This is not the normal for all teenage girls magazines however; some publications are sticking to the moral guidelines and not leading these girls into lives that crave to look like the newest cover celeb and faun over the next 'hot' new male actor.
There has also been an increasing amount of articles featuring 'how to' guides to achieve the latest make-over; hairstyle and sometimes even (shockingly) the newest sex position.Take a look at 'More' magazine; a fairly new publication that relates to teenage girls perhaps above the ages of 14.
This is the January 2011 issue of More magazine featuring Frankie from the popular teenage girl band The Saturdays; Here we see Frankie made over in heavy 'smoky eye' make-up; a slinky Little Black Dress and in a very sexualised stance. This is a young woman who is seen to be a role model for teenage girls across the country - they're going to be wanting not only to look like this, but act in the same way too.
Underneath the main image/cover celebrity in the main cover line reading:
Frankie's NEW MAN!
with the subheading: She upgrades from boybander DOUGIE to footballer WAYNE BRIDGE. To me, this teaser to show the main feature article for this magazine already is promoting relationships and enticing young girls into wanting the same. The subheading also talks about her newest relationship in a very derogatory manner - the term used "upgrade" is used to encourage girls to treat men as an object you can just acquire.
with the subheading: She upgrades from boybander DOUGIE to footballer WAYNE BRIDGE. To me, this teaser to show the main feature article for this magazine already is promoting relationships and enticing young girls into wanting the same. The subheading also talks about her newest relationship in a very derogatory manner - the term used "upgrade" is used to encourage girls to treat men as an object you can just acquire.
Also shown alongside the main cover image is another teaser for the article:
How CHERYL set them up; Full details inside!
Which to me; is a great way to promote the article - the use of using the word 'details' in Italic font suggests that there is a lot more 'gossip' to read.
Which to me; is a great way to promote the article - the use of using the word 'details' in Italic font suggests that there is a lot more 'gossip' to read.
Shown under the Masthead of the publication is the tagline: Fashion, men and so much more!
To the right of the Masthead and tagline is a plug showing another article: NEVER SEEN BEFORE! STARS WITHOUT MAKEUP - and alongside this title is three small images of said stars without any makeup. This is shown, again, in a derogatory way and encourages young girls to judge people purely based upon looks and is enforcing the idea that girls cannot look their best without inches of makeup and hairspray.
This article could of been written in another way; perhaps showing better images of celebrities that still look gorgeous even without makeup - giving teenage girls the notion that you can still look beautiful without having a make over.
Perhaps the most shocking feature in this publication of More magazine is the article entitled: All New SEX BIBLE 6 part special, This week: FOREPLAY.
This is a magazine that has been targeted at young teenagers that aren't even above the legal sex age. They're being forced into reading and experiencing articles all about sex and 'how to' guides on how to achieve better sex. This should not be included in a publication targeted at innocent minds.
Also featured in all issues of More magazine is the article: Position Of The Week; which features, again, sex how to guides and how pull off certain sex moves.
And finally, a plug that covers most of the left side of the cover is a small image with tags that features small snippets of the article: FIGURE-FABULOUS OUTFITS.
This is an article all about how to cover and slim down certain areas of the body; should young girls really be encouraged to notice perhaps 'larger' areas of their frames and be taught how to cover them up? Shouldn't they be encouraged into loving themselves regardless of shape and size?
This is an article all about how to cover and slim down certain areas of the body; should young girls really be encouraged to notice perhaps 'larger' areas of their frames and be taught how to cover them up? Shouldn't they be encouraged into loving themselves regardless of shape and size?
The notions of 'hides your yum'; 'slims your thighs' and 'flatters your bum' should not be enforced upon young, growing girls.
The 2nd cover i chose to look at was a 'Seventeen' (previously know as - CosmoGirl) magazine cover - an extremely famous and popular American teen girl magazine aimed at girls ranging from 12-16.
This is the February 2011 issue of Seventeen magazine featuring Leighton Meester - a young actress who plays Blair in the popular fashion orientated TV show Gossip Girl.
I think perhaps this is one of the better teenage girl magazines; due to the fact that in comparison to More magazine; it's almost tame - there are very few 'sexualised' images and features - and most beauty articles are centred around 'Looking Cute'. This is a great notion to have for teenage girls - especially coming from America's leading teenage girl magazine; with more readers than Teen Vogue!
