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Our Editorial Creed
INsider Magazine,
Informative, entertaining, progressive, cutting edge.
The individualist’s forum for the new millenium.

Our Editorial Philosophy:
INsider Magazine,
a publication written by twentysomethings for twentysomethings.
INsider Magazine reflects every aspect of our readers’ lives. They are faced with making important decisions concerning who they are, where they fit and what they want. We directly speak to their needs and deliver what is important to them: adventure, technology, careers, education, sports, social issues, entertainment, and outstanding quality and values in products and services.
INsider Magazine stands out as an honest resource of genuine quality and integrity in today’s varied scope of journalism.
INsider Magazine speaks for our readers and the world in which they live.
INsider Magazine. When reaching our generation means getting INside.

Guest Editor for Each Issue:

Each issue of INsider Magazine is designed to revolve around a featured guest editor. Guest editors are carefully screened to determine their relevance and value to our readers. It is planned that the majority of the guest editors will be popular film stars and/or musicians such as Kevin Bacon, Elizabeth Perkins, Uma Thurman, Michael Keaton, Michael Richards, Jerry Seinfeld, Jodie Foster, and Meg Ryan to mention a few. It has always been understood and expected by INsider Magazine staff that the magazine deserves and attracts quality candidates to be the guest editor of the magazine. A few of the reasons that the magazine has garnished such quality editors are as follows: INsider Magazine is the oldest national college magazine in existence - 24 years; INsider Magazine targets more universities than any other college publication; We recently ventured onto the newsstand and have enjoyed a healthy 35% average sell through; It has been estimated that 30% of all box office revenue for movies is from college students; It has been surveyed that students buy an average of three tapes per month and an average of 2.5 CDs per month. For all these reasons, INsider Magazine attracts substantial attention from the entertainment industry. Each issue the guest editor is featured on the cover of the magazine; there is a two page interview with the guest editor; we note their birthday on the horoscope page; the guest editor assists in reviewing music and products in the issue; and anything else we can think of related to our bi-monthly theme.

Sports, Travel, Activities & Product Reviews:

INsider Magazine’s editorial caters to the proactive attitudes of our readers. The people we want to attract are outgoing, conscientious individuals who are interested in bettering themselves and the world around them. These people, by nature, are active participants in many outdoor activities and we want to have an underlying theme in each issue that relates to this extreme sports mind set. Our target audience are rollerbladers, mountain bikers, triathletes, and skiers. By promoting and featuring a variety of outdoor activities, we can tie into our annual college sports (football, basketball) and outdoor/adventure issues to provide a magazine that hip and vibrant young adults will want to be a part of. Being active is the key to our editorial raison d’etre. Focusing on participatory sports and activities gives INsider Magazine the feel of a lifestyle magazine because we feature things that our readers care about and participate in. There are plenty of publications aimed at the college couch-potato; INsider Magazine is not one of them.

Entertainment & Local Calendars:
(Film, Television, Literature, Music and Technology)

