Format Analysis

I previously analysed Soko Magazine, Pilot Magazine and Idn magazine to test their alignment to the definition of Stylepress. The purpose of the following analysis is not to define whether a magazine sits within stylepress, but to explore format, define it's usefulness in stylepress and inspire ideas for my own stylepress project.

Is Not Magazine

"among other things, an experiment in publishing real content where people expect to find advertising. It’s a design challenge and a reading experiment; a paper saving device; a bastion of editorial complexity and a grey area for the discerning communal reader."

Size: 1500mm x 2000mm
Format: Printed, poster
Regularity: Irregular
Issues: 11
Still in print: No
Online representation: Website with blog and short wrap up of topics covered in various issues.

Advantages:
- Easily accesible content
- Saves paper and printing costs.
- Encourages not only individual reader participation but community participation
- Challenges current ideas of a magazine.
- Still can be sold as a 'takeaway' magazine to become a treasured object.

Disadvantages:
- Open to damage or theft from public space.
- Unable to be easily flicked through or read
- Does not engage the user in the third dimension of the printed object.

McSweeneys, Issue 16

"Each issue of the quarterly is completely redesigned. There have been hardcovers and paperbacks, an issue with two spines, an issue with a magnetic binding, an issue that looked like a bundle of junk mail, and an issue that looked like a sweaty human head."

Size: 227mm x 150mm
Format: Printed, three fold hardcover book with a story printed on cards and hair comb.
Regularity: Quarterly
Issues: 40
Still in print: Yes
Online representation: Extensive website with store and summary of each physical issue


Advantages:
(General)
- A constantly shifting format continues to challenge (even regular) readers every issue
- As a literary journal, the format reflects the subject matter well, challenging an audience that are ready to recieve these left-field format ideas and also relating to the issue of sustaining print (an issue relevant to writers as well as designers)
(Issue 16)
- The three fold method encourages further interaction beyond the typical page-by-page flip and offers multiple avenues for exploration.