In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

My product is based around the conventions of real media texts. The placing of the masthead is an example of this, like most publications it is in the upper half of the cover. I did this as I felt challenging this convention would be unlikely to yield satisfactory results.

 However, I did subtly challenge a convention on the front cover. It seems almost universally accepted that the barcode should be placed on the front, but I decided it would be placed on the back of my magazine. Throughout the construction of my product, I worked hard to ensure the atmosphere of the magazine was consistent throughout. I felt the barcode disrupted this and so moved it out of the way.

I have used the convention of house styles fully. I felt by abandoning it, it would have a negative effect on the creation of brand identity, in turn effecting sales. The house style extends throughout the magazine and even encompasses the main cover image. The man featured is wearing a red, black and white shirt, the same as my colour scheme. This forms an effective link between text and image, ensuring they don’t come across as separate entities to the audience.

I have developed the convention of the editors letter on the contents page. Rather than simply following the convention and writing the letter myself, I gave my work to a popular musician in the alternative rock scene and asked him to write what he thought of the magazine. This could potentially have a huge effect on the audience. Rather than having someone which the reader has limited knowledge about discussing the magazine, they have someone who they are familiar with promoting the magazine, and in turn increasing sales.

My double page spread also develops the forms and conventions of real media products. All too often, readers are alienated from reviews as they are written by someone whom they won’t necessarily identify with. A lot of reviewers in existing magazines don’t come across as fans, creating a coldness to the piece, and this can be frustrating for a reader. To combat this I have added a section called “What you said”. This is where an average member of the audience is asked for their opinion on the gig, giving a more fan based view so the audience can get both the reviewers analytical opinion and an average person’s more emotive opinion.