Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Monday, January 06, 2014
Production Schedule
To make sure that I successfully meet my deadlines, I have created a production schedule with the main tasks which I need to complete listed. I used Google Calendars to create this, as this is an interactive online tool which can be accessed anywhere, unlike a generic spreadsheet which has to be manually made available. The use of this tool generates a url which other people can view, creating cohesion for those tasks which require a group effort.
Sunday, January 05, 2014
Pre-production Planning - Facebook Page
Creating a test page demonstrates the refinement of my ideas, as well as taking my research further and acting upon it. Facebook was voted the most popular social media site in my studies, so the use of this platform is very appropriate.
Should I continue this aspect further, I would utilise various apps available to create a custom home page directed to another tab rather than the wall posts, which would list polls and competitions related to the magazine.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
Pre-production Planning - Paper Quality
Looking back to my primary analyses of other related music magazines, I used this information to determine the amount of pages of my publication, comparing those in a similar price bracket (£3.50).
Quality of paper is also a consideration, as glossier, thicker paper is more expensive to produce than thinner, matte paper.
As a direct result from the audience surveys, my magazine is priced cheaper than these publications at £3.50. Due to this price, I intend for my publication to have 100 pages, a gloss cover and matte pages, keeping the production cost at a minimum.
- The Wire - £4.50 - 100 pages including front & back
- Classic Rock - £3.99 - 140 pages including front & back
- Clash - £3.99 - 148 pages including front & back
Quality of paper is also a consideration, as glossier, thicker paper is more expensive to produce than thinner, matte paper.
- The Wire - gloss cover - thin matte gloss pages
- Classic Rock - high gloss cover - medium thick gloss pages
- Clash - matte cover - thick matte pages
As a direct result from the audience surveys, my magazine is priced cheaper than these publications at £3.50. Due to this price, I intend for my publication to have 100 pages, a gloss cover and matte pages, keeping the production cost at a minimum.
Friday, January 03, 2014
Pre-production Planning - Articles
Within the contents page, 20 articles must be referenced. Split into features and regular articles, these should interest the target audience as well as be relevant to the music genre of alternative rock.
As 39% of the target audience who are aged 16-21 listen to music for more than 5 hours a day, I wanted to maintain a clear focus on bands, with 84% of those questioned wanting to see interviews the magazine. Keen to keep the publication fresh and interesting, I shall add elements regarding bands which are conducted in creative ways other than a regimented interview style.
- Up Close is the section where more personal questions are put to artists that are perhaps glazed over by more mainstream publications. This is a section whereby artists can lay any rumours to rest, as well as declare any interesting information about their lifestyle and upcoming work. This more gossip-lead lifestyle section is appealing to the female target audience, who stereotypically enjoy reading magazines such as 'OK!' and 'Heat' in their leisure time. Somewhat of a guilty pleasure for most, this section is fully geared to the target audience, rendering it suitable for the regulars section in every issue.
- The most in-depth part of the magazine, more philosophical-orientated questions such as "what's the meaning of life". Purely for entertainment, this allows the artist to engage with the publication more, giving thoughtful answers, hence portraying a more heightened realism within the artist. This also allows the artist's viewpoints to be read by their fans, which are often hungry for information. As part of the 'regulars' section, I plan for this Q&A to stick to the same template of questions (around 15) which remain the same in each issue. This in turn encourages the readers to become familiar with these questions, and perhaps begin to ask their peers them. If nothing else, I plan for the readers to be intrigued about these questions, developing the more mature nature of the magazine.
- Choosing a recent song from the artist/band, Alt magazine analyses the lyrics with the help of the artist, uncovering their intended meaning and their significance with the artist. This is a more thoughtful section, which is very much focused on the music element, maintaining a clear focus within the magazine. Once again, this is a more mature stance which will be appreciated amongst the 16-21 year old target audience.
- The Alt Challenge is similar to popular food challenges which much of the target audience have participated in. From eating the fieriest chilli to how many ice cubes you can eat in a minute, these various entertaining challenges will both appeal to the audience as well as showing a lighthearted view to the artist which isn't always portrayed in the media. There is also possibility to record the event for the fans to view online on sites such as YouTube, further involving them in the publication. As this is listed in the 'regulars' section, I intend the Alt Challenge to become a unique element of the magazine which can be heavily associated with the publication.
- Album reviews were especially popular with those surveyed, with it being the second most-wanted element within the magazine. Catering to the target audience's needs once more, the inclusion of both album and live gig reviews will keep the readers interested, as well as giving a sense that their opinions matter, strengthening the relationship they have with the publication.
