Evaluation question 1

1. Billy Ingram

2. In what ways does your media
product use, develop or
challenge forms and conventions
of real media products?

3. I used the convention of having a large recognisable
masthead. The masthead if bold and the white stands
out on the sky blue background and contrasts to the
rest of the cover. The contrasting colour will make it
more easily spotted and easier to identify; the font I
used was Trajan Pro which uses all uppercase creating
an effect of exclamation and is more of a traditional font
which will appeal to my target audience.
The photo I used was chosen because the main focus of
the image is central so it would allow me to place text
round the sides so the focus isn't disrupted in anyway
which is usually the way published magazine set out
their front covers. I have also followed the convention of
using a landmark or a place in the local area.
The advertising of a competition on the front cover is
another way I followed the conventions of a regional
magazine. The incentive will grab the target audience’s
attention and make them more likely to buy the product
because there is a chance to win a prize.
I followed the convention of colour schemes; the use of
a white font with an accent colour, which complements
the colours of the main image, that is continuous
throughout the whole cover. I decided to use a gold
accent because it matches well with the pale/sky blue.

4. I followed the convention of having the address of the
company/store which you can find the product. This will
appeal to the target audience because it is useful
information and gives them a resource to know where
the shop is and links with the uses and gratifications
theory of surveillance because the audience can gain
information from the address.
A convention I followed for my advert is that of the image
being brightly lit; the high key lighting on the watch face
evokes the focus of this part of the product, which
advertises the watch effectively, and means the producer
is more likely to receive a preferred reading.
I also followed the convention of having a bold logo. The
contrasting red logo on the black background makes it
stand out against the rest of the advert. The company
name below the logo gives the audience information
about the product and allows them to research into other
products which the company make.

5. I followed the convention of using a sans serif font which is easy
to read and will appeal to my target audience. The black font with
pale blue headings for the articles clearly separates the
information for easier navigation, this is also done by the use of a
larger font in upper case for the subheadings for the different
groups of articles so the audience can look at what they are
interested in and find it all in the same place on the contents.
I used the convention of advertising the
magazine’s social media accounts. This
will appeal to a younger sector of my
target audience who will instantly
recognise the logo and the brand.
I included the convention of using
pictures related to the articles. This helps
the target audience to get a more specific
idea of what the articles are about and
also helps the contents page to look more
aesthetically pleasing.
I also followed the convention of having
the magazine’s website at the top of the
page along side the name of the
magazine which is where the audience is
most likely to look.
I decided to do a double page
contents which isn’t necessarily a
common convention but it is used
often, especially in the magazines I
researched like Kent Life.

6. I followed the convention of having a
large recognisable logo which is easy
to read. It’s a bold logo and the black
font stands out on the grey
background making it easier for the
target audience to identify the
magazine
I used the convention of having a slogan
which tells the audience exactly what the
product is, this links with the uses and
gratifications theory of surveillance
because the audience can gain
information about the product
I added the magazine’s website because this convention will appeal
to the younger sector within my target audience because they would
be more up to date with modern technology and will be willing to use
it. This links with the uses and gratifications theory of surveillance
because the audience can gain information about the magazine and
its website.
I followed the convention of using
images of the product on my
billboard in different media forms;
this shows the audience that the
magazine is available online as a
digital copy as well as being able to
pick up a physical copy
I developed the convention of the slogan by adding
a bit of extra text saying ‘Available Now!’ which tells
the audience they are able to buy the most recent
issue of the magazine at the closest retailer or they
can download, and pay for, a copy online

7. I followed the convention of having an advert on my website,
the advert will appeal to my target audience because it is very
simplistic and also has the address of the company, it is also
useful information and gives them a resource to know where the
shop is and links with the uses and gratifications theory of
surveillance because the audience can gain information from the
address.
I included the convention of having the masthead
at the top of the webpage. This enables greater
brand recognition for the target audience.
I also followed the convention of having a main section
which features some images from he latest issue. It is
placed at the top of the webpage which is the first place
the target audience will look, the ease of access will
mean more dominant readings.
I added the convention of advertising the magazine’s
social media accounts. The links to the social media
pages will appeal to the younger sector of my target
audience because they will be more willing to click on
links and ‘Like’ or ‘Follow’ the pages to receive updates
and news. Reception theory can be applied because a
large proportion of my target audience will have at
least one social media account which means they will
respond positively and will appeal to them.
I also followed the convention of having articles on the home
page of my website, this will appeal to my target audience
because they can read up on what has happened/happening in
the local area and certain times. It will be one of the first things
that is seen on the website so it will link with the uses and
gratifications theory of surveillance because the audience can
gain information from these articles

8. I followed the convention of having a ‘Log in’
and ‘Sign Up’ button on my website because
then subscribers can look at their subscriptions
and see when the next issue is available as well
as receiving e-mail updates about the site.
I also included the convention of having a menu bar
at the top of the webpage, this will appeal to the
audience because it means easier navigation
around the website.
I added a digital archive as well because I found it a
common convention on the websites I looked at it
will appeal to the target audience because they can
go back and review previous issues if they have
missed one. This links with the uses and
gratifications theory of surveillance because the
audience are gaining information from the previous
issues.
I developed the convention of the digital archive
by adding in an option to download a Thanet Life
app which subscribers are able to view on their
mobiles or tablets, this will appeal to the younger
sector of my target audience because they will
find the ease in this feature by being able to look
at an issue of the magazine at any time wherever
they are.
I followed the convention of having a search bar on
my website because this will mean easier navigation
for my target audience, this will appeal to them
because it means they don’t have to search through
the whole website in order to find what they are
looking for.
Another common convention I came across was the
banners at the top and bottom of the webpage, the
banner offers a deal for an annual subscription which
will interest new subscribers.