garciamedia

Sep. 1st Flip through the pages of L’Ordenateur Individuel: see new design

TAKEAWAY: Here is the entire edition of the new L’Ordenadeur Individuel, which launched its new look, and merger with svm magazine this week in France.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 31st Relaunching L’Ordinateur Individuel in France

TAKEAWAY: The challenges of redesigning a computer magazine that merges with another, wants to have a contemporary look, but pack information as economically as passengers on an A380 and still pace itself to carry the best contents of two publications and make it all look visually coherent!  Our team at Garcia Media faced the challenge head on, and the new L’Ordinateur is out this week.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 28th My special Mother has rested

Maria Ofelia Garcia: 1929-2010

13 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 27th The shape of newsrooms to come

TAKEAWAY:  It is happening at USA Today, the nation’s second largest daily newspaper, a reduction of personnel, but, more importantly, a dramatic change in how the newsroom operates.  Two important details in USA Today’s story catch our attention.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 25th It is a tablet, tablet, tablet world

TAKEAWAY: Come December, it is going to be hard for someone not to get that desired “tablet” under the Christmas tree.  It may not even take a lot of money to get one, either. The Indian company AllGo has been showing off their new Stamp prototype, which will cost a little more than the much hyped $35 Android tablet.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 25th And in the good news department…...

TAKEAWAY: Some links that give us a lift this Wednesday and point to progress and positive thinking.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 23rd One new platform for newspaper in Singapore: the sports pub

TAKEAWAY: It was a matter of time: Singapore’s newspaper for the young, The New Paper, has now travelled the extra mile to open a sports bar.  News served with beer, cocktails and the latest updates on sports happenings.  PLUS: At the South China Morning Post: iPad app launch is big success AND: iPads for sumo wrestlers

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 23rd The importance of presenting your ideas well

TAKEAWAY:“ Which elective course should I take?,“ asks the graduate student in design.  The first that comes to mind is one about presentation.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 20th Weekend reading: iPad links of interest

TAKEAWAY: It is one of the final weekends of summer and a good opportunity to catch up with our reading.  Today, five entries to update you with interesting links of the past week.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 19th In San Diego: rebranding a newspaper

TAKEAWAY: It does not happen often: the rebranding of a newspaper through a dramatic logo change. The San Diego Union Tribune has done it, with Jim Parkinson performing his usual magic.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 17th Elegance and the tabs

TAKEAWAY: A reader of TheMarioBlog sends in her question: which of these New York City downmarket tabloids is more elegant?

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 16th How we use the iPad: some research trickles in

TAKEAWAY: Back from my beach holiday and notice that lots has happened in iPad territory during my time out: a British survey tells us more about how iPad users utilize the tablet.  A News Corp digital national newspaper?  The possibilities are many, but indulgence with substance is the key.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 11th Enjoying those Spanish newspapers in the Canary Islands

TAKEAWAY: It is a sort of second breakfast, getting copies of Spain’s three national newspapers and reading them cover to cover while enjoying a week of rest, beach and sun in the paradise-like Canary Islands.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 5th The Iconist: the magazine born as an iPad app

TAKEAWAY: It is a thing of beauty, with content robust enough to let you pick everything from your next winter coat to that special red wine to accompany your summer barbecue, not to mention that you get to meet Angela Markel’s chef, and get a personal tour of Berlin.  If “pop up” is what the tablets are all about, The Iconist is a pop up piñata that celebrates lifestyle, fashion and culture. ALSO: Gulf News wins in the Publish Asia 2010 contest.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 4th Covering the BlackBerry story in Dubai; 10 Essential iPad apps for designers

TAKEAWAY: Have BlackBerry, won’t travel (Not to the UAE, if you wish to text message!): how the Gulf News covered the big story.  ALSO: Reed Reibstein’s pick of the 10 best iPad apps that every designer/editor should be downloading. 

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 3rd The BlackBerry tablet? Rumors get louder; have you seen the aPad?

TAKEAWAY: It is only a matter of time: BlackBerry may introduce its own tablet.  The rumors about this have circulated since May, but now they accelerate, prompting us to believe that this tablet may be in the market before the end of the year, creating possible competition for Apple’s iPad. ALSO: the aPad is “made in China” and goes Android.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Aug. 1st Hamlet’s BlackBerry: already a NY Times bestseller!

