Textual analysis- Contents page of "Mixmag"

The content page within this "Mixmag" magazine is very unique as it has the name of the magazine-Mixmag- in small writing in the top left hand side of the page, this is to create an identity for the magazine. As well as this, on the top of the page is the issue date and also the word "contents" which lets the reader know that this is where the information for the magazine will be. The font used for the contents on this page looks a little bit like broken glass, this could therefore suggest that the music being written about inside this magazine can brake glass; as it is played so loudly.

The contents page is then split into three parts: a very large picture, which takes up most of the space; to the right of this there is a column which gives information on what is in the magazine; then along the bottom is another column all abut the free CD that is given to you with this issue of "Mixmag". The picture is very large and is a mid shot of a young girl who appears to be on a night out, she has very bright urban coloured hair, which catches your eye as you look at the page. The girl also appears to be in a night club of some sort, or a rave, as she is wearing very bright clothing, her bra is an example of this. The bright colours used within the picture then are a contrast with the very simple black background used on this page. In my opinion, a black background is used to try and emphasise the "ravers life" as it will usually be very dark except the very bright fluorescent colours worn by people.

The column on the far right is there to give readers a clear idea of where things are in the magazine, this will therefore tempt people into buying the magazine as it is very organised and easy to "use". Within this column it mentions things like, " Clubs of the year" and " David Guetta". These small coverlines are there to try and make the magazine better than its competitors, so they publishers will use the most interested articles or interviews within this part to try and tempt people into buying the magazine. As well as giving additonal information on the contents page, page numbers are given as well so it makes it even easier for readers to find what they were interested in within the magazine.

At the bottom of the contents page there is a small article written by the publisher about the free CD given to customers with this issue of "Mixmag". This then makes readers feel special and wanted because it seems like the publishers have written this especially to you as it says, "Your free CD". There is then a picture of the CD case and the other side of this is what songs are on the CD. This is a very effective way of selling the magazine because people may read the contents page before buying the magazine and notice what songs are on the free CD and so buy it for the CD.

This contents page, like many others i have looked at, is very organised and in neat coloumns displaying clearly all the information you want to know from a contents page. It also is very simple and not too busy. A large picture is also commonly used to fill up room so not much writing has to be used as too much writing can put people off. Finally, at the very bottom of the page their is a website that you can go on to to find out more about "Mixmag" if you wished.