I agree that changing the content to something more readable, and more interesting is definitely needed. I used to be an avid reader of Opus until all I found in it was reports, political rants and unreadable poetry from the same people everytime.

The university has creative writing students, it has artists, it has people who do interesting stuff with their lives. Get the word out to the teachers of these types of classes that publishing a story, a comic, a drawing in Opus is a good way to hone your skills.

Also, the themes are crap. People feel like the issue needs to be restricted to that theme. I know the stuff I wrote last year didn't fit any of the themes so I didn't submit. How about just having a plain colour cover with opus written on it and a single image. Like a flower, or a set of keys, or a beer mug just a random picture or something and change the colour everytime too. It's simple, it's non-segregational and it's inviting.

Have more competitions, prizes don't need to be big, we're uni students for crying out loud, we'll accept anything that's free. A free beer, food voucher, consultation with an accounant. Make it inticing, use it to showcase NUSAs services. Use the comps to get a surplus of materials.

Basically stop making Opus and elistist forum, or appearing that way. The majority of students are sick of that image and want a student mag that's accessible. People go out, get more reviews, interviews (with people, teachers and students) and images out there. Try and get discounts with places, or advertise places that already give discounts to students. It's student info, not advertising, if that's a worry for you.

Anyway, that's my 15 yen's worth.
Good luck, see you in 9 weeks when I get back.

"When I hit a wall I look up at the sky"