Poster Drafts

Semiotic Analysis of newspaper adverts

Both newspaper adverts are totally diverse meeting their u.s.p. The metro newspaper for example uses bright colours which matches the slogan ‘jumpstart your morning’ .The reason this slogan works is because the people reading it are usually on the London tube on the way to work.


The metro are also encouraging positivity by the colours which make the advert stand out, the font and the action of a jump the character is doing appears to younger generations to .Although the character is clearly half dressed in his pyjamas and the other half suit.

The advert is also clearly addressing the masthead of the paper by using it in the corner and also on the cartoon newspaper, the advert also makes the web address clear to the viewer by placing it in the bottom right hand corner. The paper also makes it clear it is free by using a stamp on the side of the masthead to attract more people into reading the paper.

Overall this advert works because it uses bright colours and a more street style image and font which goes again typical newspaper adverts bringing in a wider audience by using a completely different technique.

The daily telegraph is completely different to the metro. Firstly the advert is what could be described a ‘sensibly’ by the means that it is sticking to usual generics for example the font. The font which is used for the captions of the image is in Calibri and in a gray colour making appeal to an older audience the colours are quite natural.

The background is in a slightly brown /creamy tinge keeping the advert simple and tied together well. The three photographs used ,are of powerful men are placed with an inspirational caption .Although this provide a strong image for the paper it could be seen as sexist and only appeal to ‘powerful men’.

The layout for the paper is kept simple and all the item are placed straight on keeping the viewer focused on the actual message the advert is sending .The masthead it placed next to ‘it pays to think big’ which could connotes the paper is bringing a big picture to the viewer of the news .

I feel by comparing these two adverts the metro works better as it appeals to a wider audience and keeps the advert interesting by breaking the typical newspaper rules.

Generic Conventions of a Poster

Newspaper Poster Campaigns

Link to my Website

Website:harrogategazette.moonfruit.com

Link one is the topman story,clinking on the wrtitng or photograph will take you to the article.

Link two is the bank holiday activities ,again clicking on the writing or photograph will take you to the article.


Direct Links
Homepage:
http://harrogategazette1.moonfruit.com/#/home/4545492805

Link 1:
http://harrogategazette1.moonfruit.com/#

Links 2 :
http://harrogategazette1.moonfruit.com/#/community/4545493142

Link Screenshots (Website)

Homepage Screenshots (Website)

Research for website article

From: DDS-PlanningEnquiries
To: xsteph_cawoodx@hotmail.co.uk
Subject: Planning Queries
Sent: 29 Sep 2010 11:52
 Dear Steph Cawood,
 I'm replying to your email requesting planning advice on a number of subjects.
 Regarding the old Boots store there is now an application to create a new shop front. The store is to be divided into 3 units, for Top Shop, Topman and Principles. I believe work has just recently started.
 The remaining question about the 1000 planned new houses (over 10 - 20 years) will be answered by our Local Plans team.
They will email you separately.
 Regards,
 Planning Enquiries
 Department of Development Services
Planning Enquiries
Knapping Mount
West Grove Road
Harrogate
HG1 2AE
 Tel: 01423 556666
Fax: 01423 556610
 www.harrogate.gov.uk/planning
Offices Open - Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 4.30pm

Semiotic Analysis of the Harrogate Advertiser homepage & link

Like a newspaper, a local website is designed to give information about the area to the community. In order for it to do so correctly it needs to have the basic generic conventions so the viewer can identify that it goes alongside the paper. For example the masthead being placed at the top this is in the same font and style as it is on the newspaper making it easily recognisable. Masthead for the different sections (jobs, property, motors and local pages today) of the paper are also placed at the top although slightly smaller so there is still the emphasis on the main one. These are also placed on the right hand in more detail where the public can search the section into finding the pacific section they are looking for.
Another generic convention kept is the house style of ‘blue ‘which keeps the paper and the website in cohesion with another. This kept through fonts, background colour of search engine, and sign in/out etc .This style that is used keeps the newspaper thought of well such as the words class and a majestic connote this when looking at the site.
At the top of the page are the set categories such as home, news, sport, community, your say, newspaper, health info and money which help set a structure to the page as well as always appearing when the viewer clicks on a different link helping direct the public to the pages they wish to view without clicking on the back button .Other key parts are of course sitemap, help ,register and sign in which are placed right at the top of the page which is clear and easily accessible to the viewer. Alongside side these options is ‘make us your homepage ‘which is a useful tool for the community who visit the website regular and don’t have to go through the search engine to get on the website.
Further links that are not as important as the categories are placed under this they aren’t highlighted by being a box but as viewer you are easily award of them .The current date is placed below this allowing the viewer to know that the news they are viewing is up to date epically on the latest national news which Is placed below and moves through the top headline of the day in the country.
Below are the links to the articles that are most important, firstly under Harrogate news is a headline caption and photograph letting the viewer know enough information about what the article will be about before they decide to click further, the same is done for sport and a magazine review .At the side of these articles are two advertisements one from the paper itself of ‘join our reader panel’ which helps tie in the other advert about Christmas booking well with the website .More adverts are placed around the page such as the top and bottom highlighting local business and events without taking too much attention of the features the website has .
As you move down the page there are a list of the most popular stories which aids the viewer if they are looking for something quickly and they know it’s a high profile article. The list includes a range of negative and positive stories breaking it up the viewer as well as different genres such as sport, events, crime and achievement in the area. This also connotes that the paper is telling the truth .
Overall the homepage is in cohesion with the paper which helps identify it when visiting the website another factor in which help it to appeal to all ages is the fact the layout is kept simple, plus well structured this mean that you can find the information you are looking easily. This is by the different search techniques the website offers (search engines, categories, links, most popular stories etc .The advertisements used help promote the local business, events and give off an atmosphere that community all working together.

