May 18, 2012

Why have celebrity magazines become so popular?

There has been a notable rise in recent years in the interest shown towards so called celebrities and their ever changing lifestyles, by the ordinary public.
To be frank, in this present day and time, it is extremely difficult from anyone to escape from the glaze of publicity and intense media coverage, given over to those fortunate, or in some cases, unfortunate enough to dwell in ‘Celebrity Land’.

We dwell in the the telecommunication age where all social aspects of ;life are highlighted to the maximum, showcasing the highs, and the lows, the rise and the fall of those whom have caught the media attention. [Read more...]

The rise of niche magazines compared to mainstream magazines.

The technological age has brought to us many new and wonderful ways in which we can confer with one another, sharing our thoughts and ideas, and possibly dispelling the notion that we individually harbour thoughts and ideas that no other human shares.

Technology has successfully bridged the gap between communication from one country to another, making conversations more sociable by initiating the participation of a wider group or audience all at the same time.

Through the emergence of blogging and the rise in blog sites, it has fuelled the rise in magazines and periodicals aimed at particular areas of interest, hobbies and pastimes.

Identifying whether or not a magazine fits into the category of niche or mainstream is very easy to identify. If the subject matter or topic covers areas that are commonly known or widely accepted as the norm by the general public, or if the subject matter is ‘tried and tested’ a million times over, then it is more likely belonging to the mainstream  magazine group, with the lions share of subscribers.  However, if the magazine covers topics or areas not widely accepted as the norm, and is unique in its approach, avant-garde or ground-breaking in it’s communication techniques, with a faithful, regular, smaller band of readers or subscribers, then this tends to fit in with what we call a niche magazine.

Changing times brings with it changing attitudes and practices. Now more than ever, we see people wanting to embrace their uniqueness, and willing to nurture and express their individuality.  An increase in hobby pastimes, or individuals turning hobbies into professional business ventures is on the increase. [Read more...]

Which is the best gardening magazine, how popular are gardening magazines.

The number 1 outdoor activity that unites and caters to both old & young as well as peoples from all walks of society, regardless of creed or colour has to be gardening.

It is an activity that is enjoyed by millions of people world wide, and provides a avenue of relaxation and enjoyment like no other, and provides a beneficial and vital income to many.

Gardening has been around us for centuries. It has helped provide us with such beautiful, exquisite gardening delights that are a marvel to view. Gardening has helped nurture our understanding of the millions of flowers, plants and shrubs, exotic and home-grown, expanding our knowledge and appreciation of their very existence.

Gardening has helped secure a multitude of dedicated followers, whom diligently research and study all aspects of gardening, fine tuning their skills to master the art of creating beautiful pieces of work of art with plants, flowers and foliage, utilising the vast array of colours and textures that only nature can confidently and effectively create [Read more...]

Most popular fishing magazines and guides.

Sea angler

Sea angler

If you were to ask me what I know about fish, my answer would be limited only to the culinary side of things,in regards to Angling, I can safely say that my knowledge base in this area is zero. So you can imagine my sheer horror, when asked by one of my dearest friends, whom happens to be a keen angler, if I would join him for a spot of fishing one weekend. But before I could find an adequate excuse, I found myself spouting out,”Certainly, how about this Saturday!!!”

So not wanting to look a complete idiot, and faced with the prospect of spending part of the weekend involved in an activity that I know absolutely nothing about, I resided myself to researching as much as I could into the world of fishing!

So, of I went searching for books,magazines and guides about fishing,  to see if they were capable of turning a complete novice like me,into a a much more knowledgeable Angler. [Read more...]

How to set up a magazine, how to get it published and printed.

I am sure that many of us have pondered on the idea of possibly venturing into the world of magazine publishing & magazine promotion, and running our own magazine. We as a nation of readers have spent many hours reading or browsing through the many thousands of periodicals, glossy and other, that cover a vast array of topics, hobbies and general current affairs, news and information..

