This document discusses the codes and conventions used in magazine contents pages. It explains that contents pages typically include the masthead, cover lines, page numbers, date, issue number, and web address. The main goals of the contents page are to inform readers about what articles and information can be found in the magazine and reinforce the magazine's brand identity. Contents pages also use techniques like columns, images, buzzwords, and subscriptions to engage readers and encourage purchases.

1. CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF A
CONTENTS PAGE
By Lily Corcoran

2. CODES AND CONVENTIONS
•Masthead (smaller version
•Structure of a Contents
•Regular ‘Contents’
•Cover Lines
•Genre
•Colour Scheme
•Date
•Page Numbers
•Issue Number
•Web Address
•Columns
•Images / Direct Address
•Editors Letter (direct mode address)
•Subscriptions
•Small insert of magazine cover
•Buzzwords / Puff
•Top 40

3. EXAMPLES OF CONTENTS PAGES

4. THE STRUCTURE OF A CONTENTS
PAGE
The structuring of a contents page is so important for
the whole magazine. This is the format of the contents
as the audience needs to know what is coming up in
the magazine. Firstly, the date is always included in
the bottom right hand corner of the front cover,
alongside the barcode, price and web address. Also,
page numbers are used to indicate what information is
on what page and is useful for the readers. The
contents page always includes the masthead (just a
smaller version). Also, the brand ID is used too. The
main image is the focus of the contents page and is
surrounded by smaller images of the featured artist.
Next, a contents page has cover lines and sub lines.
Furthermore, buzzwords, top 40 list and references
are included alongside a editor’s letter. Also, there are
mini subscriptions inside the magazine.

5. MASTHEAD
On the contents page, a smaller version
of the masthead is always included,
usually in a unique font. The masthead is
usually the largest piece of writing on the
page however, on this it is ‘contents’. The
masthead on the contents is there to
reinforce the magazine brands identity
and for continuity. This is an in- house
style and appeals to the audience
because of the magazine’s ‘own
signature’.

6. REGULAR CONTENTS
The text ‘contents’ that is used, is for a
sense of verification, so the audience
understands what they’re looking at.
Also, from the actual contents page, it
helps the readers get to know where
all of the articles and information is.

7. COVER LINES
Cover lines are used throughout
the contents page to describe
what will be included inside of the
magazine. These create a frame
for the image.
Next, the sub lines are the ones
underneath the cover lines. This
gives the reader a little more
insight in to what is on that
certain page. They get broken
up in to sub categories.

8. COLOUR SCHEME AND GENRE
The colour scheme of a
contents page is beneficial to a
magazine. It indicates all of the
colours for the rest of the
magazine. The colour scheme
is usually 3-4 colours
throughout, otherwise they will
clash.
The genre of a magazine is
significant as the audience need
to know who the magazine is
aimed at, also the readers
would need to know as they
would be interested in what
they’re purchasing.

9. DATE, PAGE NUMBERS, ISSUE NUMBER AND
WEB ADDRESS
Firstly, the date is included on the contents
page so the audience knows when it was
published and if it is the recent issue.
Next, the page numbers are important to
the contents page as the readers need to
know where certain articles are located in
the magazine. Also they are in different
colours to the story colour.
Moreover, the issue number is
contained on the contents because
the audience needs to understand
what number the issue of the
magazine is if they have a problem
or need to return it.
Lastly, the web address is
used on the contents page for
knowledge purposes. For
example: if a customer wants
to find out more information
about the magazine they can
go to the website.

10. COLUMNS
Columns are included inside the
contents page to break all of the
information up in to sections. This
will make it easier for the
audience to read the information.
The columns are usually 6 or
less. This is usually so the page
looks clean and tidy, also
engaging to the reader.

11. IMAGES
The main image on a contents page is
usually related to the artist/band on the
front cover. The images match the
genre of the magazine. Most images
have direct address to entice the reader
in to the magazine.

12. EDITOR’S LETTER
There is an Editor’s letter on
the contents page because it
helps to inform the reader on
the magazine and the direct
mode is used to give the
readers a sense of comfort
and that the editor is talking to
them.

13. SUBSCRIPTIONS, INSERT OF THE
MAGAZINE AND TOP 40
Subscriptions are used on the
contents page to encourage the
readers to get more involved
with other magazines ad explore
their interests.
There is also a smaller insert of
the magazine front cover on the
contents page, this is included to
remind the consumers of what
they’re reading.
Lastly, the Top 40 is used on the
contents page of magazines. For
example: Billboard Magazine.
These are included for people that
are interested in chart music and
would like to know about some new
music.

14. BUZZWORDS
Buzz words create the effect that the
reader thinks that they are going to
get something extra from the
magazine if they purchase it. They
are used to generate hype in the
consumer. ‘free’ ‘offer’ ‘puff’ suggest
that there is more to the magazine
that is conveyed in the first place
and are used for advertisement
purposes.