The layout at the top of the page on the link to the article about the up and coming town bonfire is the same which connotes structure and organisation. Below this is the headline about the article with the date that is was published this allows the viewer to know if the story is in date and which paper ( the past week or the upcoming )it will be featured in ,if they wanted more information.

Underneath is the article which is divided into nine paragraphs with a space dividing each which is unlike the papers articles .The article is brief and sticks to the main points and facts with just one quote meaning it is quick and readable by it content and structure. A small photograph is used a visual aid to the viewer and break the information up and gives a quick caption about the event which incorporate the usual generic conventions of a paper .Below the article is added information about when the article was last updated, who the source was, location and the page number (page 1 of 1).There is also a choice to bookmark the page via website such as facebook and stumble upon which is helpful to the viewer if they want to quickly flick back to the page or make it known to other people .Further information about the page format is also given which connotes that the website is well thought through.
Once you scroll down the page further are a handful of advertisements which are ad by Google they reach wider areas such as vouchers and hotel in the country rather than just local business which helps bring diversity to the website content.
Useful links are then given at the page these include contact information, terms and conditions, accessibility and archive plus sister papers Wetherby News and the Ripon Gazette mastheads which are direct links to their websites .A further link that the institution are not so keen to be made aware of is the press complaints commission which is probably why is the last thing on the page.
On the left hand side of the website there is five drop down menus. These provide links to pages the viewer may be interested in such as Ackrills other papers, sport links, leisure features and feedback. The technique of the drop down menu is helpful as it gives you at least three options on the section you may be attracted to in viewing or a quick link to another section that interest you. Another reason is that splitting the information given up, makes it less of an overload to the viewer as well as using the space well.
To the right of the page is a quick link to whether a viewer want to email the particular section to a friend, print the article or make it bigger or smaller which is useful as it means the audience do not have to look in the main internet toolbar to do so .Below is then the feature what was used on the homepage of more Harrogate news giving the selection of other stories that have been popular. Around the page are four advertisements which are placed at the side top and middle underneath the article photograph again breaking the information up and adding vibrancy and colour to the page.
The link and the home page are both in cohesion with the local paper itself and provide the viewer with quick information through the length of articles and the links .the added information given such as archive connotes the paper is well though through and structured .

Generic Conventions of a website homepage and link

Re-draft

I got my audience feedback on my newspaper and they found my original photograph for the RBS article was on a ‘strange angle’ and that the photograph could do with being ‘a person’. As I have connections with people at the RBS call centre I got permission to go in to take some photographs .I varied my shots and took this one I was particularly pleased with .I edited the photograph on Photoshop making slight changes .I began by cropping the photograph and then moved the exposure tool slightly to add more colour depth and brightness to the photograph .Finally I used the curves tool just to up the contrast in colours that was lost when I began editing .I placed the photograph on the newspaper and asked my audience what they thought ‘miles better’ and ‘gives a range of shots’.

My other part of my audience feedback was that there was not enough cover lines listened to what they wear saying and went out to take more photographs to fill the space better as I noticed on the Harrogate advertiser they also have a review as a cover lines I decided to do that about a comedian. My audience also felt a picture of an angry driver would look better for the article about roadworks so I re-took these too. I edited the photographs on Photoshop moving the exposure to brighten and the sharpen tool to make the photograph sharper and more detail to produce a result I was happy with.

Research into my articles

As I wanted my paper to  truly represent a local one,I researched my stories in more depth.For this to work I went straight to the source and here is what I got back...


For my first article to be featured in my local newspaper, I decided that it should be a something that I can find easy access to as well as important information that was accurate from the sources involved. I decided that my first article should be around the new sixth form building at my school ,to start my planning and research i sent i letter to the schools business manager Mr Howell to find out more information.

