Online Magazine Analysis
Course: PB255 Online Magazines
26th January 2009
This is my web 2.0 analysis for my online magazines course. I have selected three magazines to review.
The Walrus offers a number of different ways to access RSS feeds, along with a variety of web-based news readers, such as Google and My Yahoo. The site also offers an RSS reader widget that enables browsers to view Podcasts or upload their own. The Walrus also has a burgeoning blog section, which tackles news events from around the world.
These features communicate the adaptive ability of the website and subsequently its relevance within a technological age. By offering more online, the magazine is also appealing to another demographic, a newer generation that naturally interacts through the web. For both professionals and the general public the RSS feeds are an efficient means of accessing desired data in a convenient manner.
Bon Appétit supplies thirteen web-based readers to access their RSS feeds, such as My MSN and Newsgator. The site also offers groups for the magazine on popular websites such as Facebook and Flickr, along with a dedicated YouTube channel that browsers can subscribe to. The blogs and forum section provides a space for informed discussion of topics related to the magazine and beyond.
The online magazine provides a different means for readers and browsers to interact with Bon Appétit content. The site targets readers of the magazine and those with a general interest in cooking, but publishing professionals can also access useful information in a timely manner. Marketers and advertisers can use figures for the number of hits/views in certain areas to bring more appealing content to both the online and tangible magazine.
Quill & Quire has a number of different web-readers through which to subscribe to the RSS feeds, such as Bloglines and Netvibes. The Quillblog also has a number of stories that can be saved, passed on and commented on through the “share this” feature, accessing over thirty social web services. The Q & Q Omni provides members with archival information and bi-weekly updates on news in the publishing industry.
All the features collectively appeal to an expansive social demographic by connecting with a variety of different websites. By projecting the Quill & Quire brand through many mediums the site reaches a wider audience and generates greater attention for the tangible magazine as well. The Q & Q Omni feature also ensures that publishing professionals have access to more information, faster.