We have from time to time analysed and criticised the contents we have read, and announced boldly to ourselves that we could easily do better.. given the chance.

But if we were willing to make that chance a reality, would we really know where to begin? Where does one start when its comes to magazine publishing & magazine promotion, talk less of the many applications of applying the vast knowledgeable database of information, facts & fiction we may harbour in regards to our favourite pass-times & hobbies, ready to go to print…

Magazine publishing & magazine promotion has acquired many new tools of implementation and management over the last decade, especially since the explosion of the internet, social networking, the computerised age, computer software & applications becoming more accessible and easier to afford.

Ones first thought should be, What topic will the magazine cover? This question is extremely important, as it identifies which route we will follow in regards to magazine publishing & magazine promotion. The topic we may decide to choose for our magazine should not deter us, especially if there are other magazines covering the same topic. For instance there are thousands of magazines covering fashion, but each of these particular magazine’s can contest to having their own volume of dedicated readers, however one must erk to caution in regards to setting up a magazine, that though it may spark interest and excitement with you individually, it may not have the same impact on the general public. [Read more...]

Make Your Magazine Successful

Magazine publishing is a complex process by itself. To get good stories, writers have been adept in the field of research and writing. A good and mutually beneficial relationship with the publisher and broker or seller is another thing to consider. Before the magazine sails smoothly, there are snags along the way. But this should not dampen the mood. Instead, pick up the lessons and introduce changes and interventions. A good magazine finds its way to the reader through magazine subscription or sold at outlets. Packaging the magazine is an important factor for it to get mileage and readership. Success in magazine publishing is manifested in the number of copies printed and gathering a huge circulation. Consequently, magazine revenues or profit margin should increase. [Read more...]

How To Write A Good Story

Journalism is challenging career because there are so many stories and news to cover. The world will never know what goes on without journalists and reporters, whether in broadsheets, magazines or any other format of publication. Every hour has a story to tell and imagine if there is no one can can document such an event. Writing a good story of a niche magazine requires an eye for details, research skills, writing skills, creativity, organising skills, among others. Most journalists and reporters are bound by journalism ethics and protocols in writing their news story or articles. Some are serious writers whilst others are enigmatic. There are also those who have the ability to inject good humour and colour in their write-ups. What makes a good piece depends on the writer’s creativity and how to make an interesting news story or article.

Steps In Writing A Good Story
Reporters write in a more serious format, straightforward, explicit and concise. Feature writers, on the other hand write freely and more descriptive. The reason is to put more interest and create a scenario for the reader to relate with. [Read more...]

Money From Magazines and Magazine Publications

Magazine publication can be a lucrative business while providing information and entertainment to the general public. But this also requires capital investments such as writers’ fees, publishing fees, taxes, printing, among many others. Money is an important element in magazine publications because without it, the concept will never see print. Fortunately, there are ways of recouping expenses for publishing magazines. Doing the normal routes and exploring other means demand some business acumen on the part of the publisher. After all, publishers cannot afford to lose even in the midst of economic chaos.

A typical magazine advertisement

Magazine advertising is one of the revenue centres of magazines. But to do this requires advertisement solicitors who are good at sales. The marketing strategies and marketing people in a publishing company must be aggressive and always alert to scout for advertisers. Many corporate advertisers know the value of mileage that magazines can bring. Advertising rates must be competitive, commensurate to the advertisement placement in the magazines. Moreover, magazine advertising entails creative tag lines and photos, if possible. While there are lay-outing tools and applications, having an artist is an advantage.

Magazine revenues from subscriptions are also possible. Packaging magazines is a vital component to gather subscribers. Providing discounts, coupons and other marketing gimmicks can be explored to give to the subscribers. Part of the marketing strategy to generate magazine revenues is to give discounts to annual subscriptions. It may sound like wholesale, but the idea is to ensure that the subscriber benefits from the magazines, as well as get more value for money.  Subscribers would always want to feel important. Hence, it is best to provide them with significant value. [Read more...]