Curse

I Might Avenge U · Nov 29, 2007, 11:47 PM // 23:47

All the reformations have finished being typed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nian

I think it's a nice idea but it needs some work. Since you are still sort of taking ground for yourself and starting out, having too strict qualifications can be a bit disorienting. In the last mag I think the articles were rushed because of the sudden deadline. Concentrate more on what's in the articles instead of the layout. Give writers enough time and inspiration etc. Money is nice but it isn't an instant solution to other issues or raising the bar.

The article sizes could be a bit too long. 4-5 pages is where it gets boring and repetitive when the writers run out of actual content. That's why there should be more smaller articles. Also about the guides...maybe a fun magazine should concentrate more on funny/silly gossip articles revolving around Tyrias famous NPC's instead of guides. How about Devona's secret bikini photoshoot scandal, an interview with Shiro on his goals in life or something of the sort. A fake made up gallup on who thinks Varesh is hot etc. Consider also including "fan fiction" as "reader written novels" etc. An article about farming could be: and article about some player chara tending an actual farm and giving guides on how to plant potatoes... Tyrian history is also an interesting topic. What went on when the gods were still living in Tyria, history of the Mursaat and past kingdoms etc.

Ok so that's just my opinion and it's really up to you. Nevertheless good luck with this project! I hope you don't find this post offensive. I rarely critizise and you aren't directly asking for crits either but I really think this could be something interesting but does need some work. If I didn't care I would not have written. Granted I'm being blunt here. Just take it as one persons opinion.

Edit:// I take back abit of what I said on article length. I thought about it and I guess what I meant was that maybe the current system will limit those people who only have time to write one article at a time be it any length. Even if it was a really good article but it doesn't fit the requirements there should be no reason for it to NOT be published. I'm not saying having a long article is bad and the main article should ofcourse be a long one but that having all articles fit the same length might be a hinderance more than an advantage(I'm not sure wheter pictures are now counted as content since ofcourse there should be lot of pictures too). The editor is naturally the one who should make the cut on what gets shown and what not. I mean you should be the quality boss instead of the article length.

Yes, yes.. I meant to put this up for criticizm, and yours is happily accepted, and I will consider much of of it. I do realise that quality is better than quanity, but as you have stated, it is really better to get that quanity in and let myself and the Vice Editor(should there be one) cut the fat of the article and make it worthy and ready for the magazine.

Now for the magazine, and what will be happening. Well, seeing as November is over, I will be using The rest of November and some of December to get this magazine revived, sign on new people to join, and get the neccessary posts I need up. The Next magazine that will be released is the February issue. I will set deadline, and figure out who's doing what around mid-december.

As of Now, I will be looking for people to sign up for the currently avaible positions. Anyone can sign up, but make sure you know what you are signing up for, and am ready to work on your articles. I will be contacting people more often than I did for the first issue. I myself will not be writing, nor the Vice Editor.

So, feel free to sign up for a position, but there we will not actually starting on the February issue until Mid-December.

~IMAU

greyf0x_f0x · Nov 30, 2007, 01:25 AM // 01:25

Firstly, I think Nian makes a good point about the tone of the magazine. I personally think it would go down a lot better if it doesn’t take itself too seriously. For example, I think the ranger guide in the last issue was a well written guide; however, it seemed too long for a magazine of this type. The great thing with websites and wikis, is that you can use the full power of the internet, with hyperlinks, pictures, and bookmarks to navigate around them, and get to exactly what you need quickly. You don't have that luxury with a magazine, unless of course you start going through it with a search function in acrobat reader, in which case you stop “browsing” it like you would a real magazine.

It might be an idea to really think about the format of a magazine, and why you are using it. There are a lot of other elements you could include if you were, for example, to just publish it all via a specially designed web site instead of a magazine. The time investment probably wouldn’t be significantly different either. That’s not to say that I’m suggesting you scrap the idea of a magazine, only that you think about why you want to make one.

I’m a big fan of magazines, for me though, one of their strongest points, is that they are tactile objects that I can just pickup and flick through. Not only does a digital magazine lose that tactile element, but if you are publishing the file via a hosting site, it means you have to specially go out of your way to download it (rather than say, just clicking a link and opening it in a browser). That being the case I think a lot more people will focus on the overall layout and content. That means that a cohesive design and style for the magazine becomes even more important.

