niNe. magazine is an online publication aimed at teenage girls. The magazine is a production of Nine Media LLC. In an initial publication run, the magazine reached a circulation of 20,000 with a subscriber-base throughout 43 states, the District of Columbia, and four Canadian provinces.
History
Nine Magazine, Inc. was formed in Colorado by Melinda Laging and Louise Wo. While attending the University of Colorado-Boulder, Laging and Wo sought to present a magazine spotlighting current issues and interests affecting youth. Following graduation, the pair organized a board of directors and established the framework of the publication. With the economic conditions of the late 2000s, Nine Magazine, Inc. began restructuring to improve upon its initial digital platform. Originally formed as a print publication, niNe. shifted to online-only content to curtail production costs and engage in emerging social media outlets. The periodical began publishing online content in the fall of 2011.
Etymology
The niNe. title stands for nine characteristics revealed by the Holy Spirit that contribute to a quality life. The fruit of the Spirit is taken from New Testament scripture Galatians 5:22-23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." The capitalized N is intended to draw attention to the reader's inner world, to promote inner beauty and faith in one's self.
Content philosophy
Current media outlets focus on entertaining, selling and engaging an audience through content that is in the interest of the outlet rather than the audience. Addressing the facts of important issues head-on, the magazine can dedicate its pages to promoting self-esteem, volunteerism, philanthropy, positive journalism and literacy for adolescent girls. The creators of niNe. magazine use this direct and unabashed approach to educate its audience and reconstruct the manner in which media communicates to a youth-oriented audience. This philosophy engages the audience in the discussion of a topic without having conflicting messages in its advertising. niNe. avoids advertisements that demean women or young girls, instead it seeks out advertisers that reinforce the beauty, intelligence, worth and strength of women.
Subjects and topics
The magazine covers issues significant to the daily lives of its audience. Whether the subject is serious or casual, the magazine strives to dig deeper into these topics. Presenting forums for teenagers in this way empowers them to express themselves in a healthy way rather than turning to food, alcohol or self-harm, often in the form of cutting. This approach helps teens move beyond those crutches and encourages them to positively express themselves.
Following the theme of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the content of niNe. magazine is grouped in nine sections: hoMe., loOk., boDy., relatioNships., reaLity., entertaiNment., yOu., intuItion., faiTh.
Nine Ministry
To further outreach and promote the fruit of the Holy Spirit, Nine Ministry conducts speaking engagements with youth and youth organizations, as well as creates educational resources on topics and issues relevant to teen girls.
