Featured Articles - Publish This! Survey * Segment 2

• Article value, it's important to me what the content is.
• Events in the area, classes, etc.
• Good articles and show reviews.
• Writers who are knowledgeable.
• Info, tips, insider secrets, pictures and who the article is about and who the author is.
• Being a “newbie” I look at everything, but probably articles that will allow me to get to know more about featured dancers and the local dance community.
• Information on classes and workshops; local events as well as national. 
• Photographs of costumes, the flashier the better.
• Something consistent that actually get's delivered, beautiful photos of dancers actually dancing and not just "glamour shots", articles about how dance has changed a person's life for the better, etc...
• I look for professional looking covers or web page layouts. 
• Articles on how-to’s and less advertising (more content).
• Serious presentation – an absence of “fluffiness”.
• The content of the publication.
• Professional layout – I do like “glossy”.
• As a dancer and photographer I have to admit I look for photographs.  I want to see fresh ideas like new styles of costumes, make up and dance styles.
• I look for the most amount of information and the least amount of advertisements.
• Good, entertaining articles.
• Regardless if in print or online, I look on the front cover (or home page) for tag words that will give me an idea of what's in the magazine. I look for interesting and diverse things, everything from M.E. recipes to human interest (dance related). I like to see the human side of magazines vs straight facts.
• I look for editorials on quality dancers, nice layouts with great photography and news about the goings on around the community.

2)  What excites you in a publication?

• I'm a visual person so really like the layout of the magazine and pages. Doesn't have to be a pop of color but rather depth of information.
• I like to see a lot of variety.
• Variety of content and pics and seeing something I submitted published.
• Variety and color.
• Being able to read interesting articles on culture, styles and being able to see what is happening in other areas besides my home-town.
• To see one of my dance idols on the cover!  That makes me buy it.  Or to see an article title on the cover that says the magazine will be me some makeup tips or dance tips from one of m idols or about one of my idols.
• Articles about the dance scene in Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey.
• Good pictures that reflect the subject.
• The latest information.  Not something I’ve already heard or read about before.
• A great cover!
• Believe it or not I like the advertisements.
• Variety in what is offered to the readers.
• Photos of dancers in motion.  Articles about new and upcoming dancers as well as those who have been dancing for over 20 years. I like to read about those who inspire us to keep dancing.
• Seeing my colorful display ad for my silks and finding photos of dancers dancing with my silk designs.
• I really love beautiful pictures that capture a dancer’s essence.  If I don’t know him or her, then those photos will entice me to read on.
• Articles with headers that pertain to what really interests me.


• Educated reviews and explorations from knowledgeable sources.
• Lots of well researched articles about a wide variety of topics.
  

3)  What do you like most, what are your favorite pieces in a publication? Reviews? Feature Articles? Etc.

• I love to read articles about the history of dance as well as all of the above.  It takes all of the above to make a good publication.
• It really depends on what I'm looking for at the time.  I do like articles about costuming, music related to dance forms, and reviews of cd/dvds. I would like to see more about history and culture.  I like to know what is going on outside my own region and I like to hear about people’s dance life journeys.
• Good articles- about dancers or instructors, informational (about the dance-whether history/current trends/"about" stuff -dif styles, music etc,) upcoming events and show reviews.
• Articles written about each of the dancers who are virtually "unknown" but, that are fantastic dancers. So I guess that would be new "start-up" or even more mature dancers getting the recognition that they deserve instead of the few "stars" (or self-proclaimed stars) always receiving the attention.
• Articles with dance breakdowns/routines.
• I like featured articles, recipes (cooking is my new obsession), tips/tricks of the trade (makeup, dance, behind the scenes, etc), and reviews.
• I tend to favor the featured article but I also enjoy the “fun stuff” like:  music reviews, costume ideas/alterations and personal experiences/stories.”
• Reviews.  It helps me figure out my dance calendar year, where to go, where not to go, etc.
• I like featured articles and reviews as it gives me insight on the subject in question.
• Featured articles about historical icons – both dancers and musicians.
• Reviews are good, stories of how people came up with the concept/costume for a particular performance, nutrition and exercise tips from the pros in our community are always great.  Stores of how the pros in our community got started and the setbacks they faced.  Where to get makeup, costuming and music that my dance idols use.
• Articles about dance and experiences.
• Truthful Reviews – because that’s where my money and time goes and I would like to have a running chance at what really works. Of course the calendars are really useful. Teachers – where are they situated – their style of dance and years of dance – very helpful.


