Essay- Comparing 2 Double Page Spreads

                      The ‘We Love Pop’ double page spread is an interview with Tulisa. They kept the magazine logo in the corner; however they have changes the name to ‘We Love Tulisa’ so it relates to the interview and also makes to Tulisa seem powerful and important. Instead of a straight forward title, they have used an extract from the interview which may be controversial therefore encouraging people to read on. The introduction seems like they are having a general chat however they are still keeping it relevant to the interview. This makes the reader feel that they be having a friendly chat with Tulisa rather than just a formal conversation, and this will appeal to her fans. The questions again are in chat form but they are still relevant to Tulisa and her current jobs and activities. They are extracts and quotes from the interview scattered across the spread and this breaks it up into sections and makes it much easier to read. Another interesting way to make the interview easier to read is the way they have highlighted certain parts of Tulisa’s answers so if the reader only wanted to quickly read the interview, they have the opportunity to do so. The pictures are relevant to the questions and are position next to a specific question. For example, the picture of Tulisa with Co-judge Nicole is found right next to the question asking about if the judges get along. At the end of the first page, there is an arrow to indicate that the reader should turn over. Similar to this, at the end of the interview itself is a little heart (which relates to the ‘we love pop’ name) to tell the reader that they have come to the end of the interview.

                 The ‘Q’ double page spread is an interview with Biffy Clyro. It looks much more serious compared to the ‘We love pop’ interview and this, may reflect the audience of both magazines. The title is ‘A round with Biffy Clyro’ which refers to a round of drinks. This seems to relate to a more masculine thing to say so it may either reflect the type of band they are or it may reflect the ideal reader.  It also makes it seem more like a chatty interview and this is also shown through the questions. The questions seem more general chat questions which anyone could ask to anyone and doesn’t relate to musicians at all. This may appeal to fans as it gives them an opportunity to discover the real band. The layout follows a common interview convention, with the question being asked and the answer beginning with the band member’s name. In the corner is the ‘Q’ magazine logo, and also similar to the ‘we love pop’ interview, there is a Q and the end to symbolise the end of the interview.  The picture is an action shot, and on the picture is another image saying ‘Winner: Best Live Act’ which is represented through the action picture of the band.

            Although both these interviews follow common interview conventions, they also both have their unique ways of appealing to their target audience. I may adapt some of these techniques into my double spread layout, such as the symbol at the end of the interview and the quotes scattered across the pages. I may do something more like the ‘we love pop’ interview rather than the ‘Q’ one as I am also creating a pop magazine.

ESSAY- Comparing Magazine Contents Pages

Contents pages are a vital feature found in all magazines, including music magazines. They typically include page numbers to articles, pictures relating to the cover or article and a page number. 

                                    The first contents page I am going to analysis is 'We Love Pop' which is a pop based music magazine. I paid particular attention to this contents as I am also making a Pop magazine. First thing I noticed was the continuing use of bright colours, which reflects the target audience which I'm assuming is girls aged 9-16, which is very similar to my target audience. There is a editors column which relates and gives extra exclusive content on the main article. I also noticed the title doesn't bluntly say 'Contents page' as it says 'WE LOVE THIS...' which may make the reader then feel that this is amazing content therefore encouraging them to read the magazine fully and then maybe also encourage them to read it monthly. The other features of the contents page includes; page number, pictures relating to articles, the magazine logo, and summaries or extracts from features. 

                                   The second contents page comes from 'NME' which is aimed at rock and alternative music. There is not a bright colour scheme compared to 'We Love Pop' however, there is a consistent use of red to make page numbers stand out. another thing that red is used for is to make the advertisement stand out. The advert is to promote the subscription deal of the magazine. The title, like the last magazine is not 'Contents page' but is 'Inside This Week' which although is not basic , it is also a lot more formal. The font constantly changes throughout page, but stays in a formal manner. This may represent that they want a wide range of different music tastes that are different in the magazine to be taken all seriously and are all just as important as any other genre. Again, they also use pictures and summaries and extracts.

                                 The next magazine is Q magazine. The target music genre is similar to the previous magazine but focuses slightly more on the rock side. A similar aspect is the use of red, used to to make page numbers stand out as well as feature titles too. The date can also been seen on the contents page. Something different that this page does is the title which plainly says 'Contents page' Maybe this was chosen to keep it simple and not over complicate things. This contents page, although formal in font, language and colours, also presents a comical side, with cartoon characters drawn around the double spread layout based on well know musicians. The pictures show a mixture of posed photographs and ones of performances. A subscription advertisement is also used which is maybe something i could interpret into mine.  

