Practicum Post #7 - Mike D.

So something really exciting and new popped up on Newschoolers.com recently; a digital magazine! Digital magazines are a new project the admins are working on, and this first issue looks to be a great success. It goes one step further from the typical reporting users see on the site, making a professional looking product for potential publication.

The magazine begins with a letter from the editor clearing up the first question on most minds. “We know what you’re thinking. A digital magazine? Why? Our answer: why not? As new pieces of technology like the iPad, tablet computers, convertible notebooks and e-readers emerge, the way people access and view media seemingly changes by the minute, and with new ways to enjoy content comes new ways to provide it,” explains Jeff Schmuck. His letter goes on to explain that Newschoolers seeks a form of more diverse and polished content, work more timeless than simply who won the latest competition. The site is looking for something more artistic and insightful to both entertain and continue to shake up the way skiers all over the world access their media.

I spent a while reading through the 90+ page magazine, and actually found it extremely interesting. It hit on all the traits that Jeff was shooting for. The first article, titled “Guerilla Media,” talked about many of the topics we’ve touched on in this class. It talked about the significances of new medias, including social networking resources, flashy applications, new vs traditional news sources, the credibility differences between the two and more. It featured a bunch of quotes from site members and pro skiers, expressing their opinions on the topics, and provided a very compelling outlook on the topics overall. I also really enjoyed hearing the opinions of my favorite pro skiers on questions other than, “Tell me about that sick run man!” The end also prompted me to start following Newschoolers on Twitter, and after reading this article, I’m actually feeling inspired to open a twitter account.

The next section of the magazine, called “Choices,” features top product picks by the admins and writers on Newschoolers. They recommend/review their favorite skis, outerwear and accessories. Following that section is an interview with pro skier Matt Margetts. It was interesting, but nothing particularly special or different from the interviews I’ve read on the headlining news section of the site itself. Following, is Newschoolers attempt at some artsy work in the magazine. Titled “Black & White & Brown,” photographer Dan Brown features photos of some of the most creative personalities in skiing. I found a number of them pretty funny, but you’d have to know the skier to really understand it. I guess thats fitting for this magazine though, since its not targeting a broad audience but rather a very specific special interest crowd.

The next article is a recap of a trip two professional ski companies took to Japan, I skimmed over that one in excitement for the next article which was an interview with the famous JF Cusson. JF was one of the founders of park skiing pack in the late 80s and early 90s. He gave rise to tricks like spins, daffys and “screamin’ stevens.” It was really interesting learning about his lifestyle over the years and hearing his take on the progression of the sport.

The magazine ends with a few advertisements and a promotion for an upcoming event. Overall, I really liked this new addition to Newschoolers. It looks far more professional than anything else I’ve discovered on the site and provides some unique articles. I know this was merely a test run, but I hope they keep producing these digital magazines. Yeah, I’m sure it takes a lot of time, but the information is top of the line and I think its good publicity for the site. It gives Newschoolers a larger sense of credibility and professionalism.