Contents page

1.What is the function of a contents page?

The function of a contents page is to present to the reader what's in the magazine, it can also give quick idea of what's included in the headlines, coverlines etc, but not in much detail, this is used to make the reader want to read the rest of the articles. The contents page is usually located straight after the front cover.

2.How does a reader use a contents page?

The reader uses a contents page by navigating the page, maybe finding an article that attracts them, then going to that page, they may also be just scanning the page, then find something interesting, then use the contents page to address them where to go.

3.What is the conventional layout for a contents page in a magazine?

The conventional layout for a contents page in a magazine is to have a sort of 'index' where lesser important things are shown, usually located on the left or right of the page, and to have a main ‘headline’ being shown taking up most of the page to attract readers to that article. There is also a usually a gird structure with page numbers to identify the different articles. Like shown here in this Metal hammer content page, there’s a space for the ‘features’ which is for the headlined stuff, then ‘regulars’ for the stuff that’s usually reviewed or analysed in the magazine. There’s also a space for an ‘editor speaks’ which is an area weekly for the editors opinion, this takes up the right hand column of the grid structure, and could be a monthly reference for usual buyers.

4. What is the conventional design for a contents page in a magazine?

Most magazines use roughly the same layout so it’s pretty universal, and will be easy for new readers to the magazine to navigate their way through the magazine. Usually a range of images or one big background image is used to emphasize headlines or articles or to just simply add some interesting colour.

5. How much information does a contents page contain?

The amount of information on a contents page can often vary between magazines, for example, the image below has quite little information, and has one big background image, rather that lots of little images corresponding the article details. Whereas some contents pages of different magazines can contain a lot of information, and ‘sneak previews’ of important headlines.

6. What information does a contents page contain?

The information a contents page contains is usually an idea on what’s to be expected on the rest of the magazine, rather than go into detail with anything, this can be used to stop the use of things like ‘spoilers’ for keen readers. I think Rocksound give a good amount of information as it keeps you in suspense for the rest of the magazine then.

7.How are images used in a conventional contents page?

Images are sometimes used in contents pages to emphasize an article or piece of information, or, as said earlier, can be used just to fill up space and add a bit of colour to the page, they can also follow the theme from the front cover, for example, the front cover may have an image of a band on the front cover then have a different image of the same band on the contents page.

8. How is language used in a conventional contents page?

Language is used in both formal and informal ways, depending on the magazine, if it’s a critics wording or the general public, things like that can contribute whether it’s formal or not, for example, an interview with a band in a music magazine could be informal with sometimes vulgar language.

9. What are the key codes and conventions of a contents page?

The key codes and conventions of a contents page are to have a good balance between images and text, as having too much of either can make the contents page hard to navigate and feel cluttered, and to also have the text suggestive but not too informative, as that may lead the reader to not want to read on.

10. How does the function of a contents page affect its layout and design?

The function of the contents page must be for it to be simple and easy to read/navigate and having too much on there could affect the layout by making it cluttered and adjusting the main grid structure too much could make the page feel really full and messy.