Why did the people behind Iceberg Press set it up?

The editor and the mission statement correlate as they believe in print. They want to bring back independent magazines.

2) What is the Iceberg Press mission statement? (It's on the Why Are We Here page and is a series of statements).

They do this for the audiences needs and views as they don't chase the money

3) What are the two magazines that Iceberg Press publishes?

The Simple Things and Oh Comely

4) What similarities do you notice between The Simple Things magazine and Oh Comely?

The star image isn't traditional and is simple in the sense that the focus of the magazines are different because it doesn't represent anyone in a negative way as there isn't a half naked woman on the front cover. They don't focus on the physical nature of the stars but their mindset and their skills.

5) What differences can you find between Hearst UK, publisher of Men's Health, and Iceberg Press?

Hearst owns most of the big brands of magazines and has a much wider readership and circulation.

Writer's Edit journal article

Read this excellent Writer's Edit academic journal article on the independent magazine industryand answer the following questions:

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

A magazine that isn't supported by large publications that control the publication and distribution of the mayazine.

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

They are going against trends that print readerships are decreasing.

3) What is the aim of Kinfolk magazine and what similarities can you draw with Oh Comely?

Simplify the lives of the audience and build more relationships. Oh Comely have a mission statement that their magazine is all about the audience.

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

They are a global niche and already have a strong online presence.

5) How do independent magazines launch? Look at the example of Alphabet Family Journal.

They created a short film to highlight the magazines mission stssysband fans donated to the organisation to help them produce the magazibe and gathered an online following, it took them ththr years.

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

It build a stronger relationship as they have an online following and a oerosnla connection with their audience using social media.

7) 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?

They have a lot more creative control, they aren't pressurised by a higher authority to create a certain way, it's more authentic.

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

Other creators working together create a more structured concept.

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

The nostalgia of using a traditional medium create a more subconscious connection.

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

Their rates of distribution are small and therefore cannot make a large profit to fund future magazines in a short period.


Irish Times feature

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?

Their content is more diverse and is set up because of passion. They can also gain a more loyal audience by having a strong online base first.

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

Advertising revenue creates profit more than sales volume, which won't be significant with small, independent magazines.

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

They have to know their audience. They have to select a big enough niche to attract enough attention, but also generate sales to where they will be e.g. The Irish national team fans outside a football match.

4) What are the challenges for magazine distributors?

Distribution is expensive and audience may not be as loyal to buying the print magazine when they see the magazine advertised, the conversion rates tend to be less than 1pc.

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


Sell graphic prints or T-Shirts. Maybe even launching a Patreon Page which is an online subscription service.

TCO interview with Ruth Jamieson

Finally, read this excellent interview on the TCO London website with Ruth Jamieson, who has written a book on the renaissance of the independent magazine sector. Answer the following questions:

1) Why does Ruth Jamieson suggest there's a renaissance in independent publishing?

It's never been easier to find an audience online and also to engage ekhw them.

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

Have to engage with the audience, be produced by passionate people and have somethjng unique enique enough to say. Have a focus with the reader than the advertiser.

3) How many of these aspects can you find in Oh Comely? Make specific reference to the CSP pages where possible.

The editors have something passionate to say by featuring diverse and niche feminist movements which are unique as they aren't represented by mainstream outlets. Oh Comely features barely any adverts and focus on the text and conversation more.

4) How does Jamieson see the future for the magazine industry?

It will become a more competitive industry and mainstream outlets will have to diversify and produce more quality content that focuses on the reader more. Diversification includes events and experiences.

5) How might this future impact Oh Comely? Do you think Oh Comely will survive the next five years - and why?

I think they will have to diversify more and more. They are produced by a small company that only has one other magazine. I don't think they will survive unless they find new ways of generating revenue while still producing content. They will need to have a strong online presence and loyal audiences that increase conversion rates to things like events, just like how Men's Health is doing.

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