How do contextual factors shape their production, distribution, circulation and consumption of magazines?

Context - What was going on during the time period.

Why does ad-busters sell so little compared to Woman? 

Because it is unconventional and it is non-mainstream.

What is the dominant ideological perspective of Adbusters?

 What is the ideology/ethos of Adbusters?

"We live in a world where ninety per cent of the people are living a lie. They’re in denial; they don’t want to think about climate change, or political corruption. They’re caught in their own bubble, especially in the so-called rich West. So, magazines like yours can do wonderful things in helping wake up that ninety per cent."

"The magazine is one, big fuck-you to corporate advertising and consumer culture." 

How does Adbusters subvert traditional magazine conventions, especially in relation to

advertising?

"Most magazines are full of ads, right? A commercial assault on your senses as you flick through page after page of sexy this and oh-my-god that before you get to what’s probably a piece of PR-led editorial, let’s be honest. Not Adbusters."

How does the magazine interact with its audience?

"Adbusters talk a lot to the converted, but you have a whole bunch of interesting unconverted people so fuck it, convert them."

 Constructing audiences and constructing brand identity using digitally convergent media 

In what ways does Adbusters construct it’s audiences?

They construct their audience to be someone interested in politics and current world issues, as many segments on the website reference this. The mise-en-scene of the website is edgy, so it constructs the audience in this way too.

How does the website reinforce the brand identity of the magazine?

The website includes the same, unconventional layout with a lack of words and anchorage. This reinforces the brand identity of the website.

Is there a clear ‘house style’ that is evident across the magazine and the website?

It maintains the same, unconventional style on the website. A lot of the images are placed randomly, and it is very image based. This helps to maintain the house style.

What does the website offer that is different from the content of the magazine?

The website offers people to join a newsletter service and also has a shop segment.

How does the website extend the brand (e.g. through videos, merchandise etc.)?

They have expanded with merchandise such as t-shirts and box sets.

How does your magazine use social media (e.g. to market the latest edition or offer additional content)?

They have a newsletter.

How can readers interact with the magazine through the website and social media?

They can donate, subscribe to the newsletter etc

Woman magazine is trying to keep the world as it is. Ad-Busters is trying to change the world. Whilst Woman magazine is quite conservative, Ad-Busters is progressive. 

What is buy nothing day?

• "Buy Nothing Day is where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from buying stuff - anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!" - Buy Nothing Day website. 
• Anyone can participate, and you can publically declare this or keep it to yourself as just a challenge.

The controversies and criticisms of Adbusters.

• “While anti-Semitism is not part of their overarching message or mission, Adbusters makes no apologies for spreading Jewish conspiracy theories and promoting offensive analogies to the Holocaust,” said Abraham H. Foxman, the league’s national director. 
• The New York times says they are in a 'War Against too much of everything'.
• Their article shows graphic imagery