Pod response

I love the idea of combining artists notes with their work. It would really add a personal feel. I think it adds to the interaction.
I think most groups agreed to the idea the organic look. We wanted the nostalgia of flipping through comics, fallout pod had a retro feel and humor, pod3 had the idea of handwritten texts. I think this is a unifying idea for all the pods which would add a coherent theme to the site.
I really liked group 2's idea of the small contest and writing prompts. I think that is an awesome way to keep people coming back. Their group presented a very feasible way of getting a recurring audience, one that could consist of amateurs and professional writers.
I did prefer the designs of groups two and fallout, I think the jumping off pages with links can have color and graphics without distracting from the work itself. Although I understood the idea behind the example sight pod3 gave which only used red and black I personally didn't find the look as interesting.

Grapes of Wrath

It seems difficult to compare the work of Steinbeck and Chris McGreal. I would say McGreal is definitly responding to Steinbeck and is inspired him but what McGreal has done is far more journalistic. I think this is a risk and benefit when using multi media.
Journalism wants truth, hard truths, we take all the photos of McGreal's at face value. That said fiction is often a vehicle for truth that is more sincere than journalism can be. I have worked only a few weeks as a reporter for a paper and already see how much is not said.
My problem with multi media is that I personally think it almost says less. How much interior thought does it allow?
Sorry this is short :/ I spent more time on the site than blogging since I had to rush.

Engaging our readers? Possible ideas....

Comic book/ graphic files should open reminiscent to traditional comic books.

Possible e-mail list for new stories features etc.

Unique icons that are changeable BUT a list of contents for the less adventurous.

Possible forum?

Possibly have hand written title page? By author.

First goal: to offer a venue for artists of all mediums and paths. Our second goal is to engage and keep readers.

What sort of Din are we making?

I'm trying to get an idea of what we are doing. Much of what I've read on Literary Magazines implies they have to be shocking and new. The Little Mag has to have brave content willing to be martyred for the sake of art. Is that what the Din is supposed to be? I admit I was viewing it as an outlet for NMSU students- a way for us to be published and noticed. If we are not daring and making brave new roads in form will we be discredited as vain?
I personally say bravo if one of us has something groundbreaking up our sleeve but is it so bad if we publish something simply because it was good and evoked mixed emotions from us? Even if it wasn't so daring that we didn't understand it? Are we going to publish something we don't even like because it might be the next greatest thing?
Just wondering out loud.