The main image of Leighton Meester shows her with bare-minimum make up in fresh colours, with clear young skin. Her hair is down, and flowing and she is styled wearing a cute summer, floral dress. The overall image is one that is hugely popular with young girls and really is a great way to encourage them to dress - young, fresh and fun!
The synergy of the cover is a colour scheme of fun reds, oranges and the odd black&white - which is all run throughout; including the Masthead which is featured in red. These are all young summery colours that don't portray a fierce image.
The theme of this publication is The Beauty Issue; which is shown underneath the Masthead in a Callout star shape which large font that will stand out to the reader.
Also shown with this is the number 200+ featured in a huge font that really catches the eye; the 200+ has a subheading of 'ways to get' which is followed by a massive checklist that covers the whole left side:
Amazing HAIR! Pretty MAKEUP! Clear SKIN!
Although this is a Beauty Issue; and magazines shouldn't be encouraging young girls with the notion that they always have to have amazing hair, pretty makeup and clear skin; Seventeen magazine are not encouraging them to portray any sexualised images, like heavy eye makeup and slimming clothing that emphasises their bodies.
Running with the 'cute' and 'fun' theme this issue has, there is another small Callout in the right bottom corner that exclaims:
LOOK CUTE EVERYDAY! 11 fun trends that will shake up your whole wardrobe.
This a great way to promotion fashion trends to young teenagers, they're not being encouraged to dress provocatively and however are being shown how to dress fun and appropriately for their age.
However; along the top of the cover is a banner Plug entitled:
BONUS! Guys Confess: How To Flirt With Them - The Right Way.
Although this is an article on teenage boys and almost a 'how to' guide on how to flirt; Seventeen aren't coaxing them into any sexual physical acts like with More;
they're just offering advice for young girls - and reducing the risk of them trying and failing to flirt!
Saying that; there is also a small featured article called: LOVE&SEX SECRETS what no-one tells you about your first time.
This is another advice column that isn't encouraging them into anything that isn't appropriate for their ages; but is advising them on what to expect from the future - advice and information that young girls will probably not find elsewhere.
There is also one other article featured upon the cover that i feel isn't isn't really appropriate for young girls and that is the: FLAT TUMMY TIPS article.
Young girls shouldn't be encouraged by media publications into losing weight - this won't help to reduce our growing eating disorder in young teen girls rates will it?
A small Puff is revealed in small red font showing readers that they can receive a Free perfume with every issue - a great promotional element to encourage buyers.
I feel that Seventeen magazine has very few age inappropriate articles featured upon it's cover; and i actually believe that they are one of the few publications that cannot be solely or jointly responsible for damaging teenage girls' naivety.
The theme of this publication is The Beauty Issue; which is shown underneath the Masthead in a Callout star shape which large font that will stand out to the reader.
Also shown with this is the number 200+ featured in a huge font that really catches the eye; the 200+ has a subheading of 'ways to get' which is followed by a massive checklist that covers the whole left side:
Amazing HAIR! Pretty MAKEUP! Clear SKIN!
Although this is a Beauty Issue; and magazines shouldn't be encouraging young girls with the notion that they always have to have amazing hair, pretty makeup and clear skin; Seventeen magazine are not encouraging them to portray any sexualised images, like heavy eye makeup and slimming clothing that emphasises their bodies.
Running with the 'cute' and 'fun' theme this issue has, there is another small Callout in the right bottom corner that exclaims:
LOOK CUTE EVERYDAY! 11 fun trends that will shake up your whole wardrobe.
This a great way to promotion fashion trends to young teenagers, they're not being encouraged to dress provocatively and however are being shown how to dress fun and appropriately for their age.
However; along the top of the cover is a banner Plug entitled:
BONUS! Guys Confess: How To Flirt With Them - The Right Way.
Although this is an article on teenage boys and almost a 'how to' guide on how to flirt; Seventeen aren't coaxing them into any sexual physical acts like with More;
they're just offering advice for young girls - and reducing the risk of them trying and failing to flirt!
Saying that; there is also a small featured article called: LOVE&SEX SECRETS what no-one tells you about your first time.
This is another advice column that isn't encouraging them into anything that isn't appropriate for their ages; but is advising them on what to expect from the future - advice and information that young girls will probably not find elsewhere.
