Apple, the great masters of technology, have recently unleashed their latest creation – the iPad. This light-weight tablet computer weighs only 1.5 pounds, and measures in at 9.6” by 7.5”, making it perfect to use as an e-reader. Although the iPad is yet to be released in the UK, it has made an impact in America, and its arrival here is eagerly awaited. But how will this “magical and revolutionary product”, as Apple describes it, affect the way we read our books and magazines?
The iPad could result in an increase in readership levels – as the cost of printing and delivering is not applicable for e-books or e-magazines, then the consumer should find themselves paying a reduced cost for the finished good. Lower prices should lead to an increase in demand – and anything that encourages people to read is a desirable effect. The device also offers incentives for those who are already avid readers – the ability to store numerous books or magazines in a portable manner. It will enable people to own a wide choice of reading material that is easily accessible, making those long commutes much more enjoyable. Although other e-readers also offer this, the iPad has a screen larger than other models, resulting in a more comfortable read.
One other aspect that will be affected by the iPad is advertising, which could actually target individual people, much like sites such as Facebook offer at the moment. Adverts placed in e-magazines or e-newspapers can be specifically chosen to appeal to individual readers. The iPad has GPS, meaning adverts for particular areas can be directed to people in these locations, not to mention information that can be gathered from your choice of applications, reading material, age, and so on. This is not simply beneficial for the advertising agencies, but also for the consumer; specifically aimed adverts are a bonus for the reader, as they target their relevant interests.
However, the iPad certainly isn’t cheap, with rumours suggesting that models in the UK will range from £429 to £699. With books and magazines costing considerably less than this hefty price tag, will the benefits weigh up against the fact that a minimum of over £400 is necessary to acquire them? If this cost is deemed worthy, there is still a whole realm of problems facing the publishing companies themselves. As the internet provides constant and up-to-date information, the magazines that are normally monthly will have to compete with these instantaneous updates. Even if they do manage to match the online information, would people be willing to pay for something they can view on an iPad when they can also browse similar, and free, websites, on an iPad? Whilst paper newspapers and magazines are still purchased currently, despite the internet, the concept of viewing these through an e-reader means they lose the unique paper and ink aspect that currently means they sell.
Newspapers have already been keen to jump on the iPad bandwagon - the New York Times are offering a free Editor’s Choice application, that will offer a daily selection of the newspaper's top stories and articles, as picked by the editors. Closer to home, The Times are planning on bringing out a similar paid application – although current subscribers will not have to pay for access. Interview magazine have also managed to produce a successful iPad application, that not only offers content found in the magazine, but also offers exclusive video and audio content – revealing another aspect of the iPad revolution, in terms of the journalism found in forms other than writing.
Simon Allen, former President of the Publishers’ Association, believes that, “the iPad is not necessarily a game-changer, but it certainly gives publishers a great opportunity to get all their titles delivered in electronic form, in a very convenient and flexible way. It certainly provides exciting opportunities for the publishing industry”. So, will the iPad completely change the shape of journalism forever? I suppose all we can really do is wait and see...
Monday 31 May 2010
Saturday 15 May 2010
The Hot Topic
It doesn’t take a genius to notice that Facebook is completely full of people whinging about politics at the moment. And I’d just like to point out – look on the bright side. Politicians are hot. It’s a hard thing to admit, but I really do mean it. I’d love to see the Houses of Parliament Fit Finder – “Male. Blonde hair. Jolly spiffing mop of golden locks, and bloody funny at that. I’d like to Boris your Johnson”. Yes, please. And I know I’m not the only one enjoying the Nick Clegg/David Cameron love in a slightly perverse way – you know you like it too. There is just something inherently sexy about these men in power. They may be balding, they may be a little portly, but I just can’t resist.
Others agree with me – in New York, Barack Obama was recently stopped by a woman who proclaimed, “You're a hottie with a smokin' little body.” She tells it how it is. The President, with good humour, replied that his wife would be watching, and his admirer responded “That's all right. Hi, Michelle - eat your heart out!” I wish I had her guts – I’d never leave Westminster alone. The great thing about this story is that it is helping remove the stigma of being attracting to politicians. I mean, looking back at politicians of the past, we haven’t exactly been blessed. For example, I’m not quite feeling that George Bush or John Major vibe – they’re not exactly the man candy that we’ve managed to get ourselves in 2010. I’m waiting for the shooting of “The Cabinet Cuties 2011” naked calendar to get started. Forget expenses scandals, they’d make enough money to pay off government debt in the opening week.
