Retro Gaming Magazine

[TrekMD]

You've done a lot fairly quickly.  I'll have to download the updated fine and check it out.  Good to see that the magazine has had a good overall reception with a lot of downloads and an increase in the order for both print issues and subscriptions!  Congratulations!  Again, let us know if any of us can be of any help. 

[triverse]

The true test of success is how many copies of issue #100 we sell...

[TrekMD]

The true test of success is how many copies of issue #100 we sell...

Keep listening and you'll make it.   

[zapiy]

Agreed how many have you had downloaded mate?

[triverse]

The free PDF is sitting at around 650 total downloads right now.  Small potatoes but about what I expected for the first issue coming out of the gate.  That is combined, original (messed up) and updated (much better version) PDF.

[triverse]

Here is a question that I would like some feedback on.

http://retrogamingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2-column-layout.pdf

Prints have not been made yet.  I have them on hold till we figure this out (looking like Friday will be the day for them to start going out).

Which is more interesting to you guys?  The original version that was my attempt at a 90's mag or this 2 column version.  I know there were a few comments about the text being one big page wide run and that not being good.  Should we go with a simpler version like this instead?

[TrekMD]

This two-column version looks far more professional to me.  You can make the other format work also with a better layout of the page; however, if the choice is between this two-column version and the original version, my vote goes to the former. 

If your goal is a retro look, I can share with you PDF's of the old Atarian Magazine from the 80's.  That may give you some useful ideas for a retro look.  They even used three columns for articles.   

[triverse]

My goal is the more professional way of.doing the mag.  My original  designs emphasized the pics more than the writing.  We all pretty much know what the games look like. Nothing unique therr., while the writing is unique.

I am waiting on more feedback on the two designs before going one way or the other.  I just want the readers that bought issues and subs to get the best mag possible.

[TrekMD]

Sounds good. 

[Greyfox]

Okay I've also re-downloaded the new update and it is definitely more tidier than the previous version as expected, the decision to to change the font colours from black to white have made the different and made it more ledge able to the reader now.. 

• [s:1hvulvzi]Firstly the size changing of the fonts has not been addressed, nor as the fact your using different fonts from page to page which is very noticeabl[/s:1hvulvzi]e
• [s:1hvulvzi]The lack of know how on paragraph text wrapping is herocious, destroying the reading experience on the content[/s:1hvulvzi]
• [s:1hvulvzi]Text is continuing across 2 pages with the tail end of the previous word starting on the second, again is very poor and show complete lack of proof reading on your part if that is your roll?[/s:1hvulvzi]
• [s:1hvulvzi]Castlevania, although was a good read, seem to be the biggest Article present in the magazine spanning across 4 pages of the magazine, should of been the front cover representing the main article, instead you've used the Zombies image, which is great etc..but the Zombies review is a mere 2 pages[/s:1hvulvzi]
• [s:1hvulvzi]You've stated on the front cover that the magazine lists "PC Gaming, 32 Bit, Handhelds, yet there is no content covering any of these platforms, I understand that it may be present in future issues, but you can't advertise coverage or mention of platforms that aren't even inside the magazine, it's misleading and could annoy customers.[/s:1hvulvzi]
• [s:1hvulvzi]The homebrew section has no present and simple feels like a filler or gap stop to break from the main magazine, you should of do some sort of introduction to this section, rather than jumping ship to commercial games to homebrew this has failed to be carried out[/s:1hvulvzi]
• [s:1hvulvzi]the Text alignments have done me in here again, I can't help but notice error after error and I advise that your design and layout team go and learn how to present text and layout in the proper manner regardless of the content and presentation in standard magazine design[/s:1hvulvzi]

that about sums it up from a designer's perspective, this has simple fanzine written all over and I really hate to say this, that giving it away for free was a great choice for all the wrong reasons, I would not personally of paid for it, there is no continuity through out the magazine and the design team seriously need to address this as other publications are setting the standard these days and this publication is a long way of track to to meeting these standards.

I love what you are trying to achieve here, but without the knowledge on how it's done is going to drop this from a height and I know I have been brutality honest here is why I want to try and help you through feedback make it better all round, it's not the content, it is the presentation needs a ton of work.

I hope you can take away something from what I've written above and help make your stuff the way it was intended to be in the first place..

good luck with it

[zapiy]

herocious,  :21: :21: lmfao.. Look at you MR URBAN words you.. mix of horrible and atrocious..

But seriously, some decent feedback there.. Not sure its easy to achieve without your level of knowledge though?

[triverse]

Back to the drawing board.

I will do what I can in the next couple of days to address the text issues before ordering the prints. 

I realize I should have held the issue back completely till I was able to secure a regular designer. 

Text doesn't convey correctly so let me clarify, I am not mad at the criticism or hurt by it, I want to know what needs fixing.  Otherwise, I can't fix it.  I appreciate the time everyone has taken to tear apart the pages and give their feedback.

The mag.will get better in the future or I will simply shut it down and focus on the site.  Continuing it with me.laying it out is obviously the wrong direction.  I am a PR guy, not a mag layout designer, that is obvious. Lol.

I may be too close to the project to be involved with laying it out.

[TrekMD]

The mag.will get better in the future or I will simply shut it down and focus on the site.  Continuing it with me.laying it out is obviously the wrong direction.

It's too early to think about shutting it down.  I'm sure you can learn what you need to fix the layout issues.  Your content is good, so it's a matter of fixing the presentation.  :113:

[Greyfox]

Yes, I also agree, this magazine could be something special, leaving on the first hurtle would be a massive mistake and one of regret later down the road believe me I know. The advertisement piece and post Mortem section were very good and forgot to mention that previously. All that is really wrong is the layout and distribution of images and font usage and size, this can all be addressed well in advance from now on..see how the first issue is received and I do recommend you use the two side by side paragraph approach if you have the time to address it, if not no worries.

Keep the faith

[triverse]

I don't plan on dropping the mag, I just recognize my shortcomings and know the mag needs help beyond my abilities.