The Codes and Conventions of a music magazine contents page

First is the Issue number, The majority of the time it’s positioned in the top left or right corner of the contents page, often by the magazine title.  The issue date is positioned with the issue number, which is shown together on the front cover and the contents.

Word is prominent because it allows people to know it is actually the contents page where they can find out more details. It must be written in in bold, capitals, also the colour (white) as it contrasts against the black background, which makes it stand out to the audience.

The main image on the contents page will suggest to the audience that it is the most important image. Usually it’s positioned in the middle or towards the side of the page and is framed by the rest of the text.

The magazine’s logo or name will be displayed in the top left hand corner of the contents page. The category headings would be, ‘in every issue’, ‘regulars’, and ‘every month’! This is usually on the left of the page, also the last of the headings, near the bottom of the page. For example subscriptions, puzzles, competitions.

Any specials within the magazine are normally interviews or features. It is separate from the other headings so it stands out. This is because it is an important part of ‘this issues’ magazine.

The website is positioned by the issue number and issue date at the top of the contents page. By it being displayed here it allows the audience to get more information from there website if needed. The page numbers start at the left, they are before the heading. The numbers are a different colour and font from the heading also, this makes them stand out. The headings are only either one word or few words, which is followed by a short sub line explaining more about article.

Quotes are normally included within contents pages. They have quotes from interviews they had done in the magazine. Majority of the time they are on the main image. However they are never over the faces of the bands or artists.

The layout of the contents page is important. The contents is laid out into 3 or 4 columns, they are to the side of the main image. As if they are framing the image. They are never allowed to overlap or cover the image. The font is normally in size 11pt, numbers may be bigger and obviously the ‘contents’ title. The editor’s letters on some magazines have messages from the editors who produced the month’s magazine. Usually the message is displayed in either of the bottom corners of the contents page. The front cover in some contents pages they have a small copy of the magazine front cover, they put page numbers in circles to show which story is on which page.