Perhaps you could have a “page layout / designer” job, with its own salary, unless of course, you plan to fill that role as the editor (the two jobs are actually quite different and require different sets of skills). I also think that if you’re serious about continuing with a magazine format, that you might want to look into some kind of publishing program to compile it all instead of Photoshop (Quark Express, Microsoft Publisher or Adobe InDesign to name a few). If you’ve ever used a word processor, and Photoshop, they’re dead easy to pick up and will eventually speed up the process of publishing tons.

One other random thought about advertising and salaries: Initially, I think ad revenue will be low, this will mean that if you want to pay all the contributors, you may quickly find yourself low on funds. One solution, might be to pay contributors a percentage of the ad revenue each. That’d give the contributors some sense of shared ownership of the thing, and would encourage everyone to get their friends and guildies to take a look.

I think this idea really does have some great potential, and if done right, it’s just the sort of thing ANet will plaster all over their community section on the website. However, I think if you want to really start getting a large number of GW players interested, you will have to give them a very good reason to spend time finding your magazine, downloading it, and browsing through it.

It’s not an easy task you’ve set yourself, but certainly a commendable one.

[edit]

PS: Nian for next featured artist! >_>

I Might Avenge U · Nov 30, 2007, 11:09 PM // 23:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey

Firstly, I think Nian makes a good point about the tone of the magazine. I personally think it would go down a lot better if it doesn’t take itself too seriously. For example, I think the ranger guide in the last issue was a well written guide; however, it seemed too long for a magazine of this type. The great thing with websites and wikis, is that you can use the full power of the internet, with hyperlinks, pictures, and bookmarks to navigate around them, and get to exactly what you need quickly. You don't have that luxury with a magazine, unless of course you start going through it with a search function in acrobat reader, in which case you stop “browsing” it like you would a real magazine.

It might be an idea to really think about the format of a magazine, and why you are using it. There are a lot of other elements you could include if you were, for example, to just publish it all via a specially designed web site instead of a magazine. The time investment probably wouldn’t be significantly different either. That’s not to say that I’m suggesting you scrap the idea of a magazine, only that you think about why you want to make one.

I’m a big fan of magazines, for me though, one of their strongest points, is that they are tactile objects that I can just pickup and flick through. Not only does a digital magazine lose that tactile element, but if you are publishing the file via a hosting site, it means you have to specially go out of your way to download it (rather than say, just clicking a link and opening it in a browser). That being the case I think a lot more people will focus on the overall layout and content. That means that a cohesive design and style for the magazine becomes even more important.

Perhaps you could have a “page layout / designer” job, with its own salary, unless of course, you plan to fill that role as the editor (the two jobs are actually quite different and require different sets of skills). I also think that if you’re serious about continuing with a magazine format, that you might want to look into some kind of publishing program to compile it all instead of Photoshop (Quark Express, Microsoft Publisher or Adobe InDesign to name a few). If you’ve ever used a word processor, and Photoshop, they’re dead easy to pick up and will eventually speed up the process of publishing tons.

One other random thought about advertising and salaries: Initially, I think ad revenue will be low, this will mean that if you want to pay all the contributors, you may quickly find yourself low on funds. One solution, might be to pay contributors a percentage of the ad revenue each. That’d give the contributors some sense of shared ownership of the thing, and would encourage everyone to get their friends and guildies to take a look.

I think this idea really does have some great potential, and if done right, it’s just the sort of thing ANet will plaster all over their community section on the website. However, I think if you want to really start getting a large number of GW players interested, you will have to give them a very good reason to spend time finding your magazine, downloading it, and browsing through it.

It’s not an easy task you’ve set yourself, but certainly a commendable one.

[edit]

PS: Nian for next featured artist! >_>

I think Grey's post is one with interesting topics that fortify Nians' and bring about some new topics to go through.

I want to start off by saying that anything discussed currently will change over time. Everything I posted is in a "rough draft" stage and will strengthen with the more opinions submitted

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey

It might be an idea to really think about the format of a magazine, and why you are using it. There are a lot of other elements you could include if you were, for example, to just publish it all via a specially designed web site instead of a magazine. The time investment probably wouldn’t be significantly different either. That’s not to say that I’m suggesting you scrap the idea of a magazine, only that you think about why you want to make one.

I had thought about this and a website would be nice, but there are some elements that are specifically offered through a magazine that are beneficial to myself. I mainly wanted to start something that would improve my ability to design, and offer something back to the community. Although there are plenty of different options that this idea could be based upon, a magazine seems just natural to me. Since I too like magazines, I thought it would be an interesting idea to start a sort of open-source magazine and continue from there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey

I’m a big fan of magazines, for me though, one of their strongest points, is that they are tactile objects that I can just pickup and flick through. Not only does a digital magazine lose that tactile element, but if you are publishing the file via a hosting site, it means you have to specially go out of your way to download it (rather than say, just clicking a link and opening it in a browser). That being the case I think a lot more people will focus on the overall layout and content. That means that a cohesive design and style for the magazine becomes even more important.

