Standpoint. Online

Standpoint, launched at the end of May 2008, is a new right-wing cultural and political magazine that aims to compete with the likes of the Economist, Spectator, New Statesman and Prospect. Its tagline is ‘think again.' According to the editor of Standpoint, former Literary and Comment editor of The Times Daniel Johnson, this phrase refers to the fact that "we need to start thinking again about many things: what we stand for, what we are prepared to make sacrifices for, what we are."

Standpoint stands for the defence and celebration of Western civilisation. It has the aim of celebrating ‘democracy, debate and freedom of speech' and promises to ‘respond to the unfulfilled needs of the educated public.' It sees itself as ‘unashamedly grown-up and serious' and can boast contributors such as Michael Burleigh, Melanie Phillips, Alain de Botton and Julie Burchill. Much of the writing is spirited, provocative and intelligent.

A large proportion of the print magazine's content is accessible on Standpoint.Online, the digital home of the magazine. The site hosts several blogs and an Online Only section that features articles, reviews and opinion pieces not found in the magazine. This section is soon to be added to and will allow the website to develop its own presence.

Standpoint.Online is extremely well designed. It is visually striking and manages to capture something of the look of a political magazine. It also generates an air of self-confidence which adds to the authoritative tone of much of the writing. Whether in magazine or digital form, this is a welcome new voice.