To Mr Howell,


For media A2 module we need to compose a local newspaper. In order to do this, I have to create several articles one of which I have chosen to be about the new sixth form building. Therefore I was wondering if I could ask a few questions about the build. (If you could provide the answers in the space below and return to Miss Greenwood I would be very grateful)


What are the proposed reasons for the new build?
Improving our sixth form ,to give a modern, efficient building which will accommodate slightly more students


What are the benefits for it e.g. such as the features?
• A learning theatre designed to be multi-functional
• A practical teaching space
• A media suite
• Six other new classrooms


How did you secure the finance?
By bidding to the government's funding agency (The learning and skills council)


Overall what are you views on the project and the general impact it will have in the long run?
• A wonderful improvement for the school
• A fantastic environment for learning
• A great facility for the wider community


Additional Information:
• Bowman Reilly are the architects behind the building design
• The build started in October 2009 and should be completed in August 2010
• The next big project for the school is to build the long awaited all-weather pitch


Thank you for any help you provide


Stephanie Cawood

I also emailed the council to find out about the skate park ,they were really helpful and answered all the questions and sent me a letter back

I emailed the majestic hotel to receive some information about their opening,the manger sent me the official press release which helped me release the information the press actually receive and what they bring from the information they have been given.

Dear Sir/Madam

My name is Stephanie Cawood and I am currently in the sixth form at Harrogate Grammar School.
For my A2 Media Coursework, I have to construct a realistic newspaper.
The reason why I am contacting you is to find out information about the about re-opening of the Majestic.
I was wondering if you could answer a few questions to help me construct an article of your hotel that contains real quotes and correct information.
1. How did you feel when the tragedy happened?
2. How long have the repair taken?
3. Has the fire affected retuning business?
4. How did you feel about the lead up to the re-opening?
5. Have all members of staff returned since the incident?




Thank you for your time!

Many Thanks,
Stephanie


________________________________________


Subject: RE: Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:34:12 +0100
From: majestic.gm@barcelo-hotels.co.uk
To: xsteph_cawoodx@hotmail.co.uk


Hi Stephanie,

Thank you for your email and I’m glad you’ve chosen to feature us in your newspaper assignment.
To help you and provide realistic information for your purpose I have attached the official press release which was sent to all media regarding the recent re-opening.
I do hope that this helps. As for the other media if you have any further questions you want to ask me then just email me.


Kind regards, Vince

Vince Johnson
General Manager
Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel
Ripon Road
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG1 2HU


T: (+44) 01423 700300
F: (+44) 01423 502283
M: 07909 866755


E: majestic.gm@barcelo-hotels.co.uk
W: http://www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk


RE: Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel‏
To majestic.gm@barcelo-hotels.co.uk
From: Steph Cawood (xsteph_cawoodx@hotmail.co.uk)
Sent: 22 September 2010 12:49:41
To: majestic.gm@barcelo-hotels.co.uk


Hello,

Thank you so much for your help!


The press release looks very helpful and makes it a real pleasure to feature the majestic in my newspaper project .
If I have any further questions, I will be sure to email you.
Thanks again.
Kind regards,
Stephanie


MEDIA INFORMATION

2010
BARCELO HARROGATE MAJESTIC HOTEL REOPENS
More than 50 staff will have returned to work this September at the Barceló Harrogate Majestic as it reopens following a major fire in May 2010 which will have kept the hotel shut for four months.
“It will be fantastic to have the team back and we are thrilled to be re-opening the hotel in time for the autumn season, always popular with business and leisure guests,” explained Vince Johnson, general manager of the Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel. "We already have lots of bookings from our regular guests pleased to see us open again and our first in September too conference. We will also be playing our part in the British Bridal Exhibition which is coming to Harrogate 12-14 September
“The hotel suffered extensive fire and water damage to a narrow section of the east wing but pleasingly we are able to reopen the central and west wing with 88 of the bedrooms. We have structured the building programme so that the works are self contained and guests can't be disturbed.
"We have taken the opportunity while the hotel has been shut to redecorate and newly carpet the lobby and most of the magnificent public areas. The hotel’s leisure club is also having a significant makeover and will reopen fully by early October. In November we are hoping that local craftsman Lee Simone will have finished restoring the celebrated murals in the North and South Lounges. We will reopen the sumptuous main dining room in all its glory in time for Christmas parties and weddings,” explained Vince.
“By April 2011 the renovation of the damaged section will have been finished and this important landmark will be restored to its former glory at the heart of Harrogate. We are very proud of how well the team from the Majestic have coped with this unfortunate situation and deeply grateful to both local business and individuals who have been so supportive of our efforts,” said Charles Prew, CEO of Barceló UK.

-Ends-

Notes to editors
• Reports into the cause of the fire from the relevant authorities have not yet been published
• Over 50 staff will have returned to work at the hotel many of whom have been working in other Barceló UK hotels in the meantime.
The project is being led by architects FGF Associates who have been involved with the hotel for over 15 years.

For Further information contact:
Hotel Enquiries:
Vince Johnson – General Manager
Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel
Tel: 01423 700309
v.johnson@barcelo-hotels.co.uk
http://www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk/

Media Enquiries:
Deborah Parritt
adhoc pr
020 7794 2444
07734 110 048
deborah@adhocpr.com
http://www.adhocpr.com/