Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Science News New Style
Prof. Lewenstein mentioned awhile ago during our discussion of science writing that Science News magazine will shortly be getting a makeover. After reading this letter from their publisher, I realized how big of change they really are going to make. They are going to reduce the print magazine from weekly to biweekly [while doubling the size of each issue], while simultaneously revamping their web news operation to include daily, and even hourly, news updates. While originally the website was merely a reflection of the magazine, now it seems that the website will become the dominant medium for this particular publication. Additionally, the format of both the site and the magazine will change, and Science News seems to strive to adhere more to a "scientific" bent rather than a "popular" bent: "Science News will come alive, offering a much richer array of graphs, charts, diagrams, informational graphics and scientific images to accompany articles written in thes ame lucid and authoritative style that you have come to know and trust" and "We will also introduce new features to the pages of Science News, including occasional commentary by distinguished science leaders" are each passages which to me show a need to legitimize the "scientific" side to the magazine. I am curious-- is Science News smart to focus more on a digital medium? Will its readership change? Are the same people who are used to reading a weekly magazine going to go to the website for updates every day? How will a renewed focus on scientific legitimacy affect its readership? What other consequences or rewards do you see arising from this major face-lift?
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2 comments:
I like the idea of having a richer array of data images. Personally, I'm a big fan of saving paper and really prefer reading science articles on the computer. Now with applications that highlight the text, I don't need to waste so much paper and ink. Because this magazine has built up so much credibility while it was in print form, I don't think switching to an online media will affect its readership too much. If anything, I see younger scientists/budding scientists visiting the website often. In this day and age when a lot of us check our emails/Facebook on the hour, visiting a website for updates will not cause a major dent in our routines. But I must admit, it makes the scientific knowledge less portable, as not everyone has a laptop or access to a computer whenever they need it.
I agree. Many magazines and other media are moving towards more frequent updates online. In many fast-paced industries, online news has taken off. Waiting a week for the latest news in print is just too long in my opinion. Like Anna said, many people with computers are used to checking email/news sites as frequently as on the hour.
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