Film: Forrest Gump, the highest grossing film of 1994, was a huge success, both at the box office and with critics at large. Yet we believe that Forest Gump is not the type of film that meshes with our vision of the magazine. Would we ignore it? Of course not. But does the critical 18-34-year-old demographic wish to see one more carbon copy profile of Tom Hanks. Our answer is no. We prefer to profile those emerging from the shadows, rather than lounging in the spotlight. We don’t look for obscurity, rather we value actors and directors who like us are trying to carve out their own piece of the pie. Some may not achieve superstar status within the year, but all, in their own way, are making heartfelt contributions to both the cinema and the world around them. For us, a story, or feature, is most interesting when it hasn’t yet been fully told – when we can discover the true nugget amongst all the fool’s gold.
Television: We view the medium of television with the same critical eye, in which we do film. With over 100 channels to choose from, our readers today, no longer subscribe to the rigid and clichéd formats of the big three networks. Our generation tunes into atypical venues such as Comedy Central, ESPN and of course, VH1. People turn on their television for both information and entertainment, and we want to find the alternative venues, programming and stars that spark ideas in our readers – not programs that only spark channel-surfing.
Literature: The majority of our generation have college degrees. In turn, this educated readership means that an unprecedented number of our readers buy and read books. Witness the recent rise of the book superstore: Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Crown Super Stores, and Borders. People no longer drop into the local mall just to pick-up a copy of the latest John Grisham thriller or Steven King horror novel. The bookstore is a place to relax, sip coffee, and explore. Young authors, such as Douglas Coupland, Michael Chabon and Douglas Rushkoff are emerging constantly. Books are more for us and our generation – no longer just beach reading. Instead, novels and non-fiction are the most viable means for our readership to both explore the past and dream of the future.
Music: Our editorial goal, in covering music, is to profile and critically examine those bands who don’t bathe in the light of the mainstream. Perhaps they’ve just started out or only have small local fan bases somewhere. Bands we feel deserve more recognition. Pearl Jam and R.E.M. are the rock stars of the ’90s, with their faces on every magazine and songs in constant rotation on MTV. Our "critical readers" probably enjoy these bands, but they also need to be kept informed of the bands who are emerging, in clichéd terms, the next Pearl Jam or R.E.M. We try to keep our ears tuned to the ground – looking at all genres for the next musical phenomena to emerge. IN’s music department does not focus on any one particular type of music. But instead INsider Magazine recognizes its readers’ varied musical tastes and looks for the best in all categories such as country, funk, blue grass, jazz, blues and soul.
Technology: Our readership is technologically savvy and our editorial must reflect the emerging fascination with the cyber world. With an unprecedented number of 18 to 34- year-olds surfing the net, our readers want to read about issues and personalities emerging in cyberspace. Beyond computers, our readers in general are fascinated with the ways technology will both enhance and effect their lives. From reviewing CD-ROMs to examining the alternative cars of the future, we are trying to stay one step ahead of the ever changing world of technology.
Local Metro Entertainment Calendars: Each local section of INsider Magazine contains its own advertising and local calendar for that particular city (i.e. Chicago, Austin, San francisco) which highlights cool events and places around town. There are bi-monthly spotlights featuring restaurant picks, local musical acts, bar and night club reviews and live theatre reviews.

Issues:

(Social, Political, Cultural and Careers)

The world is constantly evolving around us. Technology, especially the information highway, is paving the path for the New World Order. As the political scene in Washington turns, we believe our generation will be standing at the front in trying to enact positive change. Capitol Hill still attracts thousands upon thousands of our nation’s brightest young people – all looking to make their mark in the world. Yet, it has become harder and harder to define one’s ideals in a political climate that is bogged down by empty rhetoric and gridlock. Our readers are turning against Washington; looking to work outside the system. Our generation joins Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Rock the Vote and Habitat for Humanity to make a mark on the world. For our generation, political power is a distant point on the horizon, our generation’s power lies in grass-roots movements. And we, editorially, are most interested in those individuals and issues which seek to subvert and change the system. We are committed to examining critical issues like drug use, refugee rights, the environment and AIDS in new enlightening ways by searching for new angles that will move our readers to action and illumination.
Careers: We are looking to expand beyond cookie-cutter job advice (i.e., wear deodorant to your interview, spell check your résumé, never take a job where they pay you in Confederate money). Our career coverage profiles those members of our generation who are doing unique and interesting things with their lives. We will report on emerging and intellectually-stimulating professions. Plenty of jobs are out there, they are just in different forms than before.

Etc.:

Beyond those categories mentioned above, we are constantly seeking out the most interesting and stimulating stories for our readership from the diverse arenas of sports, travel, relationships, lifestyles and so on. Our editorial policy is simple: since the entire editorial staff, we feel, represents a good cross section of our readership, if a story idea appeals to us, it should appeal to our readers. We are constantly seeking well written and researched stories that our readers will find both entertaining and informative. Our goal is to stay a step ahead of the mainstream by finding the ideas, issues and personalities that are and will be shaping our world.