TAKEAWAY: Just about a month after it was published, William Powers‘ first book, Hamlet’s BlackBerry ,is already a bestseller.  Powers definitely hit a chord with readers when he invited us to disconnect from the digital addictions of our day and turn to print.  ALSO: Skin deep love with Helvetica.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 30th Weekend update: Monocle Mediterraneo is out and doing well

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 29th Monocle Mediterraneo premieres today

TAKEAWAY: The summer’s indispensable companion, Monocle Mediterraneo, appears today at a Mediterranean beach near you. It is a must have. For us in this industry, a colorful, informative reminder of how much fun print can be.  Here is the letter I wrote its editor and publisher, Tyler Brulé, after seeing my first copy. PLUS: Interview with Metropoli’s Rodrigo Sanchez AND: 40 Years/40 Lessons: Books.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 28th Magnificent Monocle Mediterraneo premieres tomorrow

TAKEAWAY: The summer’s indispensable companion, Monocle Mediterraneo, appears tomorrow at a Mediterranean beach near you. It is a must have. For us in this industry, a colorful, informative reminder of how much fun print can be.  Here is the letter I wrote its editor and publisher, Tyler Brulé, after seeing my first copy.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 26th Interview with Metrópoli’s Rodrigo Sánchez

TAKEAWAY: They are the covers that we all wish we had created, the ones we turn to for inspiration when the muse is taking a coffee break somewhere. An exhibit of the best of Metrópoli opens in Madrid tomorrow, July 28. The man behind so many of these magnificently conceptualized covers is the talented Rodrigo Sanchez, who for years has been art director of the supplements at El Mundo in Spain. He talks to us about what inspires him, and how he and Metrópoli face a new digital world

2 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 26th 40 Years/40 Lessons (8) Books.

TAKEAWAY:This is part 8 of my occasional series 40 Years/40 Lessons, which I call a “sort of career memoir” capturing highlights and reminiscing about what has been a spectacular journey for me, doing what I love most.  Today’s segment: all about the books I have written and how a desire to share ideas fueled each of the titles.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 24th Monocle Mediterraneo coming out next week

TAKEAWAY: What a week ahead: the much awaited for Monocle Mediterraneo comes out July 29, and the Metropoli magazine exhibit is July 28.  Be on the lookout for these events, which we will revisit.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 22nd It’s iPad Friday for Wirtshafts Blatt and South China Morning Post

TAKEAWAY: Several newspapers introduce iPad editions today as the iPad appears in their countries. Among them, Austria and Hong Kong.  We show you how the introductory process goes for Austria’s Wirtshafts Blatt and Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 21st It’s iPad Friday for newspapers in Austria, Hong Kong

TAKEAWAY: Two newspapers prepare to introduce iPad editions tomorrow as Apple introduces the iPad in their countries: Austria and Hong Kong.  We preview here and will follow up tomorrow with first day edition reports.  See how Austria’s Wirtshafts Blatt and Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post take their baby steps on the iPad.  PLUS: Dateline Hong Kong, Day 4

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 20th Dateline: Hong Kong, Day 3

TAKEAWAY: Those Hong Kong newspaper readers read in Mandarin, Cantonese and English, and the signs everywhere in the streets reveal the multilingual, multicultural side of this effervescent city that seems far removed from its colonial days.  For the newspapers, in any language, the challenge is to stay popular and vibrant,  to seduce devoted but demanding readers and to try to have that one local story that nobody else has.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 19th Dateline: Hong Kong, Day 2

TAKEAWAY: This is a newspaper city, and 17 newspapers go out into heavy traffic each day trying to seduce readers, who line up to get the free newspapers.  Look for my HK reports this week.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 19th Dateline: Hong Kong

TAKEAWAY: This is a newspaper city, and 17 newspapers go out into heavy traffic each day trying to seduce readers.  Look for my HK reports this week.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 16th Pop Culture Engineering is now a Career! Plus Weekend Updates

TAKEAWAY:  We have been practicing it on and off for years, but now pop culture engineering has academic status, and you can major in it. What fun!  PLUS: Tyler Brulé prepares for his Monocle-on-Med one off newspaper to arrive at a beach near you July 29.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 14th The page one surprise! And the police visit surprise, too!