There is also one other article featured upon the cover that i feel isn't isn't really appropriate for young girls and that is the: FLAT TUMMY TIPS article.
Young girls shouldn't be encouraged by media publications into losing weight - this won't help to reduce our growing eating disorder in young teen girls rates will it?
A small Puff is revealed in small red font showing readers that they can receive a Free perfume with every issue - a great promotional element to encourage buyers.
I feel that Seventeen magazine has very few age inappropriate articles featured upon it's cover; and i actually believe that they are one of the few publications that cannot be solely or jointly responsible for damaging teenage girls' naivety.
The 3rd cover i chose to look at was the cover of a magazine that i have previously mentioned and that is 'Teen Vogue' - a world wide popular magazine with huge demand from teen girls that is a smaller and more teenage appropriate version of the world famous Vogue fashion publication produced by Conde Nast.
This is the very recently released Teen Vogue November 2011 issue featuring the fashion icon and idol Alexa Chung - a former Model and typically British style icon who has done her fair share of major TV presenting roles such as T4 on Channel 4.
I also think that alongside Seventeen magazine, this cover has been very well thought out - with it's target audience of young teen girls in the forefront of their minds.
There are no seen featured articles that remotely relate to anything that has been sexualised or is encouraging such behaviour. That actually perhaps brings it further ahead than Seventeen magazine in the 'age appropriate' stakes.
It has been well established now that most teenage girls magazines are centred around beauty and making the best out of your image. Again, here we have another publication that is centred around such notions - from the articles to the synergy.
The main theme that runs through this cover is the colour scheme which is shown to be almost 'ice-cream and candy' colour themes - with the light peaches; pinks; creams and baby blues! This gives the overall image a young and fun feel to it; however it is perhaps a little summery for a November issue!
Shown under the Masthead to the right is a title BEAUTY SCOOP! (-the word scoop relating the the 'ice-cream themed' colour scheme) which introduces the sub-heading that inside the publication: Dakota Fanning's makeup must haves! are revealed. Dakota Fanning is young and ambitious teenage actress that has graced many teen films - her most recent being the latest Twilight instalment.
The ongoing theme of makeup, makeovers and beauty is still going strong here - although in this issue they are 'secrets' revealed by an idolised celebrity that the audience can relate to, who is also a pretty young girl that promotes a very natural image.
The Masthead for this issue is in the usual font used for Teen Vogue, and has the word 'teen' in baby blue and 'vogue' in a peach. The font for the word 'vogue' is the same that is used for the main 'Vogue' magazines which brings them together as a familiar publication, and the word 'teen' is in a fun font - which relates to the target audience.
The celebrity choice for this cover is perhaps a little odd - Alexa Chung is usually seen to grace the covers of such publications such as 'Vogue', 'Nylon' and 'Elle' - all high-end fashion magazines.
Alexa has been styled in a very young way; her makeup is flawless though minimal and natural, and her hair doesn't look overstyled or coloured. Her dress is cute and young and her pose is warm and inviting. This is a real comparison to the image of Frankie from The Saturdays upon More magazine's cover.
However; to the left of her face is the coverline title: it girl ALEXA CHUNG from fashion insider to reality-tv star.
The subheading which reveals the subject for her feature spread perhaps is a give away to the target audience of her latest television venture.
Underneath the Masthead, in a small Pink Callout bubble is the title:
Prettiest hair EVER! 6 tricks that will change your look
'Pretty' is a good image to promote for young girls and i am pleased to see that being brought into Teen Vogue - Although; i do believe that the statement 'change your look' encourages an idea to the teen girls that there is something wrong with their hair and/or overall image that needs to be changed.
There is also an advice feature that is shown on the cover of November's Teen Vogue, that being:
unfriended - how to deal with feeling left out
This is a great adive column for teenage girls as they can really relate to the subject matter, and it also isn't encouraging any violence towards fall-outs with friends and just advises girls on how to deal with feeling rejected -which is a feeling we will all experience!
Opposite this teaser article title is a Plug entitled:
PLUS CAREER TIPS FROM stylists, editors and interns too!
This is another effective and well thought out article for a teen magazine - it is encouraging young girls with their career aspirations and getting insider knowledge and advice - this is the type of article that should be shown to young girls.
