Reference/Tutorial Magazines

[Oana]

After an inconclusive discussion in the Help section, I thought it was time to post here.

The Goodreads rules seem ambiguous to me about magazines.

From what I understand, adding gossip mags and newspapers where the information is very time sensitive (only good for a few days etc) falls under the "Do not add" category.

What I would like some feedback on is adding specialist magazines which feature resource articles and tutorials. Unfortunately, Goodreads seems a bit ambiguous on this.

From the MANUAL:
These items are books:
* periodicals and bound comic books with ISBNs
* periodicals without ISBNs but substantially similar to books (eg, perfectbound literary magazines)
* single-issue magazines and comic books on an individual and unencouraged basis, although they should be typed as "periodical" in the work: media type field

So what does "Substantially similar to books" mean? Do magazines which have useful articles and tutorials on a particular subject count? There are obviously books which do this exact thing, so some magazines would perhaps qualify.

Or does it mean that they shouldn't contain things like Advertisments or Editiorials?

I'm not familiar with "Perfectbound Literary Magazines", so perhaps someone with more information could elaborate.

Where do we draw the line for magazines?

[MissJessie]

Since "single issue magazines & comic books on an individual and unencouraged basis" are allowed, I don't see what difference it makes, actually. Not trying to be a smart-ass, just wondering.

I THINK perfect-bound magazines are the kind glued on the back, not stapled.

[Oana]

MissJessie wrote: "Since "single issue magazines & comic books on an individual and unencouraged basis" are allowed, I don't see what difference it makes

Sorry, I was unclear. I am talking about periodic (monthly etc) reference magazines with articles/tutorials/resources, generally supported by advertising in regular magazine-style binding.

[MissJessie]

Sorry :) (My Brother in law is actually the publisher of one such magazine, lol)

[Cait]

Oana wrote: "So what does "Substantially similar to books" mean?"

It's a pretty hazy line. Generally, as you said, something that's ephemeral is not a book. If this is a reference work, would you keep it permanently to hand or would you read it and then discard it? If this is an educational work, would you study it or would you try its instructions once and move on?

For example, here is a periodical which is treated like a book series. I couldn't find any other examples offhand -- most of the ones I was thinking of are issued with ISBNs -- but I'm sure there are others.

Is there a particular work you're thinking of adding to the catalog?

[Oana]

I was looking at the 3Dworld/imaginefx magizines. I keep my set in the office next to my desk and I reference them often as there are some good articles in there.

I'm sure that some of the content will eventually become outdated as new software comes out but thats true with any refeeence book which are obviously allowed. There is a lot of very useful info in them.

[Jaye]

Is this an example?
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...

[Cait]

Oana wrote: "I was looking at the 3Dworld/imaginefx magizines..."

Like this or this? I have to say, I don't think I would pick those out of a lineup as books, personally. Then again, digital art isn't really my field. Does anyone else have a different opinion here?

[Monique]

As I said in the original thread, I don't think ImagineFX is enough of a book to be added here. A picture book of artwork is still a book with an ISBN. A literary magazine makes me think of what my literary club in high school put out twice a year and that was a collection of poetry, short stories, essays, etc so I can see how that would be allowed here under certain circumstances.

[Oana]

Jaye wrote: "Is this an example?
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11..."

Yep thats a good example. Would that be allowed?

[Jaye]

Oana wrote: "Jaye wrote: "Is this an example?
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11..."

Yep thats a good example. Would that be allowed?"

I'm not a librarian, I was just following the discussion and remembered seeing the fiber art stuff.

[Paula]

Monique wrote: "As I said in the original thread, I don't think ImagineFX is enough of a book to be added here. A picture book of artwork is still a book with an ISBN. A literary magazine makes me think of what ..."


I would agree also

[Oana]

righto. I'm still not entirely sure I understand the why, but the verdict seems clear enough.

Thanks all :)