UK’s longest running magazine The Dandy faces closure

I was shocked this week to read that The Dandy, Britain’s longest-running children’s comic, is facing closure after nearly 75 years entertaining kids in the UK.

The comic, which features cult comic heroes like Desperate Dan, Bananaman, Beryl the Peril and Korky the Cat, has been a regular title on the magazine shelves in the local newsagents.

However, with sales dwindling to just 2,000 copies a week, publisher DC Thomson, who also owns the Beano, have refused to rule out closing the comic.

Blaming the decline in readership down to computer games, owners DC Thomson have suggested that if a closure was to happen, iconic character may venture across to sister comic the Beano.

It is certainly depressing, and for loyal Dandy readers, the thought of seeing their favourite comic printing one last issue is unconceivable.

The Dandy launched way back in 1937 at just 2p, and proved popular for children during the war. At its heyday, the Dandy was selling over two million copies per week.

It was at the beginning of the new millennium when I first got my hand on a Dandy. Having been given a Dandy annual (a regular occurrence in my Christmas stocking, even at the age of 19), I became hooked instantly on the characters. From Cuddles & Dimples to my favourite, Winker Watson, the comic strips made me laugh and I soon took out an early subscription. When it came to the weekend, I could not think of anything better to do then read my favourite comic.

It was in late 2004 however when things changed. Facing a slump in sales, the publishers changed the format. Out went the traditional newsprint and in came glossy magazine paper, together with new characters aimed at “bogey-loving” kids who loved “toilet humour.” The price also rocketed from around 70p to £1.20, which for a boy with limited pocket money, was too much.

It was here when I started to dislike the Dandy. The old characters were scaled back or re-branded, possibly to distinguish the comic from its archrival, the Beano, which continued with its traditional newsprint copy.

It seems I, like many others, soon left the Dandy. Not because there was a different magazine that I enjoyed instead, but because the focus had changed. It had tried to become too commercial, too mainstream. Later revamps focused on celebrity comic strips and competitions, seemingly shifting the focus from the comic strips and characters.

Maybe it’s not the Dandy’s fault. The birth of television, the internet and of course games consoles has all significantly dented the magazine market. It doesn’t help that prices have increased too. Although the Dandy is available to read online, kids would rather spend their spare time playing computer games for free then read an expensive comic.

DC Thomson says no decision has been made yet on the Dandy’s future, but with the current magazine market looking uncertain; it is highly likely that the Dandy will cease publishing. I’d like to think some of the iconic characters would move to the Beano, but with the Beano also struggling, it seems the future for kid’s comics remains a bleak, unstable one.

So yes, it is emotional and it will be a sad farewell to what was once my favourite comic. I’d like to hope the Dandy will still be around in years to come, but who knows. It’s had a good run no matter what happens, and bowing out on it’s 75^th birthday would be poignant. At least I will have all my old Dandy comics and annuals under my bed to entertain me still, (or at least earn me a bob or two if it does shut down!)
Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

Blog of the Week: Midomi

This week's Blog of the Week, a website dedicated to finding that annoying tune that is stuck in your head, is not really a blog, but still deserves its accolade as 'the jourknow's' Blog of the Week.

Today, after hopelessly failing to find a song which has been in my head for the last month, I stumbled upon this fantastic website that was featured in an article on how to find that song that just will not disappear from your mind.

We all have experienced it right? That annoying moment when you are humming a tune, but have no idea as to who sang it, and what the lyrics are. I could remember certain words, but after several failed attempts on searches of both Google and YouTube, I had near enough given up.

But then, as if by magic, Midomi appeared. It offers a unique service where, with the use of a microphone, you can hum to the tune that is stuck in your head, and Midomi will find the song you're looking for. Not only does it allow you to search for the song, but you can then socialise and connect with other people.

It gives you a competent collection of songs, albums and artists, rivalling all other sites that focus on the same 'query by humming' search. It took a little while to find the one I was after, but a few failed attempts later, I eventually found the song I was looking for. And now I have the song downloaded onto my ipod, freeing up space in my head for something else of little importance.

You can use Midomi on your computer, or you can download their popular app onto your Iphone or Android mobile. It's completely free, and easy to use. Just make sure you hum clearly and loudly. The more of the tune you know, the better the result will be. I attempted to sing some of the words, only to find I was totally off the mark. Oh, and you might want to sing in the privacy of your own bedroom, to save further embarrassment!

So the next time you struggle to find that Barbra Streisand song, only to find out it's actually Maria McKee and 'Show me Heaven' (as it was in my case), use Midomi, and put your mind at rest.

Picture Courtesy of Midomi

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:

- Tasha on TV

- This is Alton

- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

Open Journalism: The Guardian deliberates

It is quite uncommon for an advert to leave me speechless. Most are only appealing because they are teasing us into buying a certain product, watching a certain programme or drinking a certain drink. But a recent scroll through YouTube brought me across a real gem of a commercial. One that not only appealed to my desired profession, but also made me think about my future, and the role of our society.

The Guardian newspaper, it is fair to say, has revolutionised itself in the last few years. Groundbreaking reports, a focus on every aspect of the news - from celebrity to foreign affairs - and a greater convergence of all media sources. If I was to name just one of its many successful stories, without a doubt I would suggest its uncovering of the phone-hacking story has shaken, stirred and part-destroyed the newspaper industry, and changed the face of journalism as it is known today.

