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An Online Magazine is a digital production of a printed magazine in circulation or a key interest area that may be developed further. Over time the term Online Magazine has come to represent several different Internet presentations of a publication, however it is now more clearly defined as the online only presentation of periodic general interest subject material. Online Magazines often give you what you expect from the hard copies of magazines such as feature articles and regular columns whilst a presentation of a niche or special interest area (a Zine) available only online is referred to as an Ezine.
Unlike traditional printed material these publications, use the power of the Internet for distribution. Online Magazines are published using either a PDF or HTML format, and sent out via email to a predetermined mailing list. Many of these Online Magazines allow free access to all components of the site, however there are some publications which require a subscription fee to access the premium content. Revenue is generated for Online Magazines through web site visitors, banner ads, online classified ads, product purchase capabilities (subscription), advertiser directory links, or affiliate links.
Online Magazines can also be referred to as a Webzine, primarily considered an ezine which is a periodic publication distributed by e mail or posted on a website. Thus a magazine hosted on the World Wide Web rather than in print.
Kozlowski, R. (2000) The Actor's Guide to the Internet: Chapter 7 [pg 52-58]. USA: Heinemann
Chapter 7 of “The actors guide to the Internet�? is a specific text in helping actors navigate around online magazines specific to their subject requirements. Kozlowski expresses his enjoyment of having the option of finding what he is looking for straight away rather than having to “browse at a bookstore for hours.�? He discusses the advantages and little extras that online magazines give you compared to the offerings of traditional printed materials, and the efficiency of new material being generated and uploaded in minutes not months. The chapter also examines the benefits of subscribing to online magazines to receive the little extras such as feature articles and e-mail updates. Kozlowski highlights a number of online magazines completely devoted to actors and the benefits and offerings of all. It is a specific piece of writing targeted at actors but it allows insight into how exclusive online magazines can be, and will allow a greater knowledge of the online magazine network.
Ambroz, J. et al. (01/2002) Emerging Technologies The Magazine for Magazine Management: 2/08/2005
Amroz’s article highlights the emerging technologies of today and how they are changing the way magazines are produced. This article also delves into other areas that the computers to plate production are transforming. Amroz addresses the historical printing formats to acknowledge and illustrate the advances technology has made over the years. The article questions the “stability�? of E-commerce, yet recognizes the power of such a force. As Amroz states, “Nothing can replace the value of in-person communication. But a variety of eCommerce applications have made it so those in-person meetings can focus more on creative endeavors rather than the merely mundane.�? To look at the past is to see into the future, and Amroz identifies within her article the advancements made over time. It is important to realise the development of printed magazines, in order to fully understand the advancements that digital magazines are capable of.
Ambroz, J. (01/2001) Tying the Web Knot - Print Magazines and Online Partners The Magazine for Magazine Management: 2/08/2005
The article identifies the advantages of finding the right Internet partner to give greater access to new customers for a publication. Ambroz gives numerous examples of successful partnerships between specific publications and Internet partners. These examples then lead the reader to guidelines on how to choose an appropriate Internet partner. The next step Ambroz identifies is considering the sit arrangement between partners. That is developing a whole new entity that establishes a form of co-branding and content sharing. It follows up to discuss the fee structures to consider and advice on how to have long-term success. This article will help identify ways in which to develop and sustain an online partnership that helps the advancement and success of magazine publications.
Hayward, M. (12/1995) Part 1 - Publishing on the Internet Publishing an Internet Magazine: Controlled Circulation Publications in an Uncontrolled Medium: 31/07/2005
Hayward’s research document is analysing and interpreting the shift from “permanence, towards ephemerality�?. (Hayward, 1995) There are two parts to this report, the first part examines the characteristics of print and online media in an attempt to situate the category of online magazines or as Hayward refers to them, “webzines�? within the publishing industry. Part two directly looks at a case study in which Hayward takes a detailed look into the production of the “webzine�? and the corporate structure within which it stands. Although a very interesting case study this part does not directly relate to the basis of this annotated bibliography. In the latter portion of the first part Hayward scrutinises the World Wide Web as a publication medium, which delves into what this new form of media offers and the demographics that have access to the World Wide Web. Finally Hayward address’ “webzines�? place within the Internet marketplace. This then delves into lack of “exchange�? in this medium, the models of advertising on the World Wide Web, and other sources of revenue that “webzine�? producers may obtain.
