BSV Forum - General - Off-Topic

What you like to read

Oct 29 2010 06:46 pm   #1The Enemy of Reality
Hi everyone! I have a huge favour to ask you. If you have a couple of minutes to spare, would you take a look at the survey I made? It's for my uni class. We're supposed to create our own magazine and have to do research on what people would actually want to read. I'd like to create a magazine focused on culture (anything from books, through inpendent theater to photography) since majority of the magazines can't seem to focus on anything else beside fashion nobody can afford, celebs and gossip. I thought this would be a great place to look for such readership since you guys love to read and/or write. ;)

Here's the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KRBS5XX

It's just a few questions and most of them is just ticking off boxes. The more people, the better! I'd REALLY appreciate it! :) Thanks.
Oct 29 2010 10:27 pm   #2maryperk 
Hehe, I'd like a good magazine on being frugal that doesn't feature people who make six figure incomes.  People like me who have seven in the family and survive on $40k.
Oct 29 2010 11:15 pm   #3The Enemy of Reality
Oh yeah, you definitely gotta 'love' those mags where they feature fashion from runways that nobody can afford. Me and two other girls that are in my group are thinking more of a mag focused on culture and interests, the way people really live, and articles that normal people can actually relate to. :)
Oct 29 2010 11:59 pm   #4Spikez_tart
Enemy - how about book reviews of books people really read, like Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden.  I am sick of all the so called literary books getting all the attention.  They're just oh so precious and pretensious.  Makes me want to heave.  Or - art, theatre, etc. reviews and articles about versions that people can afford these days?  Being frugal in the entertainment area.
If we want her to be exactly she'll never be exactly I know the only really real Buffy is really Buffy and she's gone' who?
Oct 30 2010 01:05 am   #5The Enemy of Reality
That's exactly what that magazine would be all about. Not stuff people are supposed to want to read, but original/not mainstream type of features and topics.

I love Jim Butcher and definitely agree with you. It would be more about books like that, or books that aren't necessarily known by public, but are of great quality. The same goes for theater- it would be more about independent one, I think. Also, fashion- vintage shops where you can buy gorgeous and stylish stuff for really low prices. Also the art, music and movies- kind of more underground and quality ones rather than the pretty crappy stuff pop culture produces for mass consumerism.
Oct 30 2010 10:28 am   #6CM 
Yeah, lots of great urban fantasy books like the Dresden Files have been released, and the nature of the big bookstores means they only stay on a shelf for a few weeks. They need the the love to keep finding that audience. :)

Reviewing free local theater or concerts would be a cool thing to get regular people to do....lots of "regular" folk like the arts, or would if they knew how accessible it can be. I love that AAA magazine comes out in regional versions so members can learn about things to see (and places to eat) within a 2-hour drive. Something like that accessible to the general public would be neat.
Oct 30 2010 04:02 pm   #7The Enemy of Reality
CM ---- I agree with you completely. Pretensious books get more attention because I think people like pretending to be smart. ;) But personally, I enjoy books like Dresden Files much more than a philosophical book. I think urban literature, especially new authors, deserve the same exposure.

Exactly, you don't have to spend half your income to experience a good concert or exhibition. People could have more culture if they were aware of its availability.
Nov 01 2010 06:25 am   #8nmcil
I can tell you one subject that would be really interesting and helpful - Great Art Sites Online - and E-Books Free Online.  For parents - articles on outstanding books for children.  Also, articles that non lawyers could understand on Supreme Court Decisions.  Articles on The Constitution of the United States - most people, and that includes myself, don't actually know much about the US Constitution or historic Supreme Court cases. 

Articles that I think most people would like to have help with -  how to organize your home - Tips on how to get rid of clutter and how clutter really diminishes your home life.  Good articles on health and practical ways  individuals can help maintain their health.  Articles about personal success stories - not how someone made a huge fortune, but personal life success stories of everyday people.  Articles on fun art projects you can do with your children -

These are the kinds of things that I like to read about in magazines.  As far as literary articles - I find that most people who are very interested in arts and literature subscribe to specific magazines for the fields that they need and have a great interest in.  I subscribe and purchase magazines and periodicals for specific needs and interests.
” Recent evolutionary models have demonstrated what politicians have long known: the best way to get people to collaborate and to think like a group is to identify an enemy and charge that “they” threaten “us.”

Michael Tomasello is co-director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.
Nov 02 2010 12:41 am   #9The Enemy of Reality
nmcil --- Thank you for the website suggestions! I love online E-books and often search through them when I need something in particular. The target audience is women around 18-25 though, and the magazine is supposed to be based on the market of UK so the US law system doesn't really fit with that. I like the idea of personal success stories based on everyday people because this mag is targeting more approachable people, features that a reader can relate to.

You're talking about specialist magazines, which actually are longer lasting than general magazines because there are always going to be people that perhaps work in the area of their interest, and therefore purchase these magazines. Good to know some people still subscribe to print magazines, what with the online access we have nowadays to all kinds of information and articles.

 Closed