TAKEAWAY: Oh, the page one that surprises, stops you in your tracks and gives you that ephemeral lift!  One such page appeared in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer recently, “lamenting” the departure of the city’s most renowned athlete, who left Cleveland for the sunnier climes of Miami.  Here it is! We need more pages like it, and more editors who allow them to happen. PLUS; What happens when the police arrive in the newsroom asking for access to sources?

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 14th What’s behind the iPhone 4 scare story, I wonder.

TAKEAWAY: It is with a high level of surprise and skepticism that I read about the iPhone 4 and its alleged malfunction problems.  My iPhone 4 works perfectly well. What’s behind the scare?

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 13th Olga Guillot: a tribute to the queen of the bolero

TAKEAWAY: She was the queen of the bolero and nobody could bring the dramatic emphasis to each phrase of those Cuban love ballads like la Olga. She died in Miami Monday.  It is bolero time in heaven.  I remember, as a child, sitting through some of her rehearsals in that Havana of another era.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 13th Economist.com redesign shines

TAKEAWAY: It is clean, easy to follow, and promotes print well: The Economist’s redesign of its website is worth taking a look.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 12th Back from vacation: Bravo for Spain, etc

TAKEAWAY: First day back from beach vacation with the family, celebrating Spain’s victory in the World Cup, plus links of interest.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jul. 1st It’s beach time! Postcard updates

TAKEAWAY: TheMarioBlog takes time out while Mario enjoys the beach with the family.  Will return with next blog posting July 13

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 30th Time for a little beach disconnect!

TAKEAWAY: William Powers’ new book, Hamlet’s Blackberry, has arrived, and so have the reviews and his appearance in Good Morning America to promote it.  The book, which emphasizes our need to “disconnect”, arrives at the right time for me as I plan a beach disconnect starting tomorrow!

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 29th Istanbul’s Zaman: in a class of its own

TAKEAWAY: It is the runaway circulation winner in the highly competitive Istanbul newspaper market: Zaman, at 30, has matured into the newspaper everyone wants to have. It is also a radical departure in terms of design, opting for blue and gray tones in a world of newspapers that tend to go for the fruit salad approach to color use.  ALSO: Meeting famous photographer Steve McCurry and posing for him in The Bosphorous

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 28th Istanbul: ready for a Steve McCurry closeup

TAKEAWAY: In scenic Istanbul for two days to speak a the annual +1T conference, sponsored by Zaman newspaper.  My fellow speaker is Steve McCurry, the American photographer whose images appear in publications and exhibits worldwide. Tonight, by pure serendipity, I was his subject, a memorable experience in my first night here.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 28th Sweet German victory over England spills onto front pages

TAKEAWAY: I happen to be passing thru Germany on this Monday, the day after the German team beat England with a robust 4-1.  Happy front page headlines tell the story.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 23rd Liveblog from the tablet conference—read it on your iPad!

TAKEAWAY: Today we are making the liveblog from last week’s “Power of the Tablet” conference at Poynter available in two easy-to-read formats. PLUS: Resurrecting now defunct magazines (and memories) into iPad apps

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 23rd iPad presence is what is important: one feature at a time

TAKEAWAY: It is a question frequently asked: how can we take our newspaper or magazine into the tablet when we are not fully prepared to do so? Try your best feature first, before the rest comes.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 22nd The Hindu’s website live June 24

TAKEAWAY: A Garcia Interactive project, http://www.thehindu.com, out of beta version and live June 24.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 22nd The Hindu’s website live June 24

TAKEAWAY: A Garcia Interactive project, http://www.thehindu.com, out of beta version and live June 24.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 20th Colombia elects new President: a live report

TAKEAWAY: I will be in Bogotá this week continuing our work with El Tiempo, a great time to be here as Colombians have elected their next President: Juan Manuel Santos.  Stay tuned for updates and pdfs of special election coverage throughout this week.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 17th Exclusive! Tyler Brulé discusses the Monocle newspaper

TAKEAWAY: Those taking a beach vacation along the Mediterranan this summer are in for something special—-beyond plenty of sun and sea.  Monocle will bring the news right to their beach chairs.  Yes, the first summer newspaper is here. And it is a printed one!  ALSO: Follow up to the Poynter Tablet conference: today Reed Reibstein interviews Mario Garcia Sr.   AND: The St. Cloud Daily Times eagle is back, for a day.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 16th After the conference, more post-presentation interviews

