Alternative Publishing Schedules, Unlike monthly magazines, Taboo was often published irregularly — sometimes quarterly or semi-annually. This lent it a sense of exclusivity, with each issue feeling more curated and deliberate. In this way, Taboo stood out from its peers. However, many alternative publishing schedules can achieve similar effects without using irregular publication periods. For example, some publications may release articles more frequently but in shorter bursts. Others may publish infrequently but make their content highly anticipated. Regardless of the strategy used, the goal is to provide high-quality content that stands out from the crowd.
Tabloids were one of the earliest examples of an alternative publishing schedule. They were published weekly and featured sensationalist stories about celebrities, politics, and crime. The National Enquirer, founded in 1926, was a pioneering tabloid. It gained popularity for its scandalous headlines and exclusive photos. Other early tabloids included the Weekly World News, founded in 1979, and the Globe, which began in 1984. Today, tabloids are still common, but they have faced stiff competition from online news sources and social media. As such, they must be creative in how they differentiate themselves. One strategy is to publish less frequently but invest more resources into their content. This makes each issue feel like a special event.
Another type of alternative publishing schedule is the serialized novel. Authors would release sections of a story over time, with each installment building suspense until the final conclusion. Charles Dickens famously used this approach with his work "The Pickwick Papers". He released installments every month between 1836 and 1837, drawing readers back each time. Serialization fell out of fashion by the late 19th century, but it has recently made a comeback thanks to digital publications. Modern writers can serialize their work on websites or blogs, giving readers a reason to return regularly.
Finally, some alternative publishing schedules focus on providing unique experiences. For example, magazines may host events or interactive features to engage their audience. These experiences could take place online or offline, but they make readers feel like part of something special. One such magazine is Wired, which hosts an annual conference called WIRED Next Fest. The festival showcases emerging technologies and innovators, allowing attendees to experience cutting-edge ideas firsthand. By combining high-quality content with unforgettable experiences, these publications create lasting relationships with their audience.
In summary, Taboo's irregular publishing schedule helped establish its reputation as a curated publication. However, other strategies exist for standing out from the crowd. Whether it be through shorter bursts of articles, serialized stories, or unique experiences, alternative publishing schedules offer creative ways to differentiate oneself in today's media landscape.