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How hard would it be to start my own magazine?

How to start an online magazine?

  • 5 years ago I got an idea for a magazine. 3 of my friends (who are extremely talented) partnered with me and we designed a very professional looking prototype (which has had excellent reviews from people in the business). We currently have someone possibly interested in investing, but we are trying to figure out whether to do an online magazine, or a bi monthly magazine that would go to print. I spoke to someone the other evening who highly recommended doing an online magazine considering the way the economy is right now. I have not entertained the idea of an online magazine until speaking to this person. If you know anything about starting a magazine online, I would love to hear some pointers. Thank you

  • Answer:

    Step1 Know your subject. It's easiest to ensure quality contributions if you have the knowledge to analyze them. Step2 Think about finances. Even if you start modestly, making the magazine a side project in your life, you'll probably need to spend money for articles; for artistic help; and for site design, server space and maintenance. If you want to make the magazine a real business, you've got to think about a marketing budget; office supplies, phone bills and mailing costs; research costs; any staff salaries; and legal and business help. Step3 Work with other people, especially if you want to make your magazine a business, as opposed to a hobby. Work out the practical and financial details of your partnership. Step4 Consider how to make a profit. Possibilities include attracting advertising, charging for access, or publishing as a nonprofit and getting grants and donations. Step5 Consider the legal aspects of publishing. Be willing to pay for expert advice. Step6 Decide how frequently you will publish. Regular, scheduled updates will keep your readers coming back to your site. Step7 Decide what rights you will buy from your contributors (both text and visual). Step8 Design your site or hire a designer. Step9 Learn how to maintain the site yourself (how to substitute new articles for old) or hire someone to maintain it. Step10 Start collecting material for your first issue.

Christa at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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An online magazine is an excellent way to break into this industry! It's less expensive to get into initially and has the potential to actually enable you to move to print when your magazine becomes successful. Friction is an example of this happening. I've looked into this as something to do myself but lacked a creative team to help me out. I think you've got the hardest part of what you're trying to do worked out. A few other considerations: It's less expensive than printing An eZine is more accessible to a lot more people It's green! It's easier to market with a small budget Check out the following: "Zines" section of DIY: Design It Yourself by Ellen Lupton Whatcha Mean, What's A Zine by Mark Todd & Esther Pearl Watson It's a jumping off point anyway. I'd also look into using PHP for the site. Hope that helps!

Jo B

A magazine is in print, darling. If you started something on the web, it'd be a web site. But if you want something on the web you have to pay a monthly fee.

Foh Real? Oh yeah.

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