• The personal stories, entertaining stuff that helps e escape from my crap-tastic day and also subject matter that we can learn from.  I also love learning about BD icons.
• My Favorite?? well, events.  I want to know what is happening, where, who's performing and so on.
• I really enjoy in depth reviews, interviews with dancers and articles about cultural/historical tidbits. 
• Featured articles on concepts and reviews of music. Information about icons/stars and dance news are boring or pointless.

4)  What do you like least?  What upsets you or what do you dislike the most about publications? (Not specific publications, but rather in general).

• Lateness in publications and bickering and backstabbing.  I think it is okay to have difference of opinions, but I think there is a healthy constructive way of presenting them without turning it into a brawl or free for all.  Also while understanding that bulk mailing takes a little longer, magazines that are consistently late by a month or more loses credibility.
• If too light/thin an issue or late/missing issue.
• Advertising overkill.
• Publications that allow catty comments as responses to articles.
• Too many ads with not enough material.  And articles that lack depth.
• Excess fluff. I want what I'm reading to have a point, not just "look how pretty this move or outfit is".
• I can't say there is anything that I dislike.  There may be something that may not appeal to me but is helpful to others.  I have learned to be a strength-based person, so I do not tend to like articles that focus on the negative.  Even if something is not good or disliked there is always something to find in it.
• I don't really care about reviews on (Middle Eastern) restaurants just because dancers perform at these establishments.  I just want to read about the dance/dancers.
• Glorification with agenda – I’m bored with glowing “you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours” publicity pieces.

• Nothing really . . maybe costume making articles.
• Complains about how other dancers, sponsors, vendors, teachers, performers are behaving.
• Repetition, redundant articles and too much academic stuff.
• Ads that don’t relate to the industry.  To see my idol on the cover and then the article about them is one page and half of that being pictures.  I want info.
• A lack of integrity and the use of a publication to harm others – I am assuming you are covering “newsletters” as a publication.


• Anything negative.  In the past few years I have seen so much of the different style dancers bashing each other and it makes me sad and very uninspired.  We are all doing the same thing - expressing our unique talents.  It may be different but that is the art of dance!  I hope you can inspire through a publication the importance of working together vs. against one another. Applaud each other in a kindly manner with respect for each others' differences.  
• Paying for a subscription and never receiving it or only receiving a few instead of the full publication that I paid for.  When certain dancers come across as a "know it all" in their articles where they put down other dances for their interpretation of the dance or choice of style/fusion.
• Most are very amateurish.
• Performer articles with a biased opinion.
• It really upsets me to pay a big sum for a magazine that doesn't get published on time, has very poor layout, and poorly copy edited articles. Copy editing and layout are really big steps towards professionalism.

5)  How important do you feel a "blog" spot is with publications and why? Are you concerned about the negativity that sometimes follows blogs?

• I don't really feel it's all that important.  I do think having a website is a good idea. 
• I haven't got around to blogs in my spare time with everything else I do so not too important and I'm sure negativity can be an issue when someone is ranting about something.
• I am not one who “blogs” but I can see where it would make feedback immediately available.  I dislike the petty and or “waspish” comments that will often pop up, which in turn, will sometimes turn into verbal vomit and hurt being the outcome. Everyone is entitled to an opinion but there is a time to keep one’s opinion to one’s self.
• Unless it is positive then it is worthless and annoying.  Information on the art of the dance, different styles of dance and why they began, professional advice for beginners, costume design, etc. is what would be interesting.  The rest is mean spirited and I remove myself from any blog that includes bashing.
• Love to hear people’s thoughts in blog format – I like that it is separate from specific content-type articles.
• I could take or leave the blog. It's important for some to voice their opinions like an editorial and I'm all for that. Just don't like seeing things get too over the top or used as a forum in a negative light. I'm all for open discussions and differences of opinion, as long as the base of such discussions are rooted in respect.
• Blogs are not important. It is unedited stream of consciousness blather.
• A blog spot is not necessary to me.  There are many blogs online and it’s getting so cluttered that there isn’t even enough time to visit and read them all.
• I personally only read blogs once in a while, when I’m googling something and a blog happens to match my search.  There are no blogs that I feel the need to constantly read.  Now if a publication that I was interested in was only a blog and not in print and sent me emails each time it was updated for the month, I would probably go read it then.  But to have a blog and a print mag, I probably would read both.
• Not at all.  I prefer taking what little free time I have to read the articles.
• It depends on the subjects in question.  I prefer written if I wish to refer back to it.
• Blogs are important these days as they create a community to share our experiences with each other rather than a one-way road of reading.  It makes for a more personal experience when the reader can then be heard.
• You know, with so many outlets for blogs and personal feelings, I’m unsure about this – I tend to read with limited time – so give me the facts please – I’ll interact personally on my own time. 


