Since its inception 44 years ago, NSMAN magazine has come a long way. It started as a newsletter published by the SAF Reservists’ Association in 1974, featuring the latest happenings and events targeting SAF reservists. Two years later in 1976, the newsletter was renamed The Reservist and tweaked to a more aesthetically pleasing format with colour covers front and back.
By then, the content had already shifted: SAFRA wanted to cater to a growing pool of reservists compared with active servicemen, highlighting the shifting role of reservists in the SAF. The publication’s circulation had also increased from 1,000 to 50,000 to cater to more readers.
But it was not just the content that changed; the magazine’s aesthetics was given a refreshing boost in a creative and striking layout.
By 1994, The Reservist was rebranded NSMAN with the tagline “a lifestyle magazine for operationally ready National Servicemen”. Not only was it updated with a vibrant look, its content shifted to include a diverse range of topics ranging from feature stories to lifestyle articles. Notably, the SAFRA National Service Association was also renamed SAFRA, as well as a change of name from “reservist” to “operationally ready National Servicemen” or NSmen for short.
In 2019, NSMAN underwent its most recent revamp, taking on a clean and sleek look to the new tagline “build bonds, create memories” with every bimonthly issue. During the same year in April, eNSMAN was launched and went live.
Fully Digital
Come January 2021, NSMAN will go fully digital. Indeed for the past 44 years, the magazine has been constantly moving ahead to stay aligned to the ever-changing needs of NSmen, from changes in our NSman content produced to the applications that housed the PDF version of the magazine.
But it is not just the closing of a chapter for the print version. The move to a digital publication will be a brand new start for SAFRA, as more of our local readers go online in tandem with the global consumption of information through digital platforms.
As a dynamic, multi-display, functional web magazine catering to the changing needs of the modern individual, the fully digital NSMAN will feature exclusive eNSman articles, video plug-ins and interviews, as well as updated promotions. With its easy-to-navigate lifestyle sections, the magazine will allow NSmen subscribers to have an enjoyable read regardless of their location and the type of mobile reader.
Notably, with the fully digital version of NSMAN, past and present articles and information are easily searchable. eNSman content is also actively delivered to SAFRA members through the eNewsletter format. Otherwise, NSman readers can get updates via shared articles on SAFRA’s Facebook. SAFRA volunteers and members will also be able to share and post eNSman articles on their social media network.
The move to the digital platform also means that subscribers to the eNSman newsletter will also receive exclusive promotions and giveaways! So stay tuned for more exciting deals coming to the eNSman newsletter subscribers.