TAKEAWAY: We continue with coverage of the Poynter Institute’s conference The Power of the Tablet.  Today, post-presentation interviews with Joe Zeff of Joe Zeff Design and Andrew DeVigal of The New York Times.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 15th Tablet conference ends, the challenges begin

TAKEAWAY: It has been an exhilarating two days at the Poynter Institute as we conducted the two day Power of the Tablet conference.  The 40-plus participants came from around the world, from Australia and Taiwan to Colombia and Norway.  Their goal was the same: how can we prepare to take our publication to the next level—-the tablet edition. PLUS: Post-presentation interviews with Jennifer Brook of The New York Times and Roger Fidler of the Reynolds Journalism Institute.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 15th Tablet conference liveblog: The second day

TAKEAWAY: As the two-day Power of the Tablet conference begins, follow Reed Reibstein’s live coverage of events for the first day. Follow the tweets (#poweroftablet), too!

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 14th Tablet conference liveblog: The first day

TAKEAWAY: As the two-day Power of the Tablet conference begins, follow Reed Reibstein’s live coverage of events.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 14th All the information about today’s Poynter tablet conference

TAKEAWAY: The two-day Power of the Tablet conference starts this afternoon. Here is the program for you to follow.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 13th Countdown to the Tablet Conference which opens Monday

strong>TAKEAWAY: Our contdown to the Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter (June 14-15) continues with Reed Reibstein providing us links of interest to get us thinking tablets.  Today: a variety of subjects that cover the main discussion about tablets, and, specifically, the iPad.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 12th Countdown to the Tablet Conference: two days to go, two links to get you ready

strong>TAKEAWAY: Our contdown to the Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter (June 14-15) continues with Reed Reibstein providing us links of interest to get us thinking tablets.  Today: about the Oxford University tablet conference, and about USA Today iPad app

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 12th Countdown to the Tablet Conference: two days to go, two links to get you ready

strong>TAKEAWAY: Our contdown to the Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter (June 14-15) continues with Reed Reibstein providing us links of interest to get us thinking tablets.  Today: about the Oxford University tablet conference, and about USA Today iPad app

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 10th World Cup opens: some pages we like; plus countdown to the Tablet conference continues

TAKEAWAY: The 2010 World Cup kicks off at Johannesburg’s Soccer City today as millions of soccer fans worldwide follow the games and bet on the teams they consider the best, and the players most likely to make history.  For the media, an opportunity to display great storytelling, excellent and dynamic photography and infographics that help the fans make sense of it all. The fun starts today.PLUS: Our contdown to the Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter (June 14-15) continues with Reed Reibstein providing us links of interest to get us thinking tablets.  Today: the iPad and books

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 10th Countdown to the Tablet Conference: the iPad and typography

strong>TAKEAWAY: Our contdown to the Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter (June 14-15) continues with Reed Reibstein providing us links of interest to get us thinking tablets.  Today: the iPad and typography

2 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 9th Countdown to the Tablet Conference: How newspapers can best use the iPad

strong>TAKEAWAY: Our contdown to the Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter (June 14-15) continues with Reed Reibstein providing us links of interest to get us thinking tablets.  Today: the iPad and newspapers

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 8th Countdown to the Tablet Conference: More about designing for the IPad

strong>TAKEAWAY: Our contdown to the Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter (June 14-15) continues with Reed Reibstein providing us links of interest to get us thinking tablets.  Today: more about designing and the iPad

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 7th Countdown to the Tablet Conference:Designing for iPad Reality Check

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 6th Countdown to the Tablet Conference:Thoughts on Flash

TAKEAWAY: Weekend update as we countdown to The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter: This Sunday, Apple, Adobe and Flash.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 5th Countdown to the Tablet Conference:How much will Apple control news app content?

TAKEAWAY: Our contdown to the Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter (June 14-15) continues with Reed Reibstein providing us links of interest to get us thinking tablets.  Today: how much control will Apple exercise over news app content?

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 4th Countdown to the Tablet conference: the other tablets

TAKEAWAY: Our contdown to the Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter (June 14-15) continues with Reed Reibstein providing us links of interest to get us thinking tablets.  Today: it is not just the iPad!

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 2nd Welcoming my 11th grandchild!