                                My final magazine is 'Mix Mag' which is aimed at people interested in dance music. First thing I noticed is the representation of girls on the contents page alone. It shows mostly females in a swimming pool in bikinis drinking alcohol. This magazine, however is aimed at both genders so this may be the norm in the clubbing scene. Even though the colours on the background and writing is quite plain and simple, the central pictures come off as quite vibrant. This may represent a club as the seating area is usually dark, but the dance floor, usually located in the middle of the club, is known for being bright and colourful from the lights. The features have been sorted into categories which I think is a good idea if someone was looking for a quick read and was trying to find the most things they relate to. I find the font interesting  as the letters seem to be divided in the middle, so as the magazine is aimed at both male and female, it could represent two people.   

                            From looking at these 4 contents pages, I have seen basics that i should interpret into my contents page including; page number of the contents page itself, thought into the title, colours and fonts which reflects the music genre and the use of the pictures. I have also thought of new ideas along the way such as using categorical methods, advertisements of extra features, and an editors column. 

                              

Comparing Two Music Magazines Covers -ESSAY

There are many different music magazines available based on the different music genres. The two magazine covers I will be comparing are ‘Total Guitar’ and ‘Terrorizer’ Both these magazines fit into the rock music genre, however rock as many sub genres which these two magazines do not match. For example ‘Total guitar’ aims at tame and general rock fans, whilst ‘Terrorizer’ falls into the heavy metal genera. This means that these two covers will use slightly different techniques to advertise to their chosen target audience.

                             The first magazine I am going to analyse is ‘Total guitar.’ The title, firstly, is a bold, plainly coloured title which could reflect the seriousness of the magazine, meaning they may take their music seriously. The title follows a font scheme that is used in all issues. This may be to make it easy for a regular reader to find this specific magazine. The main feature of this issue is a Green Day interview. This is made clear by the fact that the green day logo is the first thing people will see, even before the name of the magazine, by placing it in the centre of the page in bright, bold lettering. The band is associated with bright pink colours and the fact that the magazine have used this colour to highlight other features on the front cover could indicate that the band are so important and successful that they are taking over the magazine and destroying their serious look. At the top of the magazine, other bands are mentioned and this could make the magazine appeal to a wider audience and in the long run make more profit. Also a free gift is advertised, which could encourage someone to buy the magazine even more. 

                          With the ‘Terrorizer’ magazine, the name of the magazine in a font that looks like it is dripping, which could be associated with blood and appeal to the target audience. The main picture is of a member of a band, who is wearing dark colours and is showing an angry facial expression which again could advertise the magazine to the target audience. There is little writing on the sides of the magazines, and this may be to show the background more clearly. The background is a gloomy sky affect, linking into the mood and tone set by other features of the cover. The colour of the writing is a white/grey colour, looking like a stone, which reflects the tone of the music, which is a hard rock. Two bars are seen going across the top and bottom of the page, which is seen on news channels showing breaking news, so this could show that their news is update and is a must to know and extremely important which again makes the reader one step closer to purchasing it.

                           From looking at these magazines, I have gained some ideas on how to layout my music magazine. For example I know to stick to a particular colour and font scheme which may reflect the genre of music the magazine is based on. I also know to advertise the main feature more than focusing on making the title clear, as I have learnt that people are attracted the magazine based on the main picture/title. An idea that I saw on the ‘Total Guitar’ magazine was to use a certain type of language technique, such as using pro nouns like ‘your’ to relate and connect with the potential reader.

Magazine Publishers

Magazine publishers are the reason for magazines being successful. They are responsible for managing circulation, sales, production and editorial. Some publishers act as an editor to a magazine, but most like to leave initial ideas to other employees. Here are some well known publishers:

Bauer Media

 Bauer is now the largest consumer magazine publishing company in the UK, playing a primary role in the Women’s Weeklies, Women’s Interest, Women’s Lifestyle, TV Listings, Puzzles, Men’s Lifestyle, Music & Film and Specialist magazine markets. They have roughly 400 magazines, more than 100 websites and around 50 radio and TV programmes They produce magazines such as 'Take A Break', 'Bella', 'TV Choice', and many puzzle magazines. Their main ethos is to continue to innovate, driving its business and the ever-evolving magazine market forward. The main business of the Bauer Media Group is print business. Nevertheless, the company is reacting to the growing importance of digital media at home and abroad with investments and has established a position over the last few years with a broad range of digital products.

Source: http://www.bauer.co.uk/

National Magazine Company

The National Magazine Company is responible for Hearst Magazines UK.Its major interests include magazine, newspaper and business publishing, cable networks, television and radio broadcasting, internet businesses, TV production and distribution, newspaper features distribution and real estate. Hearst Magazines UK publishes 20 consumer titles in the UK: All About Soap, Best,Company, Cosmopolitan, Country Living, ELLE, ELLE Decoration, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar, House Beautiful,Inside Soap, Prima, Red,SugarScape, Real People, Reveal and Zest. The group publishes three magazines, Men's Health, Runner’s World and Women's Healththrough Hearst-Rodale UK.

