Monday, 8 February 2010

Product Placement

Music magazines are sold almost anywhere. They’re sold in newsagents, music stores like HMV, supermarkets or even online. There are hundreds of different music magazines that each offer their own ideas and styles. For me the most common place to find music magazines is in supermarkets or newsagents. As technology increases online sales unceasingly replace physical purchase in newsagents and shops. Recently music magazine sales have dropped, NME dropped 27% on sales for the first half of 2009 compared to first half of 2008, it may be because of the fact that all businesses are feeling the effects of the credit crunch or it might be that the contents of the magazine simply does not interest enough people, either way it is very important to make my magazine stand out from all the other magazines but also important that it is sold in the most popular manners with one of the most popular producers to ensure that my magazine proves to be a success. It is also very important that my magazine has exclusive information for its content because with the internet it is easy for people to find out information via the internet for free. Magazines like Q and NME which used to be very popular have declined because of this and the £3.50 price tag. Because much or music magazine sales is done over the internet now it would be advisable to make my magazine friendly to the internet market with specific offers that will appeal to the internet market.
IPC is a magazine producer producing popular music magazine NME, which have been very successful. It would be a good idea to join this producer as my magazine would be promoted with the likes of NME pushing my sales to the maximum potential.

Real Media Artifact - Double Page Spread (2)


The image is large and simple and doesn’t overwhelm the double page spread and not taking all the attention away from the article which the reader has bought the magazine for. The colours in the image white and black work with the font colour and background colour which are black and white respectively. Jay-Z is in the centre of the image and it’s a long shot so we can see what he’s wearing; jeans and t-shirt, which shows the article is going to be a laid back, relaxed article.
The title of the article is in a clear bold font that catches the eye of the reader as they flick through the magazine pages. The subtitles pull quotes, questions and drop caps are all in red so they stand out from the rest of the article. It also makes the page more interesting so the reader isn’t overwhelmed by tonnes of boring black text and making them not want to read the article.
The columns are all the same length which conforms to the codes and conventions of double page spreads in magazines. This also makes it easier to read for the reader instead of it looking like one huge essay, it looks like a few columns of text
.

Real Medi Artifact - Double Page Spread


The image is a clear picture that spreads across both pages as the background to the page. None of the writing obscures the part of the picture with the interviewee in it to tell the reader who this article is about without reading a word.
The title and sub heading are in a clear bold font in a colour that stands out impressively against the darker image behind it.
The articles itself is split into three columns all of equal size which conforms to the code and convention of the column alignment. The main section of the image would also fit into the column which also conforms with the codes and conventions of a double page spread.
Each column has a plain background which is a similar colour to the image behind so it doesn’t stand out, but the text does making it far easier to read for the reader.
The page number and interviewee’s name are on a white band at the top of the page so the reader can find a specific page just by flicking through the pages.
The questions in the interview are in bold unlike the answers which make it easier for the reader to tell between question and answer, again improving the ease of reading for the reader.

Real Media Artifact - Contents (2)


The contents page is set out in a clear, simple and easy to read layout. The fonts are bold and simple so they catch the eye of the reader and are easy to read at a glance. The page numbers are a different colour from the title which makes sure they are easily noticeable and won’t be looked over making it an easier read for the reader. All the titles are simple and easy to read without causing great strain of thought making it easier for the reader.
Using the expression; “Exclusive” makes the reader feel they are getting information that they will only get here.
Most of the pictures include a drum which relates with the name of the magazine “drummer”. The other two pictures the people are in the centre of the image showing that page is about them so the reader does not even have to read but can find the page they want through the images.

From Mrs S

Your analysis is good, just do the double page spreads then move on. I'm impressed with the amount of effort you're making

Thursday, 4 February 2010

Miss D

Well done- good analysis, now move on to product placement and then how the research will inform your planning

Real Media Artifact - Contents


The content is a simple lay-out and it’s well organised so it’s easy to read and does not overwhelm the page and whoever is reading it. Because the contents is meant to direct the buyer to certain pages it needs to be clear and easy to understand which this magazine does very well.
Splitting the contents into; features, reviews and every month sections means it is easy for the reader to understand and find specific sections they are interested in.
All the sub-titles are short and snappy so the reader can glance through them to find a specific page.
The name of the magazine is shown and the titles or each section are highlighted so there easy to read and clear. The page numbers are all in a different font colour so it stands out clearly and is easier to read.
There are pull quotes and captions used to explain the images. This helps direct the reader to the main features in the issue of the magazine.
Each sub-title has a description underneath to explain them. This makes it clear and easy for the reader to find a topic they would be interested in.
There are very few pictures and because each subtitle is explained it shows that the magazine again is based more up on the content and is probably a higher quality magazine.
The images on the contents page are long shots of the people being interviewed this is so the reader can see who is being interviewed. The people are in the centre of the image which shows they are the main feature of this issue of the magazine.