Publication Definition:

INsider Magazine is a national general interest web-zine that is produced 6 times per year. It is targeted directly to 480 colleges. We are presently starting over 25 individualized local editions of the web-zin targeting various campuses and metropolitan markets. Our target audience is 18 to 34 year olds.

INsider’s Readers:

INsider Magazine is a web-zine designed and written by twentysomethings from all over America. We have graduated, per se, from focusing on the college market and our stories should reflect this new readership. It is important when writing to appeal above the college level, not at it. Monthly surveys conducted in the magazine show that 18 to 34 year olds have tremendously varied habits and interests. In general, they love music and buy numerous CDs. They are concerned about their health and appearance. They are very active socially, going to nightclubs, bars and concerts several times a month and are constantly pursuing relationships and meeting new people. They love to see movies both at the theater and at home on video tape. They are very aware of current events, actively vote in major elections and are very active as volunteers for causes dealing with the environment, political issues, etc. A majority have credit cards that they use on a regular basis. INsider Magazine entertains our readers’ interests while developing a unique editorial impression that celebrates the exclusivity of being a young adult today. One thing is true for all college-age consumers; they do NOT like to be referred or spoken to as college students. We want to emphasize what is unique about this demographic without exposing its limitations (ie: their age, where they are in their careers). Any quantitative observation makes students recoil from fear of being labeled a "member of the pack."

Themes:

Each issue of INsider Magazine revolves around a theme. Consider these themes when submitting.
September: Computer Software/College Football Preview
November: Annual Ski and Winter Sports Issue
January: Annual Travel Guide/Spring Break Issue
March: Auto Issue/March Madness Preview/Extreme Sports
May: Outdoor and Adventure Issue
July: Summer and Orientation Issue

Guest Editor:

Each issue of INsider Magazine is hosted by a guest editor that interacts with several of the on-going featured columns. Guest editors are featured as a main focus of each issue of the magazine; there is a two page interview with the guest editor; we note their birthday on the horoscope page; the guest editor also assists in reviewing music and products in the issue. The guest editor is generally a notable actor, actress or musician.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTIONS:
Sports, Travel, Activities & Product Reviews:

INfashion – These five to seven pages of the magazine are usually related to the theme of each month. Other fashion features have been on nightclub fashion or back-to-school clothes. The fashion editor solicits the clothes and writes all copy for the section.
INproduct – This section features the newest products on the market appealing to INsider Magazine’s readership. From mountain bikes to backpacks to beers, this section previews the latest trends. INsider Magazine is a key source of information for readers looking to buy the best products for the most reasonable price. INsider Magazine reviews the latest products on the market for quality, versatility and affordability. The top selections are given the INchoice Award. Anywhere from four to eight products are previewed with graphics and accompanying descriptions including any outstanding qualities, where they can be found and the cost. Product review sections should be between 650 to 1,450 words and should reflect a number of related products.
INsports – This section features stories on participatory sports popular with our readership like ultimate frisbee or rugby as well as profiles of professional or amateur athletes. Stories and profiles should be 650 to 1,450 words.
INtravel – This section includes stories on destinations popular with our readership, but focuses more on more distant, international travel. INsider Magazine will also consider humorous travel stories, travel tips and travel round-ups. Stories should be 650 to 1,450 words, often with accompanying sidebar.
INbooks – INsider Magazine attracts a highly literate audience. They enjoy engaging stories about a wide and diverse range of authors and writers. Profiles should be 650 to 1,450 words. Short reviews on books of interest to our readers, from fiction to career and travel guides should be 100-150 words.

Entertainment:

