The original poster forgot or simply didn't have this information - its what linked subsribers to the info... btw I'm not a subscriber so I can't link any of you... ask someone else:
(from Emap / Nintendo Official Magazine publisher staff)
"If you're here, you should by now have seen both
the next cover of NOM and the
possible free demo disc that we're thinking of sticking on the cover. Go wild, let us know everything you think about the cover and the demo disc. If you want to say something else about the magazine, or just want to get something random off your chest, there's another vent box below."
They're asking for opinions on it right here:
http://www.emapmagazines.co.uk/NOM_panel_ima ges.shtml
They're showing that cover to subsribees as you can see. God knows why they'd torture with them with that image if it wasn't a hint... there are some naff stories on there that don't make sense though: "Super Mario Kart - why this is Mario's funniest outing ever" and "GBA Section: why this is Mario's funniest outing ever".... as well as "The RPG thats finally better than GoldenEye"... hmm.
That said: the stories could be placeholders simply there to represent the new look. As indicated by last months issue there is an image change happening over this and the next issue ("Stop Press. Nom is changing" - page 129, issue 130). I also found variants of the images at that link btw those images (below):
EMap.com About NOM page:
http://www.emap.com/nav?page=emap.aboutus.we bsites.description&x=9&y=6&resource=157740
Emap UK / Subscription Site:
http://www.emapmagazines.co.uk/Image 1:
http://www.emapmagazines.co.uk/img/nom/cover .jpg
image 2:
http://www.emapmagazines.co.uk/img/nom/cover 3.jpg
image 3:
http://www.emapmagazines.co.uk/img/nom/previ ewdisc.jpg
this issue supposedly goes on sale next Monday. The mock up cover seems like it could be a hint if theyre showing it to subscribees or whatever IMO... it could also be a cruel joke - I dunno. As for the demo disc? In last months issue an overwhelming 96% of the readership voted for one - I just pray we get it now... those who want it should go there and tell em what an awesome idea it is. I've also said I'd happily pay more to get my hands on it...
Hope this helps!
Tom