- As mentioned previously, the very high figure of those who listen to music for more than 5 hours a day clearly shows an interest and enjoyment in music. Therefore I believed it would be important to include a tailored chart section for the alternative music genre voted for by the target audience using social media. A monthly selection of 30+ songs will be voted on using social networking sites such as Facebook (which was also voted the most popular social media site) gaining a further involvement with the readers.
- Dubbed Alt Voice for it's connotations with speech, this section is where the readers can have their say about the alternative rock industry. Opinions are welcomed, even those which can be deemed 'unpopular'. A full-fledged rant page where people can get involved and show their passion for music. People can get involved with this through social media and the magazine's website, with the opportunity for comments to be made in a forum setting to directly respond and confer.
- To be advertised on the front cover, this is a further enticement to buy the magazine, and to some people a justification of the reasonable £3.50 price. I didn't want to include a freebie as I believe that this can cheapen the publication somewhat. A free CD often contains fairly unpopular songs which are somewhat lacklustre, and in most cases not the sole reason for purchasing the magazine. Because of this, I believe the offer of an competition is far greater, such as meeting a band or winning signed merchandise. Furthermore the winning of a competition encourages feelings of success and can be advertised on the magazine's Facebook page, giving good publicity for the publication.
- Females are quite stereotypically well-known for their shopping habits, which explains why 44% of readers voted a for a merchandise section. Adhering to stereotype, a merchandise section will feature both band and magazine related content, which would involve the magazine earning a profit from each sale. As well as a secure service for the readers to gain their genuine band merchandise, the inclusion of items such as wrist-bands and t-shirts which feature the magazine logo increase publicity for the brand. Appealing more to the younger end of the target audience, this is an avenue which could potentially gain both profit and popularity.
As 39% of the target audience who are aged 16-21 listen to music for more than 5 hours a day, I wanted to maintain a clear focus on bands, with 84% of those questioned wanting to see interviews the magazine. Keen to keep the publication fresh and interesting, I shall add elements regarding bands which are conducted in creative ways other than a regimented interview style.
Features:
• Cover Star Aggie Champion (own creation)
• Touring with the Coos (own creation)
• Album Success We The Kings
• Catching Up with Imagine Dragons
• Lunch with Arctic Monkeys
Regulars:
• Up Close:
- Foals
- Lorde
• Getting Deep with Haim
• 10 Facts about The Lumineers
• Lyric Lowdown the Foo Fighters
• Alt Challenge with The 1975
• Upcoming Artist
• Reviews
- Album
- Live
- Reader
- Reader
• Alt Charts
• Alt Voice
• Competition
• Merchandise
- Up Close is the section where more personal questions are put to artists that are perhaps glazed over by more mainstream publications. This is a section whereby artists can lay any rumours to rest, as well as declare any interesting information about their lifestyle and upcoming work. This more gossip-lead lifestyle section is appealing to the female target audience, who stereotypically enjoy reading magazines such as 'OK!' and 'Heat' in their leisure time. Somewhat of a guilty pleasure for most, this section is fully geared to the target audience, rendering it suitable for the regulars section in every issue.
- The most in-depth part of the magazine, more philosophical-orientated questions such as "what's the meaning of life". Purely for entertainment, this allows the artist to engage with the publication more, giving thoughtful answers, hence portraying a more heightened realism within the artist. This also allows the artist's viewpoints to be read by their fans, which are often hungry for information. As part of the 'regulars' section, I plan for this Q&A to stick to the same template of questions (around 15) which remain the same in each issue. This in turn encourages the readers to become familiar with these questions, and perhaps begin to ask their peers them. If nothing else, I plan for the readers to be intrigued about these questions, developing the more mature nature of the magazine.
- Choosing a recent song from the artist/band, Alt magazine analyses the lyrics with the help of the artist, uncovering their intended meaning and their significance with the artist. This is a more thoughtful section, which is very much focused on the music element, maintaining a clear focus within the magazine. Once again, this is a more mature stance which will be appreciated amongst the 16-21 year old target audience.
- The Alt Challenge is similar to popular food challenges which much of the target audience have participated in. From eating the fieriest chilli to how many ice cubes you can eat in a minute, these various entertaining challenges will both appeal to the audience as well as showing a lighthearted view to the artist which isn't always portrayed in the media. There is also possibility to record the event for the fans to view online on sites such as YouTube, further involving them in the publication. As this is listed in the 'regulars' section, I intend the Alt Challenge to become a unique element of the magazine which can be heavily associated with the publication.
