Codes and conventions of a Music Magazine Contents Page

Media

1. Codes and Conventions of a Contents Page By Lily Corcoran

2. Codes and Conventions Masthead (smaller version Structure of a Contents Regular ‘Contents’ Cover Lines Genre Colour Scheme Date Page Numbers Issue Number Web Address Columns Images / Direct Address Editors Letter (direct mode address) Subscriptions Small insert of magazine cover Buzzwords / Puff Top 40

3. Examples of Contents Pages

4. The Structure of a Contents Page The structuring of a contents page is so important for the whole magazine. This is the format of the contents as the audience needs to know what is coming up in the magazine. Firstly, the date is always included in the bottom right hand corner of the front cover, alongside the barcode, price and web address. Also, page numbers are used to indicate what information is on what page and is useful for the readers. The contents page always includes the masthead (just a smaller version). Also, the brand ID is used too. The main image is the focus of the contents page and is surrounded by smaller images of the featured artist. Next, a contents page has cover lines and sub lines. Furthermore, buzzwords, top 40 list and references are included alongside a editor’s letter. Also, there are mini subscriptions inside the magazine.

5. Masthead On the contents page, a smaller version of the masthead is always included, usually in a unique font. The masthead is usually the largest piece of writing on the page however, on this it is ‘contents’. The masthead on the contents is there to reinforce the magazine brands identity and for continuity. This is an in- house style and appeals to the audience because of the magazine’s ‘own signature’.

6. Regular Contents The text ‘contents’ that is used, is for a sense of verification, so the audience understands what they’re looking at. Also, from the actual contents page, it helps the readers get to know where all of the articles and information is.

7. Cover Lines Cover lines are used throughout the contents page to describe what will be included inside of the magazine. These create a frame for the image. Next, the sub lines are the ones underneath the cover lines. This gives the reader a little more insight in to what is on that certain page. They get broken up in to sub categories.

8. Colour Scheme and Genre The colour scheme of a contents page is beneficial to a magazine. It indicates all of the colours for the rest of the magazine. The colour scheme is usually 3-4 colours throughout, otherwise they will clash. The genre of a magazine is significant as the audience need to know who the magazine is aimed at, also the readers would need to know as they would be interested in what they’re purchasing.

9. Date, Page Numbers, Issue Number and Web Address Firstly, the date is included on the contents page so the audience knows when it was published and if it is the recent issue. Next, the page numbers are important to the contents page as the readers need to know where certain articles are located in the magazine. Also they are in different colours to the story colour. Moreover, the issue number is contained on the contents because the audience needs to understand what number the issue of the magazine is if they have a problem or need to return it. Lastly, the web address is used on the contents page for knowledge purposes. For example: if a customer wants to find out more information about the magazine they can go to the website.

10. Columns Columns are included inside the contents page to break all of the information up in to sections. This will make it easier for the audience to read the information. The columns are usually 6 or less. This is usually so the page looks clean and tidy, also engaging to the reader.

11. Images The main image on a contents page is usually related to the artist/band on the front cover. The images match the genre of the magazine. Most images have direct address to entice the reader in to the magazine.

12. Editor’s Letter There is an Editor’s letter on the contents page because it helps to inform the reader on the magazine and the direct mode is used to give the readers a sense of comfort and that the editor is talking to them.

13. Subscriptions, Insert of the magazine and Top 40 Subscriptions are used on the contents page to encourage the readers to get more involved with other magazines ad explore their interests. There is also a smaller insert of the magazine front cover on the contents page, this is included to remind the consumers of what they’re reading. Lastly, the Top 40 is used on the contents page of magazines. For example: Billboard Magazine. These are included for people that are interested in chart music and would like to know about some new music.

14. Buzzwords Buzz words create the effect that the reader thinks that they are going to get something extra from the magazine if they purchase it. They are used to generate hype in the consumer. ‘free’ ‘offer’ ‘puff’ suggest that there is more to the magazine that is conveyed in the first place and are used for advertisement purposes.