This is also an interesting topic to talk about. I also think that a magazine should have a cohesive design and style to follow. I also think that it is only achieved through precedence. I think this will improve as time passes, and I can experiment with which types of styles "flow" and which are more "retarded".. I also would like to start a website specifically designed for the magazine, but until there is enough reasoning behind, I don't think that it is best to release on anything besides GwG. Eventually, I will get the magazine to upload properly on my google page, that way it will be read-able in a browser.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey

Perhaps you could have a “page layout / designer” job, with its own salary, unless of course, you plan to fill that role as the editor (the two jobs are actually quite different and require different sets of skills). I also think that if you’re serious about continuing with a magazine format, that you might want to look into some kind of publishing program to compile it all instead of Photoshop (Quark Express, Microsoft Publisher or Adobe InDesign to name a few). If you’ve ever used a word processor, and Photoshop, they’re dead easy to pick up and will eventually speed up the process of publishing tons.

I know it is quite a separate job to design instead of edit articles, but the whole reasoning behind the magazine (at least for me) is for myself to learn better ways of designing. Which means there will be bumpy roads at times. I will have to look into better ways of actually making the magazine. I don't think Photoshop and Microsoft Word will achieve the type of design that most people Expect...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey

One other random thought about advertising and salaries: Initially, I think ad revenue will be low, this will mean that if you want to pay all the contributors, you may quickly find yourself low on funds. One solution, might be to pay contributors a percentage of the ad revenue each. That’d give the contributors some sense of shared ownership of the thing, and would encourage everyone to get their friends and guildies to take a look.

This is an interesting idea, and something that I most definately overlooked. I believe that this is a percentage salary will actually keep more people happy, as I think that you are correct in the idea. I will review this, and probably change my reasoning accordingly

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey

I think this idea really does have some great potential, and if done right, it’s just the sort of thing ANet will plaster all over their community section on the website. However, I think if you want to really start getting a large number of GW players interested, you will have to give them a very good reason to spend time finding your magazine, downloading it, and browsing through it.

It’s not an easy task you’ve set yourself, but certainly a commendable one.

Thanks much for your input and encouragement Grey (b'.')b

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey

PS: Nian for next featured artist! >_>

Wow, that's two for Nian eh?

Friday · Nov 30, 2007, 11:54 PM // 23:54

Make that 3 for Nian <=== stunning artist

legendary_Ace · Dec 01, 2007, 09:55 PM // 21:55

I agree with Fox, but where is our revenue going to come from? Ad's? We have to then convince ad companies that a lot of people will be looking at our magazine.

BTW, IMAU. Pick a spot for me =]

I Might Avenge U · Dec 03, 2007, 10:53 PM // 22:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACE

I agree with Fox, but where is our revenue going to come from? Ad's? We have to then convince ad companies that a lot of people will be looking at our magazine.

Nonono, it's not like that... When I say "Adspace" I mean I would make a thread in like the Guild Recruitment Forums (With moderator permission) and post pricing and whatnot. Same thing for Guild Events and whatnot..

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACE

BTW, IMAU. Pick a spot for me =]

You hafta pick your own spot

greyf0x_f0x · Dec 03, 2007, 11:56 PM // 23:56

You could even expand ads to item sales, and maybe even services. So long as it's all in game goods for in-game gold, I don't think you'd be crossing any boundries.

legendary_Ace · Dec 04, 2007, 10:21 PM // 22:21

I see what you mean.

Pick a position best suited for me

You know me =D

BTW, Why aren't you on gtalk?

I Might Avenge U · Dec 22, 2007, 09:10 PM // 21:10

Hey guys, I know it has been around a month or so, but all of this time was much needed for me to finish up the semester and make sure I am ready to begin this project over again. It is now X-Mas break, so I have plenty of time to get this project up and running again. So over the next few days, I will be getting things re-organized and ready for this year's first new issue.

I'm going to start using Publisher 07 for the layouts, and will start setting things up for the new issue design wise using Publisher. Anyways, for now I am happy to just be starting up this project again after a good 2 month break. Thanks to those who have been super patient with me.

~IMAU

legendary_Ace · Dec 26, 2007, 06:36 AM // 06:36

I sure do! Nice to see you back on.