- Album reviews were especially popular with those surveyed, with it being the second most-wanted element within the magazine. Catering to the target audience's needs once more, the inclusion of both album and live gig reviews will keep the readers interested, as well as giving a sense that their opinions matter, strengthening the relationship they have with the publication.
- As mentioned previously, the very high figure of those who listen to music for more than 5 hours a day clearly shows an interest and enjoyment in music. Therefore I believed it would be important to include a tailored chart section for the alternative music genre voted for by the target audience using social media. A monthly selection of 30+ songs will be voted on using social networking sites such as Facebook (which was also voted the most popular social media site) gaining a further involvement with the readers.
- Dubbed Alt Voice for it's connotations with speech, this section is where the readers can have their say about the alternative rock industry. Opinions are welcomed, even those which can be deemed 'unpopular'. A full-fledged rant page where people can get involved and show their passion for music. People can get involved with this through social media and the magazine's website, with the opportunity for comments to be made in a forum setting to directly respond and confer.
- To be advertised on the front cover, this is a further enticement to buy the magazine, and to some people a justification of the reasonable £3.50 price. I didn't want to include a freebie as I believe that this can cheapen the publication somewhat. A free CD often contains fairly unpopular songs which are somewhat lacklustre, and in most cases not the sole reason for purchasing the magazine. Because of this, I believe the offer of an competition is far greater, such as meeting a band or winning signed merchandise. Furthermore the winning of a competition encourages feelings of success and can be advertised on the magazine's Facebook page, giving good publicity for the publication.
- Females are quite stereotypically well-known for their shopping habits, which explains why 44% of readers voted a for a merchandise section. Adhering to stereotype, a merchandise section will feature both band and magazine related content, which would involve the magazine earning a profit from each sale. As well as a secure service for the readers to gain their genuine band merchandise, the inclusion of items such as wrist-bands and t-shirts which feature the magazine logo increase publicity for the brand. Appealing more to the younger end of the target audience, this is an avenue which could potentially gain both profit and popularity.
Pre-production Planning - Interview
The content of the interview must cover at least one full page, as well as giving an insight into the artist's life. A clear purpose should be maintained, with all questions relating to the music industry and/or significant current event.
As we are able to construct an artist for the purpose of the magazine, the focus of the article will be about the artist's recent career success and the challenges from their peers which they faced along the way. Open-ended questions which offer scope for a long answer will be used.
Main Article:
• With a grammy and two gold discs, do you feel you've succeeded?
• Do you think that being on the cusp of an increasingly popular mainstream genre helped your success?
• Do you think that fame is a burden?
• Are you really that ruthless?
• Why do you not like doing interviews?
• How do you deal with the negativity?
• Do you care what people think about you?
• Did you ever doubt yourself?
• What one piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
As we are able to construct an artist for the purpose of the magazine, the focus of the article will be about the artist's recent career success and the challenges from their peers which they faced along the way. Open-ended questions which offer scope for a long answer will be used.
Main Article:
• With a grammy and two gold discs, do you feel you've succeeded?
• Do you think that being on the cusp of an increasingly popular mainstream genre helped your success?
• Do you think that fame is a burden?
• Are you really that ruthless?
• Why do you not like doing interviews?
• How do you deal with the negativity?
• Do you care what people think about you?
• Did you ever doubt yourself?
• What one piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Pre-production Planning - Classic Rock
From looking at various print publications, it is rare to have the questions written in bold exactly as they were asked. In this article from Classic Rock, the questions are blended seamlessly into the article, or simply left out and replaced with a background to the answer.
My favourite article structure is that of Classic Rock's, which uses third person (shown in red) to offer a background of an answer, before switching to first person (shown in blue) for the answer, and occasionally the injection of a question. The juxtaposition of these two offer varied viewpoints, with the third person giving insight into the situation, and the first person giving the artist a voice, bringing the article back to the present. Should the whole article have been in first person, the focus of the article would have been shared between the interviewer and the interviewee. This conflict would have been distracting, and obscured the purpose of the article.
Despite this, I believe a more structured question and answer model would be more effective for my target audience. By keeping the information in chucks this breaks up what could be a daunting body of text.
The fluidity of this extract has inspired me to ask questions in a chronological order, with the questions eventually building to the main chunk of the interview; relating directly to the cover line and contents page text.
At the same time, this extract has shown the importance of long answers from the artist, so open-ended questions which I already have an idea of what the answer will be allow me to structure the article further.
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