Industries: the appeal of print - blog tasks

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 that is published without the financial support of a large corporation or institution in which the makers control publication and distribution

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

A small but growing body of evidence suggests that small printed magazines are quietly thriving even as the global newspaper and book industries falter

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

Magazines produced by large companies like Bauer Media and News Limited in Australia are struggling to keep readers from moving online. In contrast, those behind independent magazines use digital developments to their advantage, and have a strong online presence. These creators set their own terms and rely on collaboration to achieve them.

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

Independent magazines use digital developments to their advantage, and have a strong online presence. These creators set their own terms and rely on collaboration to achieve them.

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?

"Small print runs of well-executed magazines marks a greater appreciation of graphic design, community and also a cultural push away from trend-focused mass-market publications that tell people what they should be doing and buying." It keeps the production in the smaller more creative minds rather then the big monopolies telling them what to do.

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

Crowdfunding campaign.

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

It gives them a break from the internet, Internet fatigue, which feels like a deload for some.

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

“small publishers often have to rely upon good peer networks to develop readers for their publication”

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?

These are magazines that play with the form, from open binding to multiple paper stocks. Their subject matter is as diverse as their production techniques, from mental health to trans rights, from football to street wear. They are driven by a passion, both for their content, and the printed form, and thanks to technology, they are able to reach audiences around the world.

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

These are the titles that rely on advertising (rather than copy sales) for revenue. They have a relatively cheap cover price (a 12-issue subscription to Vogue UK costs less than £20), and are filled with adverts.

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

The independent titles are reliant on copy sales, as their print runs are too small for advertisers and the media agencies that represent them. Go to an independent magazine shop like Magculture in London or Do You Read Me? in Berlin and you will be hard pressed to find an indie title for less than a tenner.

4) What are the challenges for magazine distributors?

Shipping boxes of magazines is expensive, and with publishers taking all the risk (they pay for both shipping, and if the magazines don’t sell, the price of shipping them back), it’s key that publishers focus on getting as many direct sales online as possible. This goes back to building an audience - the more people aware you exist, the more people will purchase your magazine. 

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

The Gentlewoman, The Gourmand, Cereal and Kinfolk

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'?

"New media doesn’t necessarily replace old media, it just refocuses its role."

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

Typography, to the paper stock, to the content, to the calibre of the contributors is outstanding quality.

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

Everything about this publication is of the highest quality, this includes the typography, paper stock, content.