Source: http://www.hearst.co.uk

Future Publishing

Future publishing is an international media group responible for Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, Digital Camera, CrossStitcher, Total Film, T3, Digital Camera, Computer Arts, Windows: The Official Magazine and Guitarist. Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today they have operations in the UK, US and Australia creating over 200 specialist publications, apps, websites and events.The publishing company hold market-leading positions in thier core sectors: Technology, Entertainment & Video Games, Sport & Auto, Music and Creative. Future attracts more than 38 million monthly unique visitors to thier digital properties websites; and they deliver over 100 digital editions and bespoke apps on tablet devices.They sell 2.2 million magazines every month, and export or syndicate to 89 countries, making them the UK's number on exporter and lisencer of magazine content.
Future is the Association of Online Publishers’ Consumer Digital Publisher of the Year.

Source: http://www.futureplc.com/

IPC Media

IPC Media is repsonible for magazines such as; Soaplife, Now, Teen Now, TV Times, Style at home, Shooting times, Pick me up, Uncut, TV Easy, NME, Look, Boat Owner, In Style, Ideal Home, Marie Claire, Horse and hound, Good to know recipes, Essentials, Feelgood Games, Golf Monthly, and cycling weekly amongst many others.IPC Media is committed to working in partnership with its consumers, advertisers, business partners and employees to deliver exceptional value, service, innovation and creativity. 

Source: http://www.ipcmedia.com/

Conde Nast 

Responsible for magazines such as; GQ, Vanity Far, Glamour, Vogue, GQ style, Tatler, Easy living, Brides, Love, Weird, Conde nast Traveller,  The world of interiors, and other magazines,Conde Nast is home to some of the world's most celebrated media brands. Conde Nast Combines the power of their brands, the passion of their people and their broad consumer reach to help support meaningful change in the community and the world. 

Source: http://www.condenast.com/

BBC Worldwide

BBC Worldwide is the commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). We exist to maximise the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the licence fee payer by creating, acquiring, developing and exploiting media content and brands around the world. We also focus on creating value from BBC content and showcasing British talent both in the UK and international markets. In the past five years the company has invested over £1bn in the UK's creative sector making it a major supporter for this increasingly important part of the 'UK plc'. We also sell programmes and formats produced by more than 200 different UK independent producers. In 2011/12 the company saw sales rise by 5.4% to £1085m - exceeding the £1bn mark for a fourth year.BBC Worldwide's total returns to the BBC rose by 19% to a record £216m in 2011/12, taking the returns to over £1.3bn since 2004. In April 2009, the company was awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise recognising the company's substantial growth in earnings over the past three years. BBC Worldwide operates under the BBC Charter and Agreement, which sets out the following four commercial criteria with which our activities must comply. BBC Worldwide must:

• Fit with the BBC's Public Purposes as set out in the Charter;
• Be commercially efficient;
• Not jeopardise the good reputation of the BBC or the value of the BBC brand;
• Comply with the BBC's Fair Trading Guidelines and avoid distorting the market

Source: http://www.bbcworldwide.com/about-us.aspx#about 

Hachette Filipacchi 

Hachette Filipacchi was founded by Louis Hachette in 1826 when he purchased the Librarie Brédif. Hachette was purchased by Matrain 1980, a firm associated with Tenot & Filipacchi. Hachette Filipacchi was nationalised in 1981 but remained a publicly traded firm.In France, Hachette Filipacchi Media publishes 47 magazines, including Action Auto Moto, Elle France, Entrevue, France Dimanche,Ici Paris, Joystick, Le Journal de Mickey, Parents, Paris Match, Jeune & Jolie, Pariscope, Photo, Première, Télé 7 Jours, Top Famille Magazine and TV Hebdo. It also publishes dailies La Provence, Nice-Matin or Corse Presse. HFM also owns 25% of Éditions Philippe Amaury, which publishes Le Parisien, L'Equipe and other sport magazines. 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachette_Filipacchi_M%C3%A9dias




 

Analysis of contents pages

In media this week, we analysed 4 different contents pages using this chart. I never took into consideration the techniques used to make contents pages, but all in all I found them all very welcoming and, like the cover, encourage the reader to read the many articles/interviews

Magazine Cover Analysis

This magazine is aimed at teenage girls. To make the cover appealing to them, the editors have filled the magazine with celebrities who's fan bases consist of teenagers. The main interview is advertise clearly, using the picture of one direction as the background for the cover, as everything else is layered on top of the picture and therefore is the biggest thing on the page, and again showing it is the main feature. The magazine name 'Teen Now' is the top layer. I think this is effective as it is like you are peeling back the layers, the same way you would read the magazine. Most of the features are advertised on the front, such a posters, interviews and fashion pages. The colour of the title is pink, which can be associated with love, therefore implying that you will love the magazine. The second part of the title is white, which is associated with purity. This could imply that the magazine is suitable for a teenage audience. Instead of using particularly persuasive language, the magazine have added little circles with words such as 'wow' which is telling you how the features would make an impact on you. Lastly saying the word 'plus' makes the impression that you're getting more than what you pay for, which is a further reason for a teenager to but this magazine.