Of course, I’m not claiming that every current politician is the new George Clooney; in the case of Gordon Brown, I’m more than willing to step away. But surely we can take something from this Obama story, and bring something magical to the UK. A sexual revolution, with political pin-ups openly accepted for the hunks that they are. Think about it – instead of throwing eggs at David Cameron, why can’t we throw our knickers? Forget the R-Patz obsession; I want a massive poster of BoJo on my bedroom wall. And when you hear about a ‘hung’ parliament – well, I’m sure you get the idea. Still, if this is too much to ask of people, then I understand. Maybe the world just isn’t ready for this yet. But I do have just one, small request. Can you at least stop bloody whinging on Facebook?
Others agree with me – in New York, Barack Obama was recently stopped by a woman who proclaimed, “You're a hottie with a smokin' little body.” She tells it how it is. The President, with good humour, replied that his wife would be watching, and his admirer responded “That's all right. Hi, Michelle - eat your heart out!” I wish I had her guts – I’d never leave Westminster alone. The great thing about this story is that it is helping remove the stigma of being attracting to politicians. I mean, looking back at politicians of the past, we haven’t exactly been blessed. For example, I’m not quite feeling that George Bush or John Major vibe – they’re not exactly the man candy that we’ve managed to get ourselves in 2010. I’m waiting for the shooting of “The Cabinet Cuties 2011” naked calendar to get started. Forget expenses scandals, they’d make enough money to pay off government debt in the opening week.
Of course, I’m not claiming that every current politician is the new George Clooney; in the case of Gordon Brown, I’m more than willing to step away. But surely we can take something from this Obama story, and bring something magical to the UK. A sexual revolution, with political pin-ups openly accepted for the hunks that they are. Think about it – instead of throwing eggs at David Cameron, why can’t we throw our knickers? Forget the R-Patz obsession; I want a massive poster of BoJo on my bedroom wall. And when you hear about a ‘hung’ parliament – well, I’m sure you get the idea. Still, if this is too much to ask of people, then I understand. Maybe the world just isn’t ready for this yet. But I do have just one, small request. Can you at least stop bloody whinging on Facebook?
Friday 14 May 2010
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Movies by Mood
‘Oh my God, I’m never going to meet Mister Right, I’m going to be alone. FOREVER.’
The Notebook:
This is the one film that literally makes me cry every single time I watch it. So, make that around eighty-three times. If you’ve just gone through a messy break-up, or even if you’re just feeling a little lonely, then this film is perfect. You may find yourself a little jealous of the immaculate love between the central characters (and secretly want to kill Rachel McAdams) but if you can get past that then it’s definitely worth a watch. From the famous kiss in the rain, to the sob-inducing ending (that I won’t give away), this film should hopefully persuade you that there is someone for you, you will find them, and you won’t end up living with eight cats and slight insanity. Even if you don’t look like Rachel McAdams.
‘I want to snuggle up in bed and not move all day’
Any of the classic Disney musical cartoon films: The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid…
If you’re taking a sick day because you’re actually sick, then you can enjoy listening to the incredible songs. If you’re taking a sick day because you just didn’t want to go in, then you can join in, at the top of your voice. You know you know all the words. Singing aside, there is something incredibly feel-good about these films. Whether it’s the childhood nostalgia associated with them, or the fact that they’re just bloody good films, there’s always an excuse for a bit of Disney.
‘Oh boy, I need to get drunk…’
The Room:
Okay, so this is more about the drinking game that goes with The Room, as opposed to the actual film itself, but the point still stands. The Room is one of the most appalling films ever made, and perfect for watching with a group of friends and enough booze to go round. The full set of rules is quite substantial (google ‘The Room drinking game’ if you want to play), but consists of classics such as ‘Drink every time Denny’s behaviour makes you uncomfortable’, and shout ‘BITCH’ every time the character Lisa comes on screen, amongst others. You may not remember the film the next day – but perhaps that’s a good thing.
‘I need some quality time with the girlies, pronto’
Sex and The City:
Best enjoyed with some seriously girly cocktails (preferably with the little umbrellas and all the trimmings) and a tub of chocolate ice cream each, this film is perfect for those girly, gossipy nights in. Even if you put the plot aside, the fashion alone makes it worth watching – although, I must warn you that it may lead to expensive impulse online purchases, if enough alcohol is consumed. Throw in those classic characters that all self-respecting girls know and love, and you’ve got yourself the makings of a great night. If you really want to go for it, then Bridget Jones is the perfect film to follow – along with some Cosmopolitans, of course.
‘I am a man. A MANLY MAN’
Rocky and/or Rambo:
Men always need confirmation that they are, indeed, men. Cue some sort of poker night, with whiskey and cigars, and the token ‘man film’ – Rocky. It’s got everything – fighting, fighting, and more fighting. Plus, er, Sylvester Stallone. One warning – if the host of the evening happens to own the whole Rocky collection (as any real man would, of course) then you may end up watching them all, as no man wants to be the first person to suggest turning it off. As long as you don’t start on Rambo afterwards, however, then you should be okay. But of course you’ll be okay – you’re a man.
