I'm waiting on one last article, so it looks like the release date will actually be right on or around Halloween. We have some just real great articles here, and if anyone would like to write another real quick, I don't mind extending the deadline a bit.
I think the column set up will be the final product. Anyways, Hopefully everyone will be impressed with our debut!
GW Mag.. Requesting Help!
I Might Avenge U
Woop Shotty
May I suggest Lorem Ipsum filler instead of Blah blippety blah?
I Might Avenge U
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woop Shotty
May I suggest Lorem Ipsum filler instead of Blah blippety blah?
I "wikied" it and all I got was something about design. What I inferred was that you are hoping for a good consistent design? If so then, the first magazine release may come out a bit odd, but as we go through every magazine it will get better. We just need to build precedence and accept criticism. My actual use of photoshop and no MS Paint should help with that.
Woop Shotty
Number one Google search is a Lorem Ipsum generator site. What I was suggesting is that instead of filling your empty page with something like "blah blah blah" you should at least put Lorem Ipsum text in there. You'll have more realistic temporary text for placement purposes.
I'm sure most people have seen it done before.
Oh, yes. Can I ask why you're making a magazine with Photoshop? I assume you want people to read or look at your creation. Layout belongs in Indesign or some alternative. Hey, even open source OpenOffice has a PDF export option and your images can be laid out across your documents. If choosing between PDF with selectable text or a set of individual rasters, the former would be my choice.
I'm sure most people have seen it done before.
Oh, yes. Can I ask why you're making a magazine with Photoshop? I assume you want people to read or look at your creation. Layout belongs in Indesign or some alternative. Hey, even open source OpenOffice has a PDF export option and your images can be laid out across your documents. If choosing between PDF with selectable text or a set of individual rasters, the former would be my choice.
I Might Avenge U
Yeah, I saw the text generator.. It's interesting.. I might find a use for it later, if I figure out how to work it..
Anyways, I make the magazine with Photoshop simply because I am new to these concepts and I want to choose a program that I am comfortable with. Maybe later I will choose a different program that is "more suited" to making .PDF format. For the time being, I will use photoshop as I am more comfortable and happier with it. For the simple merging of images, I find photoshop will be capable of doing the job.
I am glad that you have sparked some interesting in the project.. but may I ask why? Did something go wrong with a former magazine you liked/worked for, and you're just giving me a heads up, or are you just simply critiquing my work before it's ready to be critiqued?
Anyways, I make the magazine with Photoshop simply because I am new to these concepts and I want to choose a program that I am comfortable with. Maybe later I will choose a different program that is "more suited" to making .PDF format. For the time being, I will use photoshop as I am more comfortable and happier with it. For the simple merging of images, I find photoshop will be capable of doing the job.
I am glad that you have sparked some interesting in the project.. but may I ask why? Did something go wrong with a former magazine you liked/worked for, and you're just giving me a heads up, or are you just simply critiquing my work before it's ready to be critiqued?
Woop Shotty
I don't think I was trying to critique your work. I was only suggesting things based off of what I know. I'm a student graphic artist FYI.
Good luck with the project.
Good luck with the project.
Nian
Rofl @ Lorem Ipsum. I thought blah blibbity blah was pretty funny. XD You can msot easily generate Lorem Ipsum blabla at lipsum.net it's just something more generally used as filler text. I see it most often being used by web designers on website templates etc. They love it.
Anyway!! I can't wait for the first issue to come out! >.< *impatiently waiting*
Anyway!! I can't wait for the first issue to come out! >.< *impatiently waiting*
I Might Avenge U
@ Woop Shotty: I didn't mean anything I said in a rude way.. if that's how it seemed I am sorry..
@ Nian and other People waiting: I have decided that I can't make a cover for crap, so I am going to spend this weekend developing the things I need for the magazine. So For the time being I am not going to release the first magazine until Sunday or Monday simply because it means a better magazine overall... I am sorry, but as you guys have said in the past, It's best not to rush things..
@ Nian and other People waiting: I have decided that I can't make a cover for crap, so I am going to spend this weekend developing the things I need for the magazine. So For the time being I am not going to release the first magazine until Sunday or Monday simply because it means a better magazine overall... I am sorry, but as you guys have said in the past, It's best not to rush things..
