Flicking through the internet for stories is a bit like flicking through a pile of magazine clippings on the floor. It can be fun putting everything you want to read together in one pile, but after a while you might want to sit in a chair and have that pile put together in more manageable fashion for you to read, say maybe like the magazines or blogs the articles were cut out of.
Okay, that's enough of that analogy. This article is about finished product of blogs and magazines that compile together a host of articles on subjects a reader is interested in. I'm featured ten nine Australian independent magazines both virtual and tangible which I came across during one of my wild searches through hundreds of internet sites.
Magazines have really taken a bashing over the past decade. And once more the internet is copping the blame. Perhaps this decline is just another example of gatekeepers telling the audience what they want to read. I don't know the answers, but I do know that print publishing is going through a major change and this includes magazines. I don't know about you, but I get disillusioned flicking through some magazines and all I see is trash - though I understand that they call them trashy mags for a reason. Still, the evolution to change back to something positive and not destructive is approaching and I am so happy about that.
I selected these magazines for one reason - they focused on girl power over girl image. It's important for me as a woman and as a writer that I send a positive message about us. I hope these magazines do great things because I for one am sick to death of seeing people who are famous for nothing of any substance being branded as our idols.
1. Yen Magazine
Their slogan is "For smart creative cookies who like to be inspired". Still features an image of a girl on the front of every cover, but many of them are singers, musicians, and actors and the message is one of power and inspiration, rather than how to make a 14 year old look like a slut. Loads on interesting articles and interviews and a great focus of music.
2. Bella Magazine
A book of "beauty, value and purpose". It's the latest magazine for girls aged 13 - 19 and was launched in 2009 to provide girls with an alternative to the sexed-up modern magazines. The covers features happy teenage girls. It's a true indie magazine in that it needs to raise it's own money to continue running and you can buy Bella products on their affiliated online store.
3. Young Vagabond
"More than a magazine". The first edition of Young Vagabond was published after the co-founders Ashleigh Grogon and Haylee Collins raised $17,960 dollars to launch and print. Up to edition 3 and no doubt working on edition 4. Lots of great quality articles that the glossy magazines don't have time to produce because they're too busy making stuff up to go with a random photo.
4. Frankie
Frankie is up to issue 58, Frankie is powering along as a well established and successful independent magazine. They've managed to get themselves on many shelves and their blog is exciting to look through. the magazine and blog have a lovely home-craft feel about it, which is so different from every other magazine and no doubt that along with great articles, this creative feel helps their success.
5. The Brainwash Project
It's easy to forget that independent magazines need to raise their own funds in order to be produced. And print costs bucket loads. The founder Jessica Barlow raised enough to produce the first magazine, but since then has just kept the online and Facebook sites up and running and contributes to other magazines. maybe we'll see future editions. I hope so. We need more of the Brainwash magazines and less of the Braindead ones.
6. S-Press
S-Press is the only free full-colour magazine just for Australia's teenagers. Whether it be music, sport, celebrity goss, current affairs, careers advice or simply the awesome things teens are doing right now, this mag has got it covered.
Wish they had magazines like this when I was going to school.
7. Onya Magazine
Founded by Sandi Sieger in June 2009. Onya Magazine's true purpose is to present to all Australians, and the rest of the world, a firm image of what Australia is all about: style, fun, intelligence, humour, community and spirit. It covers everything from arts and culture, to parenting and lifestyle, serious topics and fun topics too, and of course the old classics - fashion and beauty.
8. Mamamia
Mamamia (one word, unlike the ABBA song) unashamedly cover what everyone is talking about today: whether that’s stories which will make you laugh out loud, cover your mouth in shock, help you get informed or start you thinking about an issue in a different way and sometimes, we help you to just switch off the brain power from a few sweet minutes and kick back.
This magazine styled blog was started by Mia Freedman. I've seen her speak at a convention for women and she was very inspiring. She's been a role model of mine since then. She's one person I'd love to meet one day.
9. Indigo4Girls
Indigo is a positive, body friendly, age appropriate magazine for girls. Not only is it full of fun stuff, but it actually makes girls feel great about who they are. They flick through the pages and see themselves. How cool is that! Currently available via direct mail order or online. Which goes to prove my theory that readers still want something tangible to read, but how they buy it and get it delivered is the big change, though many magazines are delivered through mail order so maybe not so much a change. Mmm, have to think about that.
Anyway, I hope you take a moment to flick through these blogs and magazines and I hope you get inspired to do great things.
Take care!
D L
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
D L Richardson is the author of speculative fiction. She has three teen novels and one short story anthology published. Her first novel reached number 2 at OmniLit and number 38 at Kobo Books. Her second reached number 1 at OmniLit. Little Red Gem is her third novel and recently won 2nd place Best Books of 2013 Paranormal Cravings. She lives in Australia on the NSW south coast with her husband and dog.
Contact information