The Notebook:
This is the one film that literally makes me cry every single time I watch it. So, make that around eighty-three times. If you’ve just gone through a messy break-up, or even if you’re just feeling a little lonely, then this film is perfect. You may find yourself a little jealous of the immaculate love between the central characters (and secretly want to kill Rachel McAdams) but if you can get past that then it’s definitely worth a watch. From the famous kiss in the rain, to the sob-inducing ending (that I won’t give away), this film should hopefully persuade you that there is someone for you, you will find them, and you won’t end up living with eight cats and slight insanity. Even if you don’t look like Rachel McAdams.
‘I want to snuggle up in bed and not move all day’
Any of the classic Disney musical cartoon films: The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid…
If you’re taking a sick day because you’re actually sick, then you can enjoy listening to the incredible songs. If you’re taking a sick day because you just didn’t want to go in, then you can join in, at the top of your voice. You know you know all the words. Singing aside, there is something incredibly feel-good about these films. Whether it’s the childhood nostalgia associated with them, or the fact that they’re just bloody good films, there’s always an excuse for a bit of Disney.
‘Oh boy, I need to get drunk…’
The Room:
Okay, so this is more about the drinking game that goes with The Room, as opposed to the actual film itself, but the point still stands. The Room is one of the most appalling films ever made, and perfect for watching with a group of friends and enough booze to go round. The full set of rules is quite substantial (google ‘The Room drinking game’ if you want to play), but consists of classics such as ‘Drink every time Denny’s behaviour makes you uncomfortable’, and shout ‘BITCH’ every time the character Lisa comes on screen, amongst others. You may not remember the film the next day – but perhaps that’s a good thing.
‘I need some quality time with the girlies, pronto’
Sex and The City:
Best enjoyed with some seriously girly cocktails (preferably with the little umbrellas and all the trimmings) and a tub of chocolate ice cream each, this film is perfect for those girly, gossipy nights in. Even if you put the plot aside, the fashion alone makes it worth watching – although, I must warn you that it may lead to expensive impulse online purchases, if enough alcohol is consumed. Throw in those classic characters that all self-respecting girls know and love, and you’ve got yourself the makings of a great night. If you really want to go for it, then Bridget Jones is the perfect film to follow – along with some Cosmopolitans, of course.
‘I am a man. A MANLY MAN’
Rocky and/or Rambo:
Men always need confirmation that they are, indeed, men. Cue some sort of poker night, with whiskey and cigars, and the token ‘man film’ – Rocky. It’s got everything – fighting, fighting, and more fighting. Plus, er, Sylvester Stallone. One warning – if the host of the evening happens to own the whole Rocky collection (as any real man would, of course) then you may end up watching them all, as no man wants to be the first person to suggest turning it off. As long as you don’t start on Rambo afterwards, however, then you should be okay. But of course you’ll be okay – you’re a man.
Sunday 2 May 2010
In with the old, in with the new..
As a second year moving into third term, I’ve realised a number of things. Not only that free prawn crackers at a nightclub is possibly one of the greatest things ever invented, but (possibly) more importantly that I have met some people that I hope I’ll remain friends with forever. I know it’s cliché, and that we don’t really know how long these friendships will last for, but I’m optimistic – plus I have so much dirt on them that they can’t even think about ditching me.
The only problem is trying to keep the friendships I made before coming to university – the ones that I also thought would last forever. I was lucky enough to have an extremely tight-knit group in secondary school – although this did mean I literally had four friends – and I loved them all. Thankfully I still do, and we have managed to keep in contact throughout term time and holidays, but I can’t help but think about what could happen in the future.
It’s hard enough going ten weeks without seeing someone – what if they move abroad? What happens when they get married? What about when they have children? I’m not going to lie – it’s a scary thought. The essay I’ve got due in is frightening enough, let alone thinking about a job, marriage, babies... Crikey. All I hope for is that I’ll still have those friends to make it less daunting. And to come dancing with me when I’m too old to get those free prawn crackers.
The only problem is trying to keep the friendships I made before coming to university – the ones that I also thought would last forever. I was lucky enough to have an extremely tight-knit group in secondary school – although this did mean I literally had four friends – and I loved them all. Thankfully I still do, and we have managed to keep in contact throughout term time and holidays, but I can’t help but think about what could happen in the future.
It’s hard enough going ten weeks without seeing someone – what if they move abroad? What happens when they get married? What about when they have children? I’m not going to lie – it’s a scary thought. The essay I’ve got due in is frightening enough, let alone thinking about a job, marriage, babies... Crikey. All I hope for is that I’ll still have those friends to make it less daunting. And to come dancing with me when I’m too old to get those free prawn crackers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