TAKEAWAY: It was a special day for the entire family as we welcomed a new member: Daniel Anthony Jude Barravecchio, born June 2, 2010, in Tampa, Florida, at 8:02 am.  PLUS: Countdown to the Power of the Tablet conference with Reed Reibstein

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Jun. 1st France Football: new look premieres

TAKEAWAY: France Football’s new look: colorful, easier to navigate and on time for the World Cup 2011.  PLUS: Countdown to the Power of the Tablet conference, with Reed Reibstein’s tips of the best articles to get us all thinking about tablets prior to the Poynter program.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 31st Starting today: Countdown to The Power of the Tablet conference

TAKEAWAY: With fourteen days to go before the opening of Poynter’s The Power of the Tablet conference, I turn over the blog to our Garcia Media intern Reed Reibstein, who will also be blogging live from the conference.  Reed’s idea is to “warm up” to the conference with daily postings of essential articles that will help everyone understand the tablet as a new journalistic platform. PLUS: Samples from the Bild Zeitung iPad app

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 31st For Philly newspapers: new publisher, new vision ahead

TAKEAWAY: As readers of this blog know, we have been involved for the past year with a very special project: to help the Philadelphia newspapers as they reorganize to emerge from bankruptcy and get back on their feet.  A new publisher has arrived and here are some of his thoughts.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 28th Oh, they love those iPads abroad!

TAKEAWAY: The magnificent little iPad has made its Atlantic crossing and it seems people love it in Europe and beyond. AND: For the Japanese publishers, the one platform to launch their publications in a tablet.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 27th Hot topic: information architecture

TAKEAWAY: As a follow up to my Master Class online yesterday: more about information architecture

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 26th Master Class today: designing in the times of the iPad and beyond

TAKEAWAY: Master Class, sponsored by Print Magazine, takes place online today at 4 pm (EST), and still time to sign up.  ALSO: Last day today to apply for The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 24th Buon giorno, Italia: Il Sole 24 Ore’s new website design is here!

TAKEAWAY: Mario Garcia Jr’s Garcia Interactive team unveil the new look of Il Sole 24 Ore’s website, a wonderful case study of design shining through even when information architecture presented extraordinary challenges in terms of all that needed to go into this site.  Take a look and read Mario Jr’s Garcia Interactive blog account of his experience with Il Sole’s talented team.  ALSO: La Nueva Provincia’s look of today: “the revolution started in 1981,“ says Alejandro Massot, executive director. AND: Reminder, May 26 is last day to apply for few spots left in The Power of the Tablet conferece at Poynter, June 14-15

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 23rd La Nueva Provincia: the way it looks today

TAKEAWAY: In our 40Years/40Lessons segment 7, Abroad, we recounted my first experience with a consulting project outside of the United States. It was a redesign of La Nueva Provincia, Argentina, in 1981; today we show you how LNP has evolved, and add words from its executive director Read the entire segment here again today!

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 21st In India: Garcia Media, Apparatus form alliance

TAKEAWAY: It creates an unparalleled team to serve our Indian clients: Garcia Media and Apparatus Media Lab have created a strategic alliance which will allow their teams to take clients into the world of multiplatform rethinking.  ALSO: Still time to apply for Poynter’s The Power of the Tablet conference, set for June 14-15

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 19th New look unveiled for Berliner Morgenpost

TAKEAWAY: Those German regional newspapers: they are on a roll about changing their look, and they all go classic and elegant; must be the trend:  PLUS: Tjhe art director of Thailand’s The Nation pleas for peace in his violent-stricken city of Bangkok. AND: Poynter extends deadline for The Power of the Tablet conference till May 26. Apply now.

1 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 19th An art director’s plea for peace in his hometown: violence stricken Bangkok

TAKEAWAY: Leroy Sylk, art director of Thailand’s The Nation reports that his newspaper has been threatened by protesters PLUS:  Planning an iPad app for your publication; start with good information architecture strategies. The rest is the easy, fun part. ALSO:Apply for the Poynter conference, The Power of the Tablet, June 14-15.  Final deadline extension May 26

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 19th iPad app planning: start with information architecture

TAKEAWAY: Planning an iPad app for your publication; start with good information architecture strategies. The rest is the easy, fun part.  ALSO: Last day to apply for Poynter conference, The Power of the Tablet, June 14-15

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 17th In Bangkok: covering a bloody standoff in The Nation

TAKEAWAY:We show pages of Bangkok’s The Nation as it covers the bloody encounters that continue in the City of Angels.  ALSO: This is part 7 of my occasional series 40 Years/40 Lessons, which I call a “sort of career memoir” capturing highlights and reminiscing about what has been a spectacular journey for me, doing what I love most.  Today’s segment: A casual encounter at the end of my presentation takes me on my first journey for a project abroad:  La Nueva Provincia , Bahia Blanca, Argentina. PLUS: Deadline approaching soon to apply for The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 16th 40 Years/40 Lessons (7) Abroad.

