Magazines: Industries - The Appeal Of Print And Independent Magazines

 1) Writer's Edit journal article

1) What is the definition of an independent print magazine?

This special feature will concentrate on a rising segment of independent publishing that may surprise you: print magazines. Independent print magazines are defined as "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?

According to Hamilton, changing from print to digital media was a difficulty for independent magazines. This included developing digital versions of their magazines and maybe using digital subscription methods.

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

Likewise, independent magazines struggle to reach widespread distribution in newsagencies and other typical magazine retailers. Brimble’s realisation that independent magazine production is “10% creative, 90% hustle”(Brimble 2014) exemplifies this dilemma.

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

Independent publications can maintain a clear vision for their publication without feeling pressured to appeal to a larger market with each issue. "It is this literal ownership that distinguishes the idies from mainstream niche magazines, where the owner or the owner's delegate, the publisher, can hire and fire editors and art directors."

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?

Independent magazines often bring new viewpoints. They can explore into focused issues, cultures, or art forms that might not gain much attention in mainstream media.

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

The term “do-it-yourself/do-it-with-others” emphasises semiotic self-determination in how citizens formulate and live out their identities and actions as citizens” (Hartley 2010 241). It is through this collaboration that the concept of a magazine community is established.

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

Independent magazines are able to maintain a strong vision for their magazine without feeling the pressure to appeal to a wider market each issue. “It is this literal ownership that differentiates the idies from mainstream niche magazines,

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

When compared to bigger, public non independent magazines may have restricted budgets and money. This makes it hard to finance operational costs, pay participants, and invest in high-quality material.

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?

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

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

4) What are the challenges for magazine distributors?

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

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'?

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

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