The most main and most pink/bold of feature titles is the one called:
COOL STYLE 318 style ideas, fall's coats, knits & boots + bags of the season
Which is a great way for teen girls to aspire to look - 'cool' instead of slimmer and sexy - just like Seventeens 'cute' way of styling.
It is also a good feature showing this seasons fashion staples and trends - and how teenage girls can adapt these trends to fit in with their personal styles; lifestyles and ages.
Overall i believe that Teen Vogue has made well calculated and thought out decisions when designed, creating and putting together both the cover imagery and the inside articles of this November Issue.
My fourth study will be from the summer 2011 'Bliss' cover - a renowned teenage girl's UK publicised magazine aimed at the slightly younger target audience of 11-15 year olds.
This Summer's Bliss cover features none other than the ambitious and talented X Factor contestant Cher Lloyd; Here we see Cher published with a almost 'harajuku' style what with the full fringe; extensions; doll-style make-up and quirky dress sense. Although this is a very 'fun' and young image that has been portrayed here; there is also the elements to it that suggests otherwise - what with the tattoos and heavy make-up that is just a little too grown up for the stated target audience.
This Cover was released just before Cher launched her own Solo Debut away from the X Factor competition - where she was both idolised and slated; so this cover is very much a PR promotion to help gain her some fans before the launch of her first Single.
Cher has been styled more conservative than what she traditionally adorns and i believe that that is perhaps to do with the audience and readers of Bliss magazine - and the image they want to be shown; instead of a her styled in something far beyond their age range.
The synergy and scheme/theme for this cover is actually very similar in terms of colour schemes as with the Teen Vogue Alexa cover - Candy and 'ice-cream' colours: pale pinks, blues peaches and yellows.
The masthead with the title BLISS is shown in it's normal font - big; bold majiscule characters in a pale shade of pink. Shown underneath the Masthead is the tagline:
the UK's BIGGEST teen mag in a similar sort of pink.
I feel that even though the colour scheme of the cover and styling of the celebrity featured; this issue has not been thought out with the target audience's ages at the forefront of their minds - the articles and headlines featured are far too sexualised and encourage behaviour such as the 'real-life' stories articles are claiming - underage drinking; plastic surgery at the age of 16; burns on holiday e.t.c.
The first indication of the inside articles is the bold headline: HOLIDAYS FROM HELL
which is written in black and yellow - a combination of colours with the connotations of danger - and written underneath is a teaser or sample of the stories to follow:
- Gross Girlfriend :- she pulled -and spent the night snogging in our bed
- Sunlounger Agony :- 1st day's holiday = 2nd degree burns
- Banned From America :- deported for underage drinking
The shown articles are all ones that include stories and information on subjects that 'teenagers' just shouldn't be exposed to - cheating girlfriends and underage drinking!
Perhaps the story about the burns is there to help advice young girls to protect their skin; however, is this the kind of material young girls want to be reading?
As seen published underneath the 'Holidays from Hell' article; is a large title revealing the name: JLS - Their Naughtiest Interview. EVER!
Furthermore; this is also another article that hasn't considered their younger target audiences despite the fact that the majority of JLS' fans are teenage girls - the term 'naughty' in this context, is just not right for children/teens to be exposed to.
Also; across onto the right is a title announcing Cher's involvement with the cover.
It claims to be an 'exclusive' interview, and her first for a teen mag.
It's the subject of her interview that they choose to enlighten upon the cover - and that is the fact that she admits to not fancying a fellow X factor contestant Harry Styles - that concerns me; they're deciding to flaunt her relationships and involvement with boys rather than her career.
Inside the magazine; the article reveals Cher to state when referring to her 'haters':
'Some people find it hard to come to terms with the fact that everyone is different. 'I think it all boils down to their own insecurities - if you’re unhappy with yourself, you’re going to pick on someone else, and that’s what they’re doing. I feel sorry for them.'
I believe that to set an example
This Cover was released just before Cher launched her own Solo Debut away from the X Factor competition - where she was both idolised and slated; so this cover is very much a PR promotion to help gain her some fans before the launch of her first Single.
Cher has been styled more conservative than what she traditionally adorns and i believe that that is perhaps to do with the audience and readers of Bliss magazine - and the image they want to be shown; instead of a her styled in something far beyond their age range.
