Magazines - Industries - The Appeal Of Print

 

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?

A magazine published without financial support

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

Small printed magazines are growing faster

Calls it a global niche

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

They are using the digital media to their advantage unlike Bauer

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

With strong collaboration

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?

It creates a family perspective and feel

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

People with expert knowledge of a special interest area can potentially take over low barriers.

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

It creates culture and community and is more beneficial

8) What are the challenges in terms of funding and distributing an independent magazine?
They rely on subscriptions to make money

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 create a feeling of community for audiences.

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

It is more reachable/ accessible and more known, therefore more likely to gain subscriptions and earn more money

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

They have to create ideas that cross into mainstream as well as be original

4) What are the challenges for magazine distributors?

Attracting audiences, persuading people to subscribe, price

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

Mainstream products