I checked out the site and the PDF of the first issue. I thought the design and layout (site and printed mag) was a bit garish (and their branding consequently not too crisp). But what really struck me was the ambition. They seem to be trying to address everything – music, politics, sport, MP3s, travel, books, news, reviews of golf courses (!), history, cinema - and that is very difficult (as well as expensive) to do but more importantly it is extremely difficult to sustain. And then it would seem from their site that they plan to have versions of the magazine in Irish and Swedish? Wow. I wish them luck on this venture but they have set up a serious challenge for themselves. CLUAS started out as a site covering music, cinema, travel writing, even theatre but reality soon kicked in and we shaved all but music off the site. And we still have loads (I repeat: loads) of room for improvement on this slimmed-down site. Anway, as with many things in life I think it is better to focus on a few things than loads of things because - quite simply - you'll have a better chance of doing something well. It's almost a cliché these days but less is so very often more. eoghan

Hi Eoghan, Seán here, the publisher of the magazine. I'm happy to receive your comments, as I have been eager to hear what you thought of it all. I don't want to sound over-defensive, but I had a few thoughts on your reply. Whilst E-zines are great and the web is a great place for discussion, a PDF is always going to look less influential than when in print. Covering the topics I have covered to date has been very easy, and the result of a lot of hard work. The website is meant only as a platform to market the product and the truth be told, I have not had time to design a new website that can knock the current one on its head. That will change soon. You say you found it hard to keep everything up in the beginning on Cluas.com, I'm sorry to hear that since Cluas is a great site and perhaps the room for improvement could be started by you and I teaming up - I could promote Cluas in Ireland's Eye - with a 'twist' and people could discuss the content of Ireland's Eye - with a 'twist' on Claus.com, without your site losing its plot of course! The Swedish aspect of it is very simple... I have been publishing in Swedish with over 2 years anyway.. the magazine started out in Sweden, in Swedish. I have been living here with 6 years and have had a number of people helping out. We printed a few times on ordinary 52gram Newspaper, the results were good, but I knew there was room for improvement, and then I realised, Ireland also lacks what the rest of the world lacks... a Good Irish Magazine focusing on Irish Entertainment & Lifestyle. So this is the start of it all! Some people may find each category they cover difficult to sustain, but I have found it easy, and it just wouldn't be the product it is without the topics it covers. Whilst it doesn't appeal to everyone, it appeals to most who have read it online. I am looking forward to seeing the project develop, and all criticism (good & bad) will be taken with a pinch of salt. One has to remember that the average ordinary Joe will not be bothered about layout, design and things that we designers notice in a heartbeat. But with time the design will change and improve, but so far no-one has complained, it's been all good compliments. Each Issue has improved in style, quality and detail more than the last. The potential is huge, it just needs some cooperative partners to come on borad, create interest in it and reciprocate subscribers. I have been doing 90% of this on my own and the layout 100% on my own, with more voluntary souls on board, the sky's the limit! Wholesalers in Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia are willing to take it on, I just have to ge the advetisement in to print, then it's happy days - but that's the time consuming part, but time is something I have. Anyone interested in helping out - please visit my website for more information; www.ire-eye.com/org Cheers, Seán.

good luck with the project Sean

Cheers Wicker!