Friday
No rush Imau.
Take your time and make it ROCK!!
Take your time and make it ROCK!!
legendary_Ace
Yes, Yes, No rush *rush rush*
I can kinda try to work on cover, since I love design, I'll havta talk to you 'bout it.
I can kinda try to work on cover, since I love design, I'll havta talk to you 'bout it.
I Might Avenge U
So far it's looking like the release will be tomorrow.. maybe Tuesday... maybe...
I Might Avenge U
Alright guys, the magazine is done, but I am waiting on a few things and I am absolutely out of time today.. Tomorrow for sure! Thanks for being so patient!
~IMAU
~IMAU
legendary_Ace
IMAU is having trouble uploading it, so here it is:
http://www.badongo.com/file/5052775
Keep in mind, Yes it needs tweaks. But it will be better in the next issue. Lets give IMAU a big applause for his hard work!
http://www.badongo.com/file/5052775
Keep in mind, Yes it needs tweaks. But it will be better in the next issue. Lets give IMAU a big applause for his hard work!
Mr. G
oooh /excited
haven't read it yet, but be sure ill have plenty of comments when I'm done...
Here we go (hope you don't take any of these the wrong way):
-The flow is a little...off, keep having to zoom in/out to read it tbh (---)
-nice simple backgrounds (+)
-Some advise rubs me the wrong way, but then again its a matter of opinion (Monks - DO carry a res for example or the zealous love of rebirth) (-)
-Ranger page hurts my eyes (---)
-nice art from greyfox (+++)
-nice note from the editor(++)
total.....
++++++ (6)
------- (7)
haven't read it yet, but be sure ill have plenty of comments when I'm done...
Here we go (hope you don't take any of these the wrong way):
-The flow is a little...off, keep having to zoom in/out to read it tbh (---)
-nice simple backgrounds (+)
-Some advise rubs me the wrong way, but then again its a matter of opinion (Monks - DO carry a res for example or the zealous love of rebirth) (-)
-Ranger page hurts my eyes (---)
-nice art from greyfox (+++)
-nice note from the editor(++)
total.....
++++++ (6)
------- (7)
I Might Avenge U
Hello everyone! I know I have been away a long time... recently I've had to deal with a lot of different problems, and there are still a few things to get done before I am completely free of problem, but for now, I am able to at least jump online, if just for this post.
Just because I have been gone for a few weeks or so, does not mean that I have completely forgotten about the magazine. To the contray, I have had much time to think about where I want this idea to go, and how well I want it to achieve. Because of my recent problems, I have realised that it would be ideal for me to allow others to help, in order to reliquish some of my own duties. I have recently decided on many reformations that I hope will revist some of the problems we had with the first magazine, and hopefully solve them in a way that will not only benefit myself, but the other contributors to this small group. So let's go over these things I have been considering...
First of all, all my previous writers are fired (before you complain, you may want to continue reading)
Salary
As the main editor behind this project, I have decided on a simple fact: People will not do something for nothing. Those of you that did in fact decide that they wanted to help with our first magazine, I am aware of the tremendous help you guys have been, but for some reason or another, you simply did not write for nothing. Whether is be experience, help, or fun, each of you had a reason to write. So henceforth, I will be hiring people for a salary of Guild Wars gold. This offers the chance for you to help out, but it also allows me to give out incentive for others to join in on the project. Anyone can sign up to join (including those who have written for me before), but there will be a stricter policy in which to follow. Here is what I have decided upon:
Position Availibility
SalaryJust because I have been gone for a few weeks or so, does not mean that I have completely forgotten about the magazine. To the contray, I have had much time to think about where I want this idea to go, and how well I want it to achieve. Because of my recent problems, I have realised that it would be ideal for me to allow others to help, in order to reliquish some of my own duties. I have recently decided on many reformations that I hope will revist some of the problems we had with the first magazine, and hopefully solve them in a way that will not only benefit myself, but the other contributors to this small group. So let's go over these things I have been considering...
