, sell graphic prints, T-shirts and perhaps set up a Patreon account where you could host football podcasts. 

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'?

Jamieson suggests the print is not dying but new media refocuses old media. Print provides luxury and allows you to immerse into the magazine and online magazines don't allow you to do the same. 

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

Internet is a driving force for independent magazines. Producers can access different tools and services to help them create their magazine. The house style of the magazines such as the typography are also common themes. They are also printed. The audience/readers react to the physical experiences of the print magazines.

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

The house style gives visual appeals. The Gentlewoman have their subject on the front cover bordered up like a photo frame and no cover lines. This is unconventional of magazine and so appeals to audiences due to offering something different. The mast head is also written all in lowercase. Due to being a physical copy, this would appeal to the audience through the physical experiences.