TAKEAWAY:This is part 7 of my occasional series 40 Years/40 Lessons, which I call a “sort of career memoir” capturing highlights and reminiscing about what has been a spectacular journey for me, doing what I love most.  Today’s segment: A casual encounter at the end of my presentation takes me on my first journey for a project abroad:  La Nueva Provincia , Bahia Blanca, Argentina. PLUS: Deadline approaching soon to apply for The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 14th Sketching on the iPad: great combo

TAKEAWAY: As if the iPad was not already wonderful to carry out a number of enjoyable tasks, I have discovered that it is a handy sketch pad as well.  PLUS: Mario’s Master Class online, May 26 at 4 pm. Find out more.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 13th Early research on iPad usability: no surprises

TAKEAWAY: Don’t know if we can even call it “research’ but it is some early information to guide us about how people use their iPads.  The big surprise (is it, really?), websites work reasonably well on the big tablet. ALSO: Master Class online with Mario, sponsored by Print Magazine, May 26

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 12th Master Class: Design for the Tablet Age

TAKEAWAY: A first for me: a Master Class online. Sponsored by Print Magazine, this one hour class will allow a give and take between me and participants from around the globe. Find out more here.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 11th Tuesday musings and some frequently asked questions

TAKEAWAY:Oh, that volcanic ash from Iceland is still creating havoc for European travellers, including me. But, alas, those train rides remind us of another time, when people took to the rails and leisurely enjoyed the view of the countryside, or sipped expressos in the dining car. In my case, catching up with emails from here and there,and answering questions you send me.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 6th New address for Garcia Media Europe

TAKEAWAY: Our Garcia Media Europe office has changed locations in Hamburg ALSO: How NEXT covers the death of the Nigerian president AND: Deadline extended to May 19 to apply for The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 6th At El Tiempo: flaps with style on Page One

TAKEAWAY: Those half page flaps on Page One of newspapers (and magazines) do not have to be devoted to advertising only. See how Colombia’s El Tiempo uses them.  PLUS: Still time today to apply for The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 5th Editors who have fun: are they extinct?

TAKEAWAY: It is no secret, many of the newspapers with increasing circulation figures are the so called “down market” tabloids.  Why? Editors of these titles have fun while producing them. PLUS: Join Poynter’s The Power of the Tablet conference, June 14-15

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

May. 3rd William Powers: “Disconnect is emerging as the ultimate luxury destination’

TAKEAWAY: William Powers, author of the soon to be published, Hamlet’s BlackBerry, talks about the effects of digital technology on our forever-connected lives, and takes us on a journey to the ultimate destination: disconnect.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Apr. 30th Philadelphia Daily News: the new front page is here

TAKEAWAY: The first visible results of Garcia Media’s work with the Philadelphia newspapers appeared today, as the Daily News introduced its new front page style, part of an evolutionary process that will be continued through the inside of the newspaper in the weeks and months to come.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Apr. 30th Philadelphia Daily News: the new front page is here

TAKEAWAY: The first visible results of Garcia Media’s work with the Philadelphia newspapers appeared today, as the Daily News introduced its new front page style, part of an evolutionary process that will be continued through the inside of the newspaper in the weeks and months to come.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Apr. 30th Philadelphia Daily News: the new front page is here

TAKEAWAY: The first visible results of Garcia Media’s work with the Philadelphia newspapers appeared today, as the Daily News introduced its new front page style, part of an evolutionary process that will be continued through the inside of the newspaper in the weeks and months to come.

0 comments Posted by Dr. Mario R. Garcia

Apr. 29th From the INMA Congress; some positive surprises

TAKEAWAY: The INMA Congress (International Newspaper Marketing Association) in New York City is now finished.  Here are some interesting surprises that should make newspaper cash registers ring with happiness.

