'New Idea' Opinions

Hello,

Before I state my idea I just though I better say abit abou mysef. I am currently at 6th form studying media and I am a masssive fan of comedy, I will go to a show at least every two weeks (amateur/pro

But the reason I am writing on here is becasue I have been doing some market research and found out that there is not a 'comedy' magazine already on the UK market.

So I came up with the idea of 'On the funny side' which would be a monthly magazine which would include interviews with comedians (all reputations), it would aslo include all current news subjects which I would have a comedian to write what he thinks about the chosen 'subject' , it will also include listings of comedians I have chosen to be 'the one to watch'

If people believe that this product could be succesful I will be creating a online website from which I will be selling the first issue for £1.

I am wanting any feedback as to why you like 'comedy' and also why you think there hasn't already been a comedy based magazine on the market?

I believe that this concept could help comedians get there big break and get recognised.

Thanks

Hi,
I think that this is a brilliant idea as I am looking for a decent comedy magazine to read, I like the sound of yours and I also think that it will be successfull, and for the price of £1 I will buy every issue that comes out, I would love to see this magazine in stores as soon as you can, as soon as I see it I will spread the word to all of my friends to that they to can enjoy the magazine.

thanks,
Ron

Will your magazine cut the mustard?

Leighton, unless Ronald happens to live in your house, making more than one profile for yourself is against the rules of this site.

Well, if everyone's as keen as Ronald, you should have a sure-fire hit on your hands.

I asked my classmates if they could publish a review via this website

Sorry I didn't know it would break the rules

Fair enough.

Good luck, how will you handle reviews/critique articles?

If you mean reviews of fellow comedians , I would like to have a 'like' balanced argument feel by collecting good and bad reviews (if there are any) from the readers, then have my personal opinion at the end

Thanks

Quote: Leighton Allen @ May 1 2012, 10:51 AM BST

I would have a comedian to write what HE thinks about the chosen 'subject'

View original

A bit sexist, no? or was that unintentional?

I don't think there are comedy news magazines because websites like British Comedy Guide and Chortle do such a good job of providing news, interviews and videos for free.

What could you then offer that would be worth paying for in that respect?

Quote: Leighton Allen @ May 1 2012, 10:51 AM BST

I am wanting any feedback as to why you like 'comedy' and also why you think there hasn't already been a comedy based magazine on the market?

View original

By comedy, I take it you mean just stand up comedy?

I think it's probably because there is no need for one, as many magazines will have interviews with stand up comedians, from listings mags to newspaper mags and several will showcase them and promote them. They sort of have the entire entertainments thing bagged up, that's why you don't get music papers anymore, so if they can't exist, there is no way that a stand up comedy mag could, sorry.

Quote: Leighton Allen @ May 1 2012, 10:51 AM BST

I am wanting any feedback as to why you like 'comedy' and also why you think there hasn't already been a comedy based magazine on the market?

View original

There have. The first two that pop into my mind are The Fix and Mustard, both of which have folded/moved online.

The fact is that print media is on its arse and I strongly suspect the current market won't support a magazine devoted to just comedy, particularly when the internet can support not only interviews and features but clips too.

I'd buy it, last month GQ had comedy issue which had loads of British and American Comedians in it (no interviews) but was still pretty good. And £1 is great price, cheaper then a big issue.

I remember a comedy magazine years back, when Newman and Baddiel were at their heights, and Frank Skinner was just starting to get big. Can't for the life of me remember the name of it, though. It was really good, but didn't last more than half a dozen issues I don't think.

I think you've got a very niche market in many respects. People love to laugh, but they don't necessarily like to get "behind the laughter" and find out more about the comedian. Often the persona of the person on stage can be ruined by finding out they're actually a real person, and not necessarily as hilarious in interview as they are when performing.

Print media is hugely difficult to break into, so if you are serious about it I'd recommend going down the online magazine route first - maybe do it for iPad/Kindle or whatever. You'll save a fortune.

If you're talking print issues, £1 would barely cover printing costs, let alone anything else. You'd need a LOT of advertising, and that would be difficult to come by until you were established.

But hey, I'd read it...

"Deadpan" - that was the mag I was thinking of. It was really annoying me, so I Googled it. You can find a couple of extracts at the bottom of this page on Richard Herring's site:

http://www.richardherring.com/archive/downloads.php?s=Article

If you're doing this out of love rather than trying to make a living, you'd be wise to just go the underground route and print black and white fanzines (writing about up-and-coming comics, feature articles, gig/DVD reviews, etc).

You won't make much money (if any) and you'll have to do the majority of your own distribution, but it's completely possible for you to start doing this right away. All you need is a computer and a printer.

I write for a few different music zines for free just for the love of reviewing and writing music. I'm sure you could find lots of like-minded individuals with a passion for comedy, and you could build up a good little publication.