• Well to tell you the truth, Im begining to like blogs.  I think we need more people letting us know what they are going through and giving tips & advice.
• Not that important.  Not enough time in my life for the internet now.
• It catches the readers with short attention spans.
• Blogs are good when they are constructive and not become the catty-back-stabish "click" group of dancers who don't allow other dancers their freedom of speech or opinions.  I think a blog spot that allows the readers of the publication a forum where they can comment about a particular article would be fun.  They could share their own personal experiences on that particular topic.
• I've never read a "blog" type thing that goes along with a publication, I do like letters to the editor however. But I do not appreciate editorializing by the authors/producers of the publication on such letters. 
• It's nice to know others opinions and thoughts and wisdoms.  You can learn from them, see a different perspective, have AH-HA moments, or simply decide you don't agree.
  

6)  How important is it that you have a print publication?

• Very important to me.  I like to have something I can haul around and read whenever I have a free moment.
• I prefer print.
• My tactile side likes to physically hold a magazine. Would rather read a dance magazine on a flight than any other...lol ;)
• Well, I do like having it in my hand to sit on the couch and read and to be able to take it to class/practice and share with my peers and students.  But I can always send them the link and or save the pics and email them also.  I can say...I subscribed to a dance magazine last year and now they are piling up...if the articles on my idols would have been more lengthy and there were more actual usable info and not ads..I would be more apt to keep them as reference books for the future.  This is the hardest question actually...I guess the answer is...I rarely buy magazines and after my subscription last year, I probably wouldn't do it again...UNLESS it was a kickass belly dance mag!!!
• Only if I want/need to refer back to it.
• I prefer it but I subscribe to both print and online.
• Well – they are lovely … and expensive … to produce and to buy. I will download and file anything I want to keep – so the importance is probably just in getting the information out.
• I mostly read information online.
• It’s not that important.  I do enjoy magazines in my hand, but these days, I tend to read things from my blackberry or iPhone while I’m standing in line at the bank.
• I LOVE print publications, as it's a great way to educate the general public about belly dance as well as have something nice to display on my coffee table for when company (dancers and/or non-dancers) visit.  I think it helps establish belly dance as a legit art form.  Trade magazines are very important resource of information for both locally and worldwide information, trends, fashion, latest and greatest dance info. etc...
• It’s not.
• Very.  So much information is passed on in publications that appeal to everyone.  And always a great reference.  When I have questions about something I often look to the publications in my research.
• It is so not important to me.
• Very.  I like sitting down and relaxing with a cup of tea to read.
• I am a paper person – I like paper best but electronic for archiving.
• I LOVE print publications.  I sometimes like to collect certain magazines.  I keep them for future Ideas and references.  It's sometimes hard to go back to an online magazine and find an article you read last year.
• I enjoy going over several times at my leisure curled on the couch.  Easy reference.
• Not important at all.
• Important.
• Very important, but not “extremely”.  I think that when people have something physical in their hands to look at, they are more responsive for a longer period of time.
• Smiley Face!!!!

7)  What is your favorite publication - whether print or online?

• I love them all but. . . fav is hard to pick.
  
• Don’t have one right now.
• ishimmy is my favorite online magazine.
  
• Haven’t seen enough for a favorite.
• Tie between ishimmy, BDM and Zaghareet.
• I have one, but it’s not dance oriented… it’s food oriented!!


