Target Audience Expectations

My target audience gave me several suggestions via instant messaging as to what they would look for in an original magazine, direct copies of which have been posted on this page. By using an amalgamation of many of these suggestions, I hope to appeal to a wide range of rock fans.

'Comparisons of old albums to new'

'Reviews of new albums influenced by classic oldies'

Two people gave very similar suggestions here, and so it would seem a popular point of interest is the contrast between old albums/artists and new ones. I will create a mini-survey to ascertain whether this opinions is as widespread as it seems, and if so I should definitely aim to include an article about this, and so I have decided to include an article comparing a definitive album from years gone by with a definitive album of the modern generation of rock music.

'Honest Opinions'

This idea was suggested by two people, and as such I will not place a direct focus on advertorials, instead providing honest, grounded reviews in my magazine. I will include this in my mini-survey, however, just to be sure this opinion is as widespread as it appears.

'Explore the meaning and effect of the lyrics'

Given that only one person commented on this, I will include it in my mini-questionnaire. I could include an article exploring not only the meaning of one song or album, but the general nature of modern rock lyrics. I could even cover two bases by comparing this with the style of lyrics in older songs.

'Make it about the music, not what people look like'

Given that only one person commented on this, I will include it in my mini-questionnaire. I could simply place more of a musical focus and include less well made-up photos, but this somehow seems like a niche opinion, given that successful modern magazines such as NME and Kerrang! place such an emphasis on image.

'An article about what older bands are up to now'

Given that only one person commented on this, I will include it in my mini-questionnaire. I could include an article about a classic band's recent projects, or even and interview. Maybe this interview could be about older bands' opinions of a new artist, once more covering two bases.

'Recommended playlists'

Given that only one person commented on this, I will include it in my mini-questionnaire. I had not actually considered this before, and it is an interesting suggestion, which I am keen to find out more people's opinions of.

'A free E-Copy'

Given that only one person commented on this, I will include it in my mini-questionnaire. I feel my best course of action here is to look into other magazines to see how common this practice is (and therefore how original/necessary it is), as well as enquiring as to whether my target audience would like to see it.