First of all, all my previous writers are fired (before you complain, you may want to continue reading)
Salary
As the main editor behind this project, I have decided on a simple fact: People will not do something for nothing. Those of you that did in fact decide that they wanted to help with our first magazine, I am aware of the tremendous help you guys have been, but for some reason or another, you simply did not write for nothing. Whether is be experience, help, or fun, each of you had a reason to write. So henceforth, I will be hiring people for a salary of Guild Wars gold. This offers the chance for you to help out, but it also allows me to give out incentive for others to join in on the project. Anyone can sign up to join (including those who have written for me before), but there will be a stricter policy in which to follow. Here is what I have decided upon:
Position Availibility
Writer 4 Spots Availible
Interviewer 2 Spots Availible 10k per issue
Guide Writer 2 Spots Availible 20k per issue
Vice Editor 1 Spot Availible 20k per issue
Understand that I will expect more out of the higher paying jobs. also note, These are baseline salaries, and each position is subject to a raise in salary is I find that it is worth the extra money.
Job Descriptions
Writers
When writing there is a 5 page minimum per article. Margins are to be 1 inch, Times New Roman font, and a size 12 font. Articles can be on anything Guild Wars. Events, holidays, Certain items, New techniques. This is completely up to you. (No Collaboration on anything lower than 9 pages)
Interviewers
Articles have a 4 page minimum. 1 inch margins, Times New Roman font, Size 12 font. Interviews can be on any subject. Interview must include the name of interviewee, and must be in paragraph format, as opposed to a Q & A format. (Collaborations allowed at 4 pages)
Guide Writer
Guides are to be no less than 15 steps long, and must have at least 1 paragraph per step. Guides can be on anything, this is completely up to you. (Collaborations allowed on every guide)
Vice-Editor
Vice-Editor is an important member that will help myself and keep this project running, while releasing some of the responsibilities of myself. A vice editor must be open to quick revisions, and adaptive to many parts of this project, as they are subject to change. The Vice-Editor will proof articles, and therefore must be well-versed in grammatical errors, and typical writing errors.
Make sure to be confident that you can actually "do" what your job entails.
Guild Adspace
I have decided that, like most magazines, we will sell adspace to fund jobs and other things entailed in this project. This again will be Guild Wars Gold Only
Here is a pricing guide to how I will be selling adspace.
Page
Price
Page 2
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.Page 2
30kPage 5
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. 25kPage 10
20kPage 12
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
20kPage 15
20kBackpage
40k
Design
I noticed that a major problem with the last magazine was a lack of of consistent design. There must be constant design throughout the entire magazine, unless there is a specific article (like a featured article). So, be prepared to see some changes in design, as well as some changes in cover page design over the next few issue. This may/probably will change dramatically over the next few issues.
Design
I noticed that a major problem with the last magazine was a lack of of consistent design. There must be constant design throughout the entire magazine, unless there is a specific article (like a featured article). So, be prepared to see some changes in design, as well as some changes in cover page design over the next few issue. This may/probably will change dramatically over the next few issues.
legendary_Ace
Wow. Thats real nice IMAU.
I'll sign up for any position you think suits me best.
Maybe General Writing or Guide Writer?
I'll sign up for any position you think suits me best.
Maybe General Writing or Guide Writer?
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.
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.
Friday
Hi 
I think Nian's ideas about article length and content are worth looking at seriously. Thanks for a great post Nian!
I also support the idea of articles of various length - there is definitely a place for 1 page "shorts" in a fun mag. And some of Nian's content ideas are really great.
I can help with various articles, if needed, IMAU. I will try to get some together for you look over soon. You can decide if they warrant inclusion in future mags
good luck and have fun!
Friday
I think Nian's ideas about article length and content are worth looking at seriously. Thanks for a great post Nian!
I also support the idea of articles of various length - there is definitely a place for 1 page "shorts" in a fun mag. And some of Nian's content ideas are really great.
I can help with various articles, if needed, IMAU. I will try to get some together for you look over soon. You can decide if they warrant inclusion in future mags
good luck and have fun!
Friday
ravensong
Very nice idea!
I vote Nian for next fetured artist!
I vote Nian for next fetured artist!
legendary_Ace
I agree, length isn't always the best.
I Might Avenge U
All the reformations have finished being typed
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nian
Quote:
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
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! >_>
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
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’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 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
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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...
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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:
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