The Codes & Conventions of a Magazine
- 1. By Sundas Bostan R3
- 2. Masthead – the masthead is the title block for the magazine, usually this is the most eye-catching convention on a page and has to be distinct. Menu – the list of contents inside the paper. Pugs – to catch the reader’s eye they are well placed. a pug is the top left hand and right hand corner of a magazine. the prices, logo, position are placed here. Secondary lead – a sneak preview of an inside article or story usually a picture. Sidebar – an additional box next to the main feature of the magazine Splash – main story of the front page accompanied with the headline and a photograph. Spread – a story that covers more than one page. Stand first – sentence after a headline and before an article begins that 'sells' a feature to a reader. Strapline –subheading, (heading below the initial headline Tag – categorizing the reader’s interest in a story by using a word or phrase to engage them e.g. sensational, new, exclusive. tip-on-affixed to the publication is a promotional item such as an magnet or game piece. I believe most of these codes and conventions should be used to order to create a successful magazine.
- 3. Box-out – a colored box behind some text, usually used to make the text stand out. By-line – name of the reporter Caption – text underneath a image explaining it.. Credits – in the form a beeline the author is usually credited, some photographs may have the name of the photographer below it. Crosshead –a subheading that shows in the body of the text and is centered above the column of text. if it is se to one side then it is called a side-head. Exclusive – this means that newspaper and no one else solely cover the story. the paper will pay their interviewees, buying the story so it cannot be used by another paper. or a ‘special’, a one off interview of a famous band giving the readers a little insight into their unreleased albums etc. Feature – usually with a human-interest angle presented as a spread, but, not necessarily a ‘news’ item (current affairs) Headline – main statement, usually in the largest and boldest font, describing the main story. a banner headline spans the full width of the page. Kicker – this is a story designed to stand out from the rest of the page by the use of a different font (typeface) and layout. Lead story – usually a splash, it’s the main story. Lure –could be used as a marketing device, its usually a word or phrase that makes the reader read the inside articles.