• Honestly, I don't have a favorite but currently up on iShimmy and Jareeda.
• Oh, this a a tough one.  Yallah Magazine is a nice example of photo quality (I’m guilty of only looking at the pictures).  Online, Shire dot net offers diverse learning info, references and entertainment (here I wish there were better pictures!).  But for a real favorite I can’t say because each place I visit offers me something different.  That’s why I like having MANY favs!
• I have no favorite at this time but would welcome an awesome belly dance magazine delivered to my doorstep! 
• I like them all.  Gives me a variety of views and subjects.
• Vogue Magazine, love the photos.  The fashion, backdrops and makeup inspire me, and my dance performances.
• People Magazine, Gilded Serpent, Zaghareet, and Entertainment Weekly.
• Not a specific one but preference is online.  Saves paper, takes up less space in the house.   
• Of course iShimmy – I contribute and am connected to it.
• It depends on the situation I am in.  For educational purposes, I prefer written so I can ad notes. 
• Online I like iShimmy and print I like Yallah.
• Non-dance related:  Home Beautiful.
• Was Arabesque and the older Habibi.
• I like Zaghareet and Chronicles magazine and Gilded Serpent online. 
• I tend to lean more to Jareeda and ishimmy, probably because they are more easily accessible.
• iShimmy, Jareeda and The Dance Magazine

8)  If you advertise, what do you ask and what do you want from your advertisement?

• I can create my own display ads, so all the text/graphics are handled by me, I just ask that advertising space be affordable. 
• I expect my advertisement to get out on a timely basis.  It is nice when it can be found easily.  I don't expect prime placement unless I pay for that, but I also don't want to end up in the back of a publication either.
• Having my ad placed on time, giving the best coverage.  If my ad comes out in a late publication, then, there is not enough time given for full coverage.  Sadly once my ad came out in a publication “after” my event was held (due to the publisher’s late release, not mine). 
• Having a large enough space to add all information needed as well as a photo and without spending a fortune.  An impossible task for the editor, I know.  
• Good placement and low prices.  LOL
• I like to know how many readers/subscribers there are and where they reside to allow the most number of people in the widest area to be reached.
• What is the distribution – how many subscribers and I hope to get increased inquiries/sales/ increased web traffic on my website.
• I want exposure to the masses and results.
• Bang for my buck. With the recession as it is, money is tight and I can't afford to put advertisements in every single thing. Think more competitive pricing would help.
• In print, I want my ad to be seen, be clear, and not all jumbled on one page with a bunch of other ignored ads.  These days, with social media, online advertising is taking a turn.  It isn’t how it used to be.  So I imagine, the “ad” itself will change, in that it will be more about “sharing” from a trusted source rather than forced from a stranger.
• I want to be seen and in color and at a price that is affordable.
• I understand that this is the money for the magazine – so I ask that you make the placement as visible as you can given the level of my payment – if you can suggest something to make it more successful – it helps me and then hopefully leads to repeat business for you because I get income from the ad.


• Images, visible ones and preferably in color.
• Color pictures, clear high-resolution pictures, and an index of instructors and dancers.

9)  How important is color to you in a print publication?

• Well I like color but I also understand it is expensive, but color for the cover is great and I like to see color for articles about costuming.  Other than that, the rest can be in black and white.
• It is important but content is more so.
• Very....
• Its always nice but I realize it is expensive so I can settle for some pages in color.
• Very!
• Very important.  It adds to the overall look and enhances the quality of my reading experience.
• I personally like color but don't feel it needs to be on every single page.
• I’m very visual – I am drawn to color so it’s very attracting but I’m gone if it doesn’t lead to content that is valuable to me.


• Very!
• I prefer it - important but not the end all be all.
• Color makes the publication easier to read.  And at times may be what catches your eye about something you may have passed up.
• Extremely!  Without color my silks would not look nearly as beautiful.  Color adds that extra dimension and brings the stories/photos to life.
• I like seeing it . . but I don’t like paying for it when I advertise.  LOL
• It’s nice to have color, especially for costumes!
• It’s not…though when looking at costumes or accessories – it’s more interesting in color. I really like to have a print publication, but if I had to pick between a really well put together online publication and a mediocre print one, I would always pick the well-put-together one. 
• Very!
• Very – color is such an important part of our costuming and presentation – it impacts the mood of our performance, and on and on.
• It isn’t an important factor but it adds a special touch.
• It isn’t.
• I would rather have a lower price and more pages than color. 

10)  Do you consider the owner/editor and staff writer's experience as you read their articles? If yes, what amount of experience you look for? If no, why?

