The team behind computing magazine Web User has launched an online spin-off as an extension to the regular download section in the magazine.
The new digital “magazine” Downloaded will carry monthly listings of the best downloads on the web and feature clickable links to newly released music, films, TV and games.
Web User editor Richard Clark, who is overseeing Downloaded, said the idea behind the launch was to tell readers where and when downloads would be made available online and allow them to click straight to the sites using the links provided.
He said the team had been aware of a need for a listings guide for some time. Although it is currently only available in digital format, if it proves a success, there is a possibility it could be launched as a monthly print publication.
“You can turn the pages and zoom in on features. It’s very slick,” Clark said. “We will be targeting Web User readers, but we hope to reach a new market as well.”
Clark said publisher IPC had plans to expand Downloaded, adding more pages as more downloads become available. “It is the first proper listings magazine for internet downloading services. We have always known there was going to come a time for this and it seems pretty right with Napster and iTunes, among other legal music services.
It is going to get much bigger as more people get into downloading music and film from the internet.”
Web User’s deputy features editor Daniel Booth has been appointed editor of Downloaded. He will be supported by the Web User team.
Downloaded is £1.20 per issue and is available at www.webuser.co.uk/ downloaded.
By Ruth Addicott
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