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Apr. 26th The iPad as story boutique plus other New York City musings

TAKEAWAY: The iPad is everywhere one turns in New York City, and, although it is likely to become the story boutique of the future, we still do not see that level of storytelling by the newspaper editions that are taking their first baby steps into the new platform PLUS: A surprise in print that was not in the iPad  AND: The INMA Congress is on here in New York City, and digital publishing plays a key role in the program. PLUS: A look at the Wall Street Journal’s Greater New York edition

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Apr. 25th Hamburger Abendblatt unveils new design today

TAKEAWAY: It’s a new , but retro, look for the Hamburger Abendblatt, which premieres its new design today.  PLUS: In New York City, the INMA Wor;ld Congress opens today: all about strategies for newspapers to make money ALSO:  More about The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15. 

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Apr. 23rd Covering worsening political unrest in Thailand

TAKEAWAY: We continue to monitor The Nation’s coverage of what seems to be a worsening political situation in Thailand.  PLUS: The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15: Roger Fidler joins the program.

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Apr. 22nd The joy of slow travel: finally back in the States

TAKEAWAY: This is Act 4, and the final one, in my “travel saga” which lasted five days. I am happy to say that my flight landed at JFK Airport in New York, and it felt great to ditch the status of “stranded”.  ALSO: Pdfs in the mailbox: from India to Romania, art directors send their pages for review AND: The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15

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Apr. 20th Act 3 in my travel saga: Got to Frankfurt, have boarding pass for flight to US!

TAKEAWAY: As day 4 of my “stranded in Paris” status looms and no flights going north to Oslo in sight, I am taking the fast (four hour) train to Frankfurt then (maybe) fly Lufthansa home.  PLUS: Adobe’s Gary Cosimini joins The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15

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Apr. 20th Act 2 in my travel saga: I am taking train to Frankfurt, then (maybe) flying home

TAKEAWAY: As day 4 of my “stranded in Paris” status looms, and no flights going north to Oslo in sight, I am taking the fast (four hour) train to Frankfurt then (maybe) fly Lufthansa home.  PLUS: Adobe’s Gary Cosimini joins The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15

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Apr. 20th Grounded! Learning the joys of the unstructured “free” day

TAKEAWAY: So I am stranded, with no place to go. Try that feeling for a moment, especially if your agenda runs by the hour and you can tell months ahead of time where you are likely to be at any given moment.  Well, not this week. Not in Europe.  What an unpronounceable Icelandic volcano has done to bring chaos to the lives of many. Count me among them.

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Apr. 19th Partnerships: Garcia-Media, Layout International join forces

TAKEAWAY: Our interest in the Middle East, and especially working with Arab language newspapers, remains high, which is why we are joining forces with Layout International of Lebanon to expand services in the area. ALSO: More about The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15.

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Apr. 16th Tablets, the conference and why we all need to know about them

TAKEAWAY: As we put finishing touches on the program of The Power of the Tablet conferece at The Poynter Institute for Media Studies (June 14-15), I continue to be impressed by the high level interest worldwide.  Our speakers and resource people for this conference represent the top of the line in the various areas that cover what we need to know about tablets.

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Apr. 15th Jennifer Brook of The New York Times to join Poynter conference

TAKEAWAY: The program for The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15 has now added Jennifer Brook, of The New York Times, presenting the case study of how the Times prepared for its iPad app.  ALSO: A new generation of student journalists who don’t Google enough?

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Apr. 14th Eating in France: take your time, don’t go for seconds

TAKEAWAY: One book after the other explains why the French eat so well and remain relatively fit and slender.  I am seeing it first hand and I like it: eat it all in moderation, enjoy the experience and don’t go for seconds! AND: A design moment: seeking inspiration from old boxing posters   ALSO: The Philadelphia Daily News wins the big one: Pulitzer for reporting   PLUS: More on The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter June 14-15 

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Apr. 13th Erik Schut and Alfredo Triviño to present at Poynter conference

TAKEAWAY: As we continue to shape the program for The Power of the Tablet conference at Poynter, June 14-15, we now confirm WoodWing president, Erik Schut, who will share his company’s experiences as it assisted TIME Magazine with its first iPad app.  ALSO: Romania Libera, latest pages.

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