The "tabloid size" version of the Independent is now available in Yorkshire (I spotted it in the Post Office on West Street). Compared to many other broadsheet papers, I actually enjoy reading the Independent from time to time. It tends to approach stories from a different angle, whereas the Times and Co. seem more obssessed with keeping up with the Jones' (i.e. pretty much covering the same stories as each other).

Anyone a) like the Independent and/or b) have purchased the new, easy-to-read version?

Id be interested to see if the "minIndependant" still has the free CDs its big bro has from time to time...

I find that the Independant contains its fair share of scoops. Some of the content is unique. Does this smaller version contain the exact same content as the broadsheet version?

ps - I've not purchased the small copy.

The Indescribablyboring is great!

Although I have not sampled the tabloid edition, the only problem I have with broadsheets is that the pages are not bonded together, as they are on the continent (Scandinavia).

Yes, that's it's main selling point. Exact same content but in a small size. I haven't actually purchased one yet, they only came on sale this month (previously limited to the M25 region).

Originally posted by Phanerothyme
The Indescribablyboring is great!
Bah... does that mean it's great or it's boring...?

Also, while it does have some unique articles, it does also cover the news. If you are indeed saying it's boring - then surely that makes all papers boring to some extent...?

Sorry to be obvious, but the Metro is a quick informative read.

People don't tend to buy broadsheets for a quick read, so I think we are talking about two different markets here. Also the Metro contains a mixture of regional and national news, whereas the Independent contains national and international.

Originally posted by Geoff
Bah... does that mean it's great or it's boring...?

Also, while it does have some unique articles, it does also cover the news. If you are indeed saying it's boring - then surely that makes all papers boring to some extent...?

Just the Private Eye moniker -

Grauniad
Indescribablyboring
News of the Screws
Piers Moron
...er
that's it.

Damn, I'm out of the loop!. What do they call the Times and Telegraph?

Originally posted by Geoff
Damn, I'm out of the loop!. What do they call the Times and Telegraph?

Dunno about the Times, but I would guess the telegraph would be the Torygraph.

Nomme

I read the tabloid version of the Indy in London a few weeks ago. While I can see the advantages of reading it on the train/tube etc. I actually prefer the broadsheet version and will probably stick with that.

Interesting that the Times have now followed suit and brought out a small version, I reckon they must have waited to see what happened with the Independent first.

I wonder how long it is before the other broadsheets follow?

The problem with broadsheets is that they're much too awkward to read on a bus/train. It's far too big and you end up having to fold it up which is really annoying.

I've read the Independent (and IoS) for a number of years - I heard about the smaller version a while ago, but haven't bought one yet. I might have to give it a try - it'll save me from the inevitable tuts on the train on the way to work, when trying to turn the large pages of the normal edition! Although, I'm happy to stick with the broadsheet version on sunday.

Originally posted by Dug
[B]I read the tabloid version of the Indy in London a few weeks ago. While I can see the advantages of reading it on the train/tube etc. I actually prefer the broadsheet version and will probably stick with that.
So do you just prefer the size? Because the content is meant to be the same.

Originally posted by Geoff
So do you just prefer the size? Because the content is meant to be the same.

Basically yes, creature of habit really.

Also the review section for the compact version is integrated into the main paper rather than separate with the broadsheet (I prefer it as a separate pull-out).

That said I do think that the compact version is a good idea. I wonder if they will eventually phase out the broadsheet version?

According to the obviously biased report on the Guardian's web site, the Independent has launched this tabloid version in a last ditch attempt to survive. Take a read of the amusing venomous (well that's the way it seems to start) article by clicking here (http://media.guardian.co.uk/mediaguardian/story/0,7558,1046761,00.html).

My brother was buying the tabloid independant when I was down south for Christmas. It's weird, you pick up something that looks and feels like the Daily Mail and instinctively expect to start reading about how trees give you cancer and video nasties make everyone peadophiles, but instead you get actual news. It's great, I reckon all papers will go that way before too long, as there is no logical reason for keeping them broadsheet that I can see.