INhoroscope, Crossword & Cartoon – Every issue INsider Magazine showcases America’s brightest new cartoonists. Also shown will be a theme related horoscope column and crossword puzzle.
INfilm – INsider Magazine focuses on up-and-coming actors and directors as well as established stars who appeal directly to our readership. Recent profiles include new faces such as Kevin Smith (the director of Clerks) and Michael Rapaport (star of Kiss of Death) as well as Hollywood fixtures like Sara Jessica Parker and Ethan Hawke. INsider probes the celebrities to tell about their lives, careers and details of upcoming movies. In-depth articles, usually featuring personality profiles or interviews, should be 800 to 1,750 words. These are often the feature story. Movie reviews and guides featuring upcoming releases should be 100 to 150 words.
INmusic – This section examines the hottest music and trends throughout the musical spectrum. From Funkadelic to R.E.M. to Phish to Garth Brooks, readers look to INsider Magazine first, to find out what they should be listening to. In-depth features and interviews from the music industry should be from 650 to 1,450 words. These may be considered for feature stories. Shorter profile pieces, concert reviews (INbin) or band reviews should be between 100 to 150 words. CD reviews (Spin Cycle) should be no more than 150 words. The INretro column focuses on music revivals and re-releases. INtraxs are short 30 word reviews of new releases.
INtechno – Here we review the latest CD-Roms, computer software and computer hardware. Software reviews should be 100 to 150 words.
INterActive – This section features the latest in happenings and issues on the info superhighway. Stories and profiles should be 650 to 1,450 words. Individual web site reviews should be no longer than 300 words. Each issue of INsider Magazine features a page of web site reviews related to that issue’s theme.
INtown – Each local edition contains its own section featuring editorial, advertising and the local calendar for that particular city (i.e. Chicago, Austin, San francisco) which highlights cool events and places around town. There are bi-monthly spotlights featuring restaurant picks, local musical acts, bar and night club reviews and live theatre reviews. Spotlights should be no longer than 650 words and no shorter than 600 words. Please supply photographs related to specific review(s).
INtv – INtv features interviews of notable television stars and reviews of hip new television shows. People turn on their television for both information and entertainment, and we want to find the alternative venues, programming and stars that spark ideas in our readers – not programs that only spark channel-surfing. Stories and profiles should be 650 to 1,450 words.
INvideo – INvideo is a round-up of the latest videos for rent. Readers look to INsider Magazine for the newest releases and the greatest classics on the market. Video reviews and features should be 100 to 150 words. INvideo also includes a column called "If the Walls Could Talk" which is a monthly movie-industry buzz column that details soon to be released movies and the actors who star in them.

Issues:

INcareers – INsider Magazine gives our readers an edge on how to get ahead, from writing their résumé to tips on how to interview. Past features have included advice from recent graduates, job and salary demographics and the do’s and dont’s of job interviews. This department also features articles related to the magazine’s theme for that month. Informative/resource articles pertaining to job or career issues should be 650 to 1,450 words with a national slant.
INforum – This section portrays notable thinkers, educators, journalists and leaders answering questions involving social, political, and economic issues of America. Debates will focus on mainstream solutions involving: education, labor and job creation, urban renewal, transportation and welfare. All commentary is in two to three sentence answers.
INissues – INsider Magazine brings readers the latest information about what is happening in the world and how it directly affects their lives. Bimonthly, INsider Magazine offers one to two pages of national features covering current issues such as alcohol/drug use, AIDS and sex in the 90s and environmental issues. Features are 650 to 1,450 words, often with accompanying sidebar.
INmoney – The INmoney section consists of a one to two page article on financial information pertinent to INsider’s demographics. Example are how to invest, buying your first home and how to negotiate your first lease. Stories and profiles should be 650 to 1,450 words.
INparty – INparty describes nonmainstream political movements in America including the following: Natural Law Party, Henry Georgists, New Party, Green Party, and the Socialist Party. Stories and profiles should be 650 words.
INpolitics – These articles explore political issues in depth. In-depth analysis of America’s economic policies effecting our society including spotlights on NAFTA: Protectionism or Free Trade; Social Security-Argument for privatization; Debt and America; and Capitalism in America effecting INsider Magazine’s demographics. Stories should be 650 to 1,450 words.
INsite – This section describes and analyzes web sites encompassing political, economic, and social issues. Topics of such sites will include education, political action committees, political magazines, environmental and employment sites. Individual web site reviews should be no longer than 100 to 150 words.
INspire – This section focuses on metaphysical and spiritual philosophies and trends. Examples of articles would focus on WICCA, Buddhism, Teachings of Don Juan, occult, etc. Stories and profiles should be 650 words.