The synergy and scheme/theme for this cover is actually very similar in terms of colour schemes as with the Teen Vogue Alexa cover - Candy and 'ice-cream' colours: pale pinks, blues peaches and yellows.
The masthead with the title BLISS is shown in it's normal font - big; bold majiscule characters in a pale shade of pink. Shown underneath the Masthead is the tagline:
the UK's BIGGEST teen mag in a similar sort of pink.
I feel that even though the colour scheme of the cover and styling of the celebrity featured; this issue has not been thought out with the target audience's ages at the forefront of their minds - the articles and headlines featured are far too sexualised and encourage behaviour such as the 'real-life' stories articles are claiming - underage drinking; plastic surgery at the age of 16; burns on holiday e.t.c.
The first indication of the inside articles is the bold headline: HOLIDAYS FROM HELL
which is written in black and yellow - a combination of colours with the connotations of danger - and written underneath is a teaser or sample of the stories to follow:
- Gross Girlfriend :- she pulled -and spent the night snogging in our bed
- Sunlounger Agony :- 1st day's holiday = 2nd degree burns
- Banned From America :- deported for underage drinking
The shown articles are all ones that include stories and information on subjects that 'teenagers' just shouldn't be exposed to - cheating girlfriends and underage drinking!
Perhaps the story about the burns is there to help advice young girls to protect their skin; however, is this the kind of material young girls want to be reading?
As seen published underneath the 'Holidays from Hell' article; is a large title revealing the name: JLS - Their Naughtiest Interview. EVER!
Furthermore; this is also another article that hasn't considered their younger target audiences despite the fact that the majority of JLS' fans are teenage girls - the term 'naughty' in this context, is just not right for children/teens to be exposed to.
Also; across onto the right is a title announcing Cher's involvement with the cover.
It claims to be an 'exclusive' interview, and her first for a teen mag.
It's the subject of her interview that they choose to enlighten upon the cover - and that is the fact that she admits to not fancying a fellow X factor contestant Harry Styles - that concerns me; they're deciding to flaunt her relationships and involvement with boys rather than her career.
Inside the magazine; the article reveals Cher to state when referring to her 'haters':
'Some people find it hard to come to terms with the fact that everyone is different. 'I think it all boils down to their own insecurities - if you’re unhappy with yourself, you’re going to pick on someone else, and that’s what they’re doing. I feel sorry for them.'
I believe that to set an example
Written almost all along the bottom of the cover is another 'real-life' story article about a girl who had plastic surgery to enhance her breasts - at the age of 16.
It's been clearly featured in a pale blue and a huge font that covers most of the bottom - why they chose to make this article the focal of the cover i don't know...
This is a clear example why people are up in arms over teen magazine publishing - articles and stories such as this are not to be publicised for young girls to admire; to look up to and aspire to do the same.
The subheading to the title is a sarcastic remark:
'And no, i'm not a glamour model' - the association of the story to grown women posing topless is completely unnecessary! The is the kind of article featured in womens/mens magazines - not young teens.
The one part of this cover that actually relates to the audience is the small callout bubble containing a few images of clothing suitable to teenage girls; the rest of the cover and inside stories should not be exposed to those readers.
I feel that alongside More magazine, they're definitely making some wrong decisions as to what articles they feature both inside and on the cover of the magazine - after all the cover is what initally makes the reader make the purchase; and with stories like that inside, i can't see any parent wishing to expose their daughter to this kind of information.
And Finally, the 5th teenage girl magazine i have looked at is 'Nylon' - a hugely popular fashion handbook for girls aged between 15-19.
This is the January 2011 issue of the fashion forward publication Nylon; featuring the up and coming actress Mila Kunis who is promoting her latest film 'Black Swan' in which she co-stars alongside Natalie Portman, which is shown underneath the very bold and daring title revealing the stars name.
Mila is portrayed here in a very sexy, 'rock chick' way, what with the black outfit and sultry expression. With this publication's selected target audience however; i feel that this is not an impressionable issue for the readers - Mila isn't flashing anything inappropriate and looks effortlessly styled with natural hair and make-up; which is an image that teen girls should be more encouraged to persue, as opposed to thick heavy make up.
I love the contemporary and modern feel to the cover; what with the bold fuscia pink Masthead and the 'Mila Kunis' title in black text with a yellow background. It has a very young and trendy image to it.