Moseley, B. (2002) Online Styleguides for Magazines The Magazine for Magazine Management : 2/08/2005
This article is an online style manual when it comes to designing and publishing your online magazine. Moseley considers the importance of having a style guide to develop a successful online magazine, and the valuable commodity the style guide could be to prevent miscommunication. The article outlines a ‘how to guide’ and instructs designers in a step by step process in the best way to develop a site. Moseley makes several recommendations along the way to help support the style guide. These are recommendations such as testing the site’s useability, updating the site and content periodically, and the advantages of online partnerships. He also highlights the important task of converting web surfers to web subscribers, enhancing the use of e-mail promotions, and finally utilizing promotions to take control in directing the online traffic. Such an article enables further research and insight into the inner working mythology of online magazine production.
O'Connor, A. (3/04/2001) Webzines' early bravado has sharply declined FTIT: 1/08/2005
In this article O’Connor talks about webzines and the threat they “once�? posed on their printed counterparts, and the defensive online strategies these publications employed. O’Connor evaluates the use of brand extension by traditional publishers and the basis on which these approaches were assumed. Examples are used consistently throughout the article to illustrate companies’ choices for such a tactic. The article also reviews the revenue techniques and sources of revenue used and available to the companies, in addition to the downfall experienced in the marketplace. O’Connor opens up the mind to the downside and failure of online magazines, as well as the ramifications this type of media can have on magazine publishers.
Webevents, (5/05/2005) Digital Magazine, Boom or Bust? www.webeventseurope.com: 4/08/2005
This article is discussing the emergence of digital magazines, and questioning whether this new form of media is the way of the future. Webevents evaluate the problems that publishers run into and how these problems in turn effect the transition of printed to online material. There is discussion of the economic advantages and disadvantages of digital magazines, citing that although the digital media is cheaper to produce the marketing and promotion costs replace the production savings. Webevents also establish that the primary problem hindering the transformation from printed to digital material is changing people’s behaviour. With poor revenue advertiser support, Webevents believes that if readers are convinced that both forms of publication are beneficial to them then the advertising dollars will follow. In conclusion Webevents is examining the convergence of these two forms of media and considering the possibility, in the future that printed to digital magazines may be what vinyl records were to CD’s.
Napier, M. (2001) Publishing Web Magazines... What are they? UKOLN www.ukolnconference.ac.uk: 4/08/2005
Unlike a website this publication is lecture slides used for the UK Online Conference. Napier answers simple questions such as, what are online publications, and in what forms do they exist. He defines what publication specifically are and the conformities they must adhere to. A slide is also devoted to the characteristics of each type of online publication, outlining how to identify the difference between them all. Napier then goes in to define every publication such as an electronic journal, web magazines, and webzines. It is an informative look into identifying characteristics of each publication and what actually makes them what they are. Such a PowerPoint can enable a greater knowledge in the ability to categorize online publications.
Sagan, C. (12/05/2000) Digital World Weinstein www.weinstein.org: 31/07/2005
Sagan discusses in his online report the interaction of the Internet and culture, and begs the ultimate question of “what does this all mean for our culture evolving technology?�? The report introduces the topic of webzines and what they actually are, but acknowledges the specifics varies from person to person. In addition to defining what a webzine is Sagan talks about an event which will “dispense�? and inform people about webzines. This event is about allowing individuals and groups time to speak with corporate entities and learn tools on how to publish their own webzine, in hopes of growing this part of internet culture. As Sagan said “Events, like Webzine2000 then, are designed to simply to bring together members of our society for an introduction and exploration of this new two-way information medium.�? The report also emphasizes examining, analysing and critiquing this information is just as important as accepting it entrance into today’s culture. This report is an interesting look into how a fellow Webzine publisher views the emergence of webzines, as it will facilitate future learning of the webzine society.
ID3. (2005) Magazine.net ID Cubed www.idcubed.com: 4/08/2005
Camilla Roberts 10:41, 12 Aug 2005 (EST)