• All of the above should have some experience and I'm not sure how much.  I think that depends on the article.  Also some people are very good at research and if they know something about the article they are researching then they can formulate the article better and give a good presentation of it.  Researching an article without any experience can give a good education piece but having some insight yourself adds flavor and a personal touch.
• I give it some consideration especially if a "technical" topic. It depends on the topic- a newbie's perspective may be a good read. If it's "educational" I want to know it's a credible source.
• Yes, I think that when someone is writing an article, they should keep an open mind about the topic they are writing about and allow for another's viewpoint on that topic and write "from their personal experience" instead of their opinion being the "be all/end all" to the topic. 
• Very important - otherwise I do not bother. Has to be figures who have many years experience and are true artists.
• Heck yes!  It’s partly why I stopped getting the print magazines – there were too many newbies writing articles – or “20 years of experience” but only actually ever danced for a few years of that.  I look for experience at dancing as well as involvement in activities/events outside their local area, experience producing shows and workshops, and travel experience for first-hand understanding of what it really means to be of a different “culture”.
• Yes, as I would think they are knowledgeable about the article(s).  As far as experience, it depends on what I am reading, what the article is about.
• I do tend to look at who they are and what they do/have done in their lives.  It’s hard to say exactly what amount of experience.  But they need to have some experience and not be a newbie at this.
• Double edge sword here – it depends on the article.  The more experience the writer has, the more depth the article will have.   A less experienced staff writer will sometimes have the luxury of looking at something with “fresh eyes” and allowing the reader to appreciate something that might not be “perfect” to the more experienced.


• Not really . . but I do like it well written for coherence . . something I struggle with when writing.
• Well – I think every level has input that is valuable from the way they see things at their level of experience and involvement. Does it matter to me? Very much so, because I can understand where a review or comment is coming from if I know the how long they have danced and where they have danced (regionally, internationally etc.) Every journey hopefully produces an opinion. I want to hear the opinion of the new dancer, not as an expert but to see through new eyes – and I choose to really consider the opinion of someone who has an enduring connection with the dance community – I may not agree at this place in my journey (I have an opinion also) but it is the varied opinions of people who have put in long-term service and effort that usually shape our dance world by opinion and action.   

• I do. I want people to understand and have knowledge of what they are writing about or what they are reviewing.  It's like having a chef write about home decor (it doesn't make sense).
• No.  We all start somewhere and learn from doing...so not so important to have someone with a lot of experience.  But the owner/editor should have someone who is prepared to assist the beginner and help rewrite anything that is not print worthy.  
• I do look for a certain amount of credentials, I really like to see Author Bio's that list experience. 
• To me the experience is only important for the particular subject that the article is about.  But once again it depends on the article in the writer.  The only thing that would make me question a person's expertise is a very strong opinion for or against something.  That would cause me to look more into the subject/subjects.
• Yes, I do.  I look for whatever experience is relevant to the article.  For instance, I would not consider someone who has never been to Egypt capable of writing an article about Egypt unless numerous references were cited.
• No, not really and I probably should.
• I don’t consider it right off the bat.  If the article felt unauthentic, then I will research the writer to see what his/her credentials are and why the article didn’t feel right.  On the other hand, just because the writer or editor is a “big wig” doesn’t make everything he/she writers the golden truth.  It doesn’t matter if it came from a textbook or someone’s journal:  question everything!
• I think whomever is writing the article should put in their experience, even if just a little. It humanizes the article
• It’s always important to consider other experiences.  As a solo dancer, there is no way I would be able to experience it all myself.  We need others experiences to learn and shape our own decision-making and dance process.
• Yes.  I look for someone with ten or more years who has been a performer and instructor.

11)  Is there anything additional you would like to add?

• Keep it real, I want to see that a magazine is a font of varied knowledge for me to consider and access.
• Think it's great you're asking - getting feedback is a great way to find out what's working/not working.
• Thanks for the invite for input-best wishes on this project!
• We need more magazines to keep the dance world alive!
• Like a “blog” all of my comments are just my opinion, but you asked for it!!
• I appreciate the availability of belly dance publications in print and online.  I get to share in people’s knowledge, expertise, and wisdoms.  Builds my character.  Just a great source for additional knowledge and enjoyable reading.
• I wish it wasn’t so expensive to print magazines.
• You are wonderful for doing this.
• No, I’m easy . . I admire persons who have the patience to put it all together!  It’s like choreographing a dance.
• Good Luck.
• Good luck – such an undertaking to write.
• I’d like to see more written on understanding rhythms, language, culture. These are big and heavy topics, but perhaps done in short bursts so they can be absorbed with out the reader feeling like they have opened a textbook. These little tidbits can add nutrients the dancer needs to fuel a more in-depth exploration while still being “entertained”. And you know…there are many dancers who are also artists outside of dancing. Featuring their work would be nice too. Or art work of belly dancers. Like paintings and poems and such.