Quincy Jones Wants Vibe Back—Online

User-generated content brings visitors; next step: profit

(NEWSER) - The newest magazine to make a splash in the fashion world isn’t sold in stores, but it is a head-turner. Online-only Polyvore lets users act as fashion editors, putting together “sets” of clothing and accessories other users can then click to purchase. The site is growing in popularity as traditional magazines suffer, and it boasted more visitors last month than Vogue’s Style.com and InStyle.com, the New York Times reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Hip-hop magazine Vibe is ceasing operations today, the New York Times reports. The publication has been in dire financial straits, and its chief said it had sought new investors or a plan “to restructure the huge debt on our small company” to no avail. Though Vibe reported healthy circulation of 818,000 at the end of last year, it recently downgraded its target from 800,000 to 600,000. More»

Advertisers slowly turn to the Internet

(NEWSER) - Fashion magazines’ typically beefy September issues are nearly a third skinnier this year as advertisers drift away from print, the Wall Street Journal reports. Vogue, for example, boasted 840 pages in September 2007; this year, it’s just 429 pages, a 36% drop from last year. Advertisers are trying out space on the magazines’ websites, as well as campaigns on Twitter, YouTube, and online fashion hubs. More»

Streaming music gets a foothold among listeners

(NEWSER) - The wide world of online music now offers a range of ways to stream your tunes, from pay sites to musical social-networking services. It’s hard to tell which will stick around, but experts say they may help save the music industry, CNN reports. A sampling:

• Napster: It’s back and it’s legal, and for $5 a month, you can stream 7 million songs and download five.

Astronaut pairs with unlikely collaborators to benefit charity

(NEWSER) - What’s next for a man who’s walked on the moon? For 79-year-old astronaut Buzz Aldrin, it’s recording a rap song, USA Today reports. “I'm not too good at carrying a tune, but I do have rhythm,” says Aldrin, who collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Soulja Boy, and Quincy Jones on “Rocket Experience.” Buzz has “the biggest buzz on the streets right now,” says Snoop. “I only work with the best.” More»