Down the left hand side of the cover is mainly a 'teaser' of the fashion articles featured inside this issue - 227 ways to keep warm this winter - this is a big different to the 'LOOK CUTE' that we've seen from previously mentioned magazine Seventeen.
There is also a small list of the styles and trends for the winter season:
shearling coats; patterned tights; cozy knits; faux fur and snow boots.
The magazine is targeting it's fashion conscious audience well - listing the latest trends (which are most definitely better aimed at the age group than some of the other magazines; for example More's use of slimming clothing for young girls and Seventeen's a little to young trends)
Nylon have been very clever with the production of this cover - they aren't revealing too much, if not anything, of the articles and features inside the publication; this will encourage readers to purchase the magazine to read further - rather than just glancing the cover in a shop to learn the latest celebrity gossip headlines.
This issue has also been well targeted at the time of year of it's release - articles such as: 'tis the season - the ultimate holiday gift guide has been well thought out as readers will be seeking that sort of advice during this time of year and will be willing to buy and read this article.
Again, the title was featured in bright pink with a black subheading - which i feel adds to the comtemporary synergy of the magazine.
Another article which has been ideally scripted for this time of year is:
beauty resolutions for a pretty new year.
The remaining featured articles and headlines upon Nylon's exclusive cover is a small list of up and coming musicians which, in no doubt, will be reviewed inside the magazine.
There is also a headline for: Sofia coppola can do no wrong a title which has been published in thin purple font with an underlining/highlighting of her name in yellow.
I feel that Nylon magazine has targeted their audience well by including articles that the readers can both relate to and not pick up on bad habits/attitudes from.
To conclude; I am entirely convinced that teenage girls magazines and their contents have a great effect upon the opinions, actions and emotions of their readers.
We are constantly seeing the rates of teen pregnancy; bullying and violence increasing - and for magazines such as these to be publicising and idolising articles such as 'Position of the Week' is awful for them to be exposed to.
In my opinion, i believe that teenage girls are looking for magazines to provide them with guidance and advice - be that with home life, fashion, friendships or hair!
I would like to see all traces of sexual information and imagery removed from all magazines that are exposed to young girls - and boys - who are below the age of 16, the media should be protecting their innocent and naivety.
Many magazines are also very keen to preach about dieting and exercising to lose weight - this should also be removed from young girls publications and the magazines should be therefore encouraging the girls/boys to be themselves and accept that - rather than comparing themselves to models and/or celebrities that have been photoshopped to look the way that young girls are now being shown to be 'perfect'.
All in all i believe that they should really take a look at their target audiences and remove some of the adult articles, imagery and/or real-life accounts that are affecting the lives of young teenage girls.
Roughly a month after posting this assignment, Apple released the latest iPhone software which now allows magazines to be bought through an Apple iPhone 4 which can then be read and stored in the Newsstand Application.
I myself have previously now bought the Company, Cosmopolitan and Elle magazines.
When you go into the publications archives you see previous issues that you can buy alongside a caption with the most important article featured.
I was very shocked when i looked into Cosmo's archives at the captions suggested - in the last 4 issues these are the coverlines captions revealed to entice you into purchasing:-
"The Porn Ultimation"
"The no.1 sex move he won't be able to resist"
"win the sex factor"
and
"make him want you"
These are all articles that shouldn't be promoted or even published in a teen women's magazine.
They promote a bad image, encourage teens into physical acts way above their age range and expose them to very adult imagery.
I would like to see this sort of thing cut out from magazines - they should either be only in magazines that specialise in those topics, or not at all.
I myself have previously now bought the Company, Cosmopolitan and Elle magazines.
When you go into the publications archives you see previous issues that you can buy alongside a caption with the most important article featured.
I was very shocked when i looked into Cosmo's archives at the captions suggested - in the last 4 issues these are the coverlines captions revealed to entice you into purchasing:-
"The Porn Ultimation"
"The no.1 sex move he won't be able to resist"
"win the sex factor"
and
"make him want you"
These are all articles that shouldn't be promoted or even published in a teen women's magazine.
They promote a bad image, encourage teens into physical acts way above their age range and expose them to very adult imagery.
I would like to see this sort of thing cut out from magazines - they should either be only in magazines that specialise in those topics, or not at all.
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