A top-selling magazine in Germany banned the use of professional models in 2009. The idea was to do away with ultra-thin models and use amateur models instead to feature only "real women" in the magazine. Switching over to amateur models has proven to be a challenge though, creating more work for photographers and stylists who have to work with inexperienced models, not to mention that it hasn't helped the magazine as readers still complain that the models are too thin. Sales have also remained in a decline, so abandoning professional models has done nothing for the magazine.

This is what happens when you completely listen to the consumer. Granted you should listen to them for some things, but the best tool at your disposal will always be analytics. Forget what plump women who can't stop stuffing their faces with food long enough to realize that the only reason they feel bad about themselves is because they don't know the meaning of the words "healthy diet" say, go with what you know works. You think I like finding pictures of half-naked girls with big boobs every day? Of course I do, but it also gives me a reason to shut down feminists who try to argue with me. "I don't post pictures of beautiful women because I want to" I say, "I do it because that's what brings in the readers, complain to them. Now go shave your armpits."

TL;DR A top-selling magazine is considering reversing its ban on professional models because amateur "real" models are proving to be much more of a hassle and readers still don't like them.

Magazine considers reversing ban on professional models after two years [The Guardian]

Posted by Atkins under Lifestyle