Reflection Point : What Have I Learned About Independent Music Magazine Websites?

During my research of Independent magazine websites, I have noticed more similarities than differences between the editions I have looked at. Furthermore, this involves the layout, the organization, the contents included but also allowed me to see the generic conventions of independent magazines.

Throughout my research I have noticed that all the magazine websites bar 'Blues and Soul' which I have looked at contain their normal mastheads, the same as what is shown on both physical and digital editions that they release. As the independent magazines do this, it provides readers with a sense of familiarity across all the magazine brands' editions and online platforms. In addition to this, most of the magazines include a simplistic and easy website in order for readers to navigate around the page to read their chosen topic, this involves clear typography, less color but also hyperlinks. Hyperlinks, I believe, are a huge factor I have noticed while researching websites, these links provide not only organization for the website, but also clear guidance for the reader, allowing them to discover their chosen topic without having to look through the whole website. Moreover, these websites use hyperlinks not only for navigation but also to interest readers. I noticed that all magazines provided snip its of their best stories in their editions, along side a picture. Hyperlinks are the further used if readers want to read more specifically on a story, cleverly, the links can take readers to a 'sign up' page, increasing the chances of people subscribing to the independent magazines. 

Furthermore, independent magazines produce many adverts on their websites, mostly advertising their physical copies of their magazines but also the subscriptions that they offer. Due to the adverts being there, I have noticed, personally, that people may feel more inclined into buying editions or subscribing to the independent websites due to the magazines intriguing in their target audiences. Leading on from this, I can  understand that most of these websites have a wide ranging target audience, this is because the genres might be more recognized within an older generation, however, younger artists are being recognized, festivals and gigs are being more advertised but also, the independent magazine's social medias' are included, allowing the independent magazine websites an inclusive page.