Critics might call this a blatant promotional trailer for a news organisation which is now second in readership to the new and highly popular I Paper, but I see it as a dedication. The Guardian has dedicated itself to reporting high-quality, ground-breaking news stories to the public, and is dedicated to us the way the Queen is dedicated to her country. Rather than pressing on the current flaws in our badly-damaged press industry, it looks to the future. An integration between newspaper and internet, the latter of which it views with a pinch of salt, suggesting it is a good thing, rather than something to be worried about, as many old, tedious media-types often see it as.

In fact, The Guardian has coined the phrase 'Open Journalism' to describe its new image. Editor Alan Rusbridger leads the campaign for Open Journalism, describing journalism today as a very active process, rather than readers being "passive participants" of Journalism. He reveals that The Guardian hopes to interact more with audiences, using apps, widgets, social networking sites and links to help appeal to new, more diverse audiences.

Whether you read The Guardian or not, it is really worth watching this video to make your own opinions on the state of journalism today, and how journalism might be perceived in the future. Please comment below, I am interested in what others have to think on this subject.

The Guardian 'Open Journalism' Advert 2012

You can also read more on what The Guardian has to say on Open Journalism by following the link. There is also the opportunity for members of the public to go and visit The Guardian offices in a series of workshops at the end of March. After visiting the offices last year on work experience, it was simply breathtaking to see the news rooms and facilities that make The Guardian such a world-class news company. Well worth a visit.

Pictures Courtesy of Google Images

What the Tweet? Why Twitter is the new global phenomenon

It is hard to imagine that I have been on the Twitter scene for just under 18 months. 18 months to write countless crappy tweets, follow hundreds of vain celebrities telling me what they are having for lunch and re-tweeting loads of statuses about being unlucky in love and why I hate you. Which is why, after tweeting my 4000th tweet yesterday*, I thought it was time to reflect on my, very personal, Twitter experience.

In all honesty, I love Twitter. I love the excitement of receiving a tweet through my phone or checking out who is kind enough (or mad enough, in some cases) to follow me. It is highly addictive, time consuming and generally of little importance to your own personal development, but it is a real catch, despite the time it takes to get settled into Twitter (I have really only started using it regularly since I started uni last September.)

I see Twitter as an opportunity for me. On one hand, it is a great way to socialise. Whether it be people you don't necessarily know, or people you did not talk to that much at college, it is really helpful and so easy to communicate with new friends. In fact, I probably use Twitter more than I do text, Facebook chat or email. On the other hand, it is really helpful for my course. As a journalist, catching all the latest news is vital to being in-the-know. By following various news outlets, broadcasters and reporters, it is essentially your primary source for news gathering. The London riots of last year showed many, for example, of just how important Twitter is in trending news stories.

Trends, in particular, can be a bit of a mix bag when it comes to information which could be relevant. On one hand, the current affairs trends are excellent at providing you with the latest stories, whereas #iloveJustin or #1Drockmyworld are just some of the more annoying ones. Various 'amusing' trends provide a little escapism, which include #animalsongs or #eastendersgameshows, where you swap say the first word of a song to form an Animal song. If enough people re-tweet your tweet, then your tweet could essentially trend worldwide.

But Twitter should not be focused on trying to gain the most followers, or write the most tweets. It might seem pathetic to have under 100 followers, but in reality, the best way to use Twitter is to follow more people. By following more people, and tweeting them on a particular issue etc, you are bound to get more followers with an interest in that field. Rather than trying to pine for followers, as some people do. Twitter really is perfect at making new friends, whether they be half way round the world, or just across the street from you. Depending on your privacy settings, you can choose who follows you and who does not. It is not like Facebook, where adding people you do not know is deemed weird and stalker-like. The Twitter community is generally one of friends and openness. People you can actually have a decent, meaningful conversation with, not one that consists of "brb" and "ly xxx".

So who to follow? Well, start off with a few celebrities. Comedians usually provide decent enough entertainment, everyone else is either promoting themselves or so vain they feel it is their right for you to reply to their tweet of: "I just bought a D&G coat, now I am off to some glitzy bash in a low cut dress so I can get papped. You're all fucking losers". Companies, businesses and experts should also be top of the agenda. I have entered so many competitions and prize draws, as well as gaining promotions and discounts on clothes and other exciting opportunities, just from clicking on a few tweets. Just be suspicious if you get any sent to you personally. Then you know they are spam.

For sharing content, it is a doddle. Once you have worked out how to keep your statuses short and concise, then literally Twitter is your oyster. You can share dozens of photos, videos, website links and loads of other stuff to your friends and the global community at the click of a button. None of this "I have to tag such and such" nonsense. Just simple upload and share. Easy peasy.

Ok, it has its flaws. As my followers list grows - I have a moderate 188 last time I checked - so do the spam tweets, with their free giveaways and weird links. Ignore these. You also get the random porn stars. who seem to disappear before I even have chance to see their profile. And yes, to some extent, I like the fact that it is still quite new in the social-networking world, and that many people do not use it. It is the only way I can slag off my family without them noticing. Once my Mother starts following me, that will be it.

So if you tire of Facebook, want to meet new people and learn interesting, and sometimes odd, new things then Twitter is for you. It takes time getting used to, but the benefits are great. It has changed my life, no matter how sad that sounds. So I can say, with pride, that I am now a a firm, proud member of the Twitteratie, along with 300 million others. Long Live Twitter!

You can follow me at: http://twitter.com/kieranwatkins or just search @kieranwatkins

For a basic guide, the dedicated Wikipedia page has all the information needed to get cracking: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter (including what a hashtag, trend and DM means, if you did not already know!)

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia

*in the space of 24 hours, my tweet total has increased by 200, and counting!