According to GNM the magazine should encourage readers to develop new skills and try new experiences – from learning to snowboard to mastering street photography or starting their own supper club. It will contain expert guidance and advice, Guardian writers' and readers' experiences and a guide to the best courses in readers' local areas. “The first issue is perfectly timed to help readers make the best possible start to an active 2014”.

'Do Something' editor Emma Cook said that the magazine aims "at people who want to stretch their horizons. Packed with engaging and innovative ideas, we want to inspire readers to get involved from the start and put them at the heart of the experience." Deputy Chief Executive David Pemsel adds: “We continue to listen to our readers and invest in our print titles, bringing our first-rate content to them in ever-more engaging and creative platforms.”

On 6 January The Guardian announced price increases effective from 13 January: The price of its daily offering increases by 20p to £1.60 and Saturday paper cost will increase by 20p to £2.50. 

"Do something" ... could also be taken as an appeal to newspaper companies anywhere to start new initiatives in print, taking inspiration from the ideas of readers and writers, experimenting with new formats, for example in advertising, to create excitement with readers.