instagram

Friday, April 6, 2007

Coming Soon to a Newsstand Near You: Los Angeles' Life Force



You've probably seen the billboards all over town advertising something called "RealTalkLA."

The new local magazine hits stands May 1 -- the same day its companion website (www.realtalkla.com) goes live.

But I've been baffled by the tiny print in the magazine's logo, which reads, "Los Angeles Lifeforce."

What does that mean? And why is it in the logo, in such tiny print? Is it a part of the magazine's name? And does "Lifeforce" have to do with some sort of spiritual movement?

I called RealTalkLA's Peter Nichols, whose name is listed on the magazine's original press release.

Nichols told me my questions would be answered once I had the magazine in my hands. But no, it's not a part of any larger movement, he said, it's just a tag line.

"We want to be the driving life force for Los Angeles," said Nichols, who said the magazine wants to be the source for "good, helpful, healthy information."

"It's us and our website building a community," he said.

I dunno, if that's the case, the whole line "Los Angeles Lifeforce" may be a little too distracting. Your average reader might be confused as to whether that's the real name of the magazine.

As a magazine junkie, I'm definitely curious. And I always believe the more local media, the better. Here are more details, from the initial RealTalkLA press release:

“RealTALK LA and Realtalkla.com are re-inventing the concept of a city magazine and creating the next evolution of local online community,” said CEO and Creative Director Levin. “We’re out to capture the new spirit, culture and energy of a very changed 21st Century Los Angeles. That of course includes the multicultural diversity of the region. We’re creating inclusive media that gives a voice and a visible presence to all the people of LA. And for everyone we’re going to reveal far more of the exceptional range of mindsets, activities, felt lives and sectors that engage people here. Essentially we’re unmasking an unknown LA.”

The first issue of RealTALK LA, a full color, glossy, high quality monthly magazine, will reach more than 250,000 readers through free distribution at premium locations throughout the city and by home delivery to select households beginning in May 2007.

The companion Web site, RealTALKla.com, which is intended to create a new Los Angeles online community, will feature unique digital media technology, including up-to-the-minute news, Wiki, blogs, Web casts, social networking and a downloadable calendar of local events. The site will premiere online in late April and is expected to reach more than 800,000 unique viewers per month.

More info can be found at the RealTalkLA MySpace page.

RealTalkLA isn't the only new local mag hitting stands in the coming weeks. As LAObserved notes, the recently renamed New Angeles Monthly -- targeting the "east side" (er, how about "Los Angeles east of La Cienega")-- debuts this June.

No comments: