1. People I love People. I’m enough of a journalist that I love pop culture and I like to keep up with it. But nowadays, I don’t work at a magazine, so I don’t know everything that’s going on. This magazine gives me a really quick hit about what’s going on in our culture. It’s just enough for me to know and keep up. I like the way it’s written: it’s quick and sharp. I’ve read every issue since the first one. |
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2. The New Yorker I love The New Yorker for obvious reasons: there’s a quirkiness about some of their pieces, and a seriousness. They do wonderful fiction. I don’t read everything in it every week, but there’s always something that pulls me in and surprises me. |
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3. New York Magazine I love New York Magazine because it’s where I live. This magazine does a really good job of bringing home, home. |
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4. Bon Appetit I’m not a particularly good cook, but I read Gourmet and Bon Appetit. Every time I read these magazines I think, “I can do this” and there’s this moment of hopefulness where I can see me doing the lamb or the croquettes or whatever they are. Then I put the magazine away and I think, “No, it will never happen.” But I have. Every now and then I try something from them and it kind of works! |
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5. Dog Fancy I hate to admit this, but I read Dog Fancy because I love my dog. Lucy is the first animal I’ve ever had. I didn’t know about dogs until I got her, and now I’ve become one of those people in the street. I talk to dogs, I pet them, I play with them, and I like knowing about them. When we got Lucy, I got Dog Fancy and I just never stopped reading it. I always find helpful hints in it about dog psychology or something. |
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6. National Geographic When I was working in magazines, I used to judge the National Magazine Awards, and I would read National Geographic and think, “Wow, this is terrific. I’m really missing something.” Then I left the magazine world and decided that that was one magazine I ought to get back to. So I recently started reading it regularly and I love it. Wonderful writing and absolutely beautiful photographs. |
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7. O, The Oprah Magazine I like Oprah because I think it really deals with stories of the heart in a way that’s believable. I find that a lot of magazines are kind of chiding, particularly to women, and make you feel bad. Oprah never makes you feel bad. It doesn’t feel to me like there’s only one way to think about things in Oprah. The magazine really allows for many different points of view. It’s a surprising magazine and the writing is terrific. I read it every month. |
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You had me till Oprah. She drives me insane.
Right you are there…..I am absolutely dumfounded at some of the articles i.e. she had one a good while ago about planning a party and there is always some qualification ie. you have to mail order ingredients from some remote site which handles remote herbs or something similar..$50 a pop or some ridiculous amount of money, or margarita glasses for a small fortune…same for the clothes….right I will never spend $235 on a skirt….you get my drift….I don’t know who she is trying to appeal to, but it is not someone like me, working every day, and where actually just purchasing the magazine is a luxury….oh well….I buy it once in a while because of a tantalizing headline, only to find the headline was the meatiest part of the article.
I guess we could all live like Oprah if we had her paycheck!
I agree, the price of the magazine means I check it out when standing in line I can not justify paying to see mostly adds.
I agree with you about Oprah. I wish that she would not interrupt her guests after she asks them a question. My parents taught me that was very rude.
I’m with you!!!!!!
I like also Time, Psichology Today, Sunset best receipes, Better Homes and Gardens, Reader’s digest.
psychology
Betsy Carter, Thank you I love Glamour, House and Garden, Country Living, Southern Living
House and Garden has been closed for years. ??
Coastal Living. I can dream can’t I?
Vogue- for its fashion and fantasy
Garden Design- for its colorful, creative and doable outdoor designs
Elle Decor- a feast for the eyes.
Hola (Spanish)- All around culture, celebrity, fashion
I used to like Vogue, but I cancelled my subscription since the ads have turned into soft porn.
Abolutely! I counted three separate ads that had nipples as a part of their charm..Why would a women’s fashion magazine reinforce women as objects? Oh, I forgot, fashion often is about becoming an object to entice men (or women) to love us for our appearance. And nipples in ads are highly enticing to those who objectify others. It’s just a picture of a nipple, but it defines a continuing dehumanization of women.
I actually prefer books over magazines for my reading material, and yes, Oprah does make me feel bad…I think I am just the wrong audience for her.
I’ll read anything, but the only ones I subscribe to are Reader’s Digest and Catholic Digest — the rest I do online. My husband gets Smithsonian, Preservation and Vanity Fair.
I think its descusting any one can have,more children.Then can be born, without Medicel probiblems.
We have more then enough,who need & cant have care!
And a newborn shouldent need that trama,for someones SELFISH look at me,and what Ive done.
RATHER SELFISH& CHILDISH IF YOU ASK ME.
I guess you’re responding to the cover of the People magazine. I think that as long as you can afford them (and these people can), and you raise them to be honest responsible citizens, that’s all that matters. It’s their business.
I think, and it is just my opinion, that you should have as many children as you can afford to educate.
I love the magazine Reminisce! It takes me places and reminds me of things that I havent thought of in years!! Great pictures.
I read my Mother’s copy as soon as she’s through with it. LOVE it!! It’s a trip down memory lane in many ways. I also like their ‘Birds and Blooms’.
I too love the New Yorker. I prefer the National Geographic Travel magazine to the regular one. Plus, Prevention magazine, and Consumer Reports. We always refer to the latter before making any major purchase. And of course there is always good old Newsweek – the new format seems better than the dreary old one. There are several more magazines I read, but these are the ones in front of me right now.
People?? Hollywood fluff and garbage! and Oprah, well if I could manage to get past all the advertising, maybe I’d get to all those believeable heartwarming stories. My favorites MUST include Sunset, Coastal Living, Food & Wine, National Geographic Traveler, Martha Stewart Living and Arizona Highways (NO advertising at all in Arizona’s mag!!)
I guess I dance to a different drummer!!!! Backpacker is the one magazine I read cover to cover. National Geographic Adventure was also great, but they discontinued it. Women’s Adventure is also good, a little light, but worthwhile. I frequently read Boundary Waters Journal and Alaska Magazine. The other magazines in my pile are from the NRA, Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Now and then I might pick up a copy of Vogue Pattterns. So, like I said, I definitely have different interests!!!
As a former magazine writer, what do you think about MORE magazine? I think it’s still trying to figure itself out but getting close to targeting women hitting their 40′s and above, but, would be interested in your opinion.
I subscribed to MORE for quite a few years. If they haven’t figured themselves out by now, I don’t know if they will. lol. ‘Over 40′ is a hard demographic since it encompasses everything from first time mothers to retirees, great grandmothers, return to career, etc. Maybe they need to trim down some.
What I did like about them when I first subscribed, is that I had found myself feeling left out of fashion magazines as I matured. The homemaker and parent magazine didn’t really appeal –I had no children and I worked full time. MORE seemed to be able to do age appropriate fashion forward without being frumpy. They also had more that appealed to career women than other magazines.
I cancelled my subscription for several reasons. One was that I realized that over 40 to them was in the 40′s and maybe into the 50′s. Very little beyond that. Although they celebrate ‘reinvention’, there was still an undercurrent of women as ‘victims’. The final straw was during the 2008 election, when, rather than celebrating all women in politics, they chose to go in one direction only. I don’t think they should have gotten into politics at all.
Hope this helps.
I started reading MORE about 2 years ago. Can’t afford to buy it every month, but when I do, I enjoy it. I recommend it to anyone over 40. Good articles on Health, and some good stuff on Fashion, we can actually wear at our age.
I don’t find More any different than the magazines for all ages. Let’s face it, being 40 is not over the age barrier we used to think about. I want to see more about the right hair, fashions, lifestyle suggestions for the over 55.
I started subscribing to MORE when it first came out and still subscribe even though I’m 60+. At least the women look like someone you’d meet and not the scrawny, skinny models in most magazines.
I agree they’re still trying to find their nitch but i basically like the mag
My two favorites and must read cover to cover ….Traditional Home and Veranda. When Traditional HOme arrives inthe mail I put it aside and then carve out an hour, fix a cup of tea and devour it cover to cover. I get lots of decorating tips and each month they have a recipe and some of them have made it into my keeper file as I have tried them and liked them. Veranda is another decorating magazine so you can tell where my interest lies.
I used to get More, Oprah and House and Garden but they bored me eventually
I like Traditional Home and Veranda also (although I do not buy them). Never liked Ophrah (the person) and/or her magazine. I’d rather get informed on investment via Money or Keplinger’s.
I found a mag called “MORE”, and it’s for women over 40. Great articles on health, exercise, clothes and interesting bios. The one thing I really loved: it does not show a 20 year old in an add for anti-wrinkle cream. LOL They actually do show mature women in their 50s and 60s. Oprah’s mag costs as much as a book and has toooo many advertisements in it. I’d rather read a book for that money [from a "used books" store]. It’s a sad day, when mags get so expensive, you have to put them back on the shelf with a sigh. But, hey, when one has a limited budget, mags and many other enjoyable things become a special treat. Makes you appreciate what you CAN afford even more.
I just received my new “More “in the mail. It is only one I have found that seems to go for the ‘over 30′ woman. Just their thing of being for women ‘over 40′ is a start. When will there be a magazine for over 50 or over 60–that isn’t about retirement, grandchildren, with ads for elastic waist clothing along with walkers and scooters ? I find those things interesting but sometimes would like to read something less ‘real life’. Like what face cream really does work–that doesn’t cost a zillion bucks? What looks good on a mature woman that doesn’t cost $200?
Oprah’s things she “can’t live without” are always out of the reach of many–probably most–of the women she appeals to. Her magazine and everything in it is expensive. I do watch her TV program–taped and I go through the subjects before watching. Some are quite good and others are ‘Hollywood’. I used to watch her show daily.
I still don’t understand how she could go so gaga over any man running for president when a qualified woman was running.
Can’t live without them? C’mon!
I expected to see Womens Health, Prevention, Weight Watchers, Kiplingers…
I like Oprah Magazine! However, it is the articles that draw me in … Martha Beck writes regularly and her articles are the best. Yes, the clothes are WAY overpriced …. but the writings really speak to me. I also like SELF, Prevention and MORE.
Hmm. I guess I’m not domestic enough for some of these issues. I don’t find much in Oprah, it seems more glitz than substance to me. Maybe I got the wrong issues. I do end up getting People most weeks even when I swear I won’t spend my money on something I can read in 30mins. again. I find the gist of the stories in most magazines, such as fitness, Good Housekeeping, etc., to be all the same. All they have to do is put the word ‘diet’ on the cover to sell, sell, sell.
I have prescribed to National Geographics for years and have a couple boxes of that magazine. Their articles are mostly timeless and the photography is wonderful. I always think I’ll get it all read, though, and I don’t so I save it. I won’t throw them away—hence the boxes full.
My favorite magazines are Vanity Fair and the B.B.C.’s Knowledge, though. I seldom read Vanity Fair’s monthly article about the ‘entertainer of that month, but they have some well researched intelligent stories about current controversies. They also come up with murky stories that nobody knew about and aren’t afraid to print. I used to enjoy Dominic Dunne’s reporting on criminal cases, until I realized he was seldom right. He died recently, so it is a moot point, but when your talking about someone’s guilt you should have more real knowledge than Dominic Dunne usually exhibited. (I’m off the point aren’t I?) Anyway, I always keep the Vanity Fair for two months because it takes that long for the Letters from readers to be printed. I usually find in people’s comments something I missed in the article, so I go back over the story to find their perspective of it.
‘Knowledge’ is for people who like realitively short stories on everything. From science to history and everything in between, it’s an amazing magazine. Not every magazine wrack has it but I look around every month until I find it. I also like Time and Newsweek —–but the truth is I am a compulsive reader and will pick up anything if none of my favorites are around. Even to recipes which I have been known to filch out of magazines in doctor’s offices, etc., (yes, I’m the one–sorry), which I never make.
Oh yes, I also like travel magazines. Mainly the Budget Travel ones. Who knows.
I have spent more money on magazines in my life than I want to know. A wonderful day to me is the first of the month when I’m going home with three or four new issues
One of my favorites is AARP, the Magazine. Aside from a few too many prescription ads, it’s all about people our age. Mostly practical information, but enough celeb stuff to keep it interesting. (Did you know David Cassidy of the Partridge Family turns 60 this month???) Plus it’s free when you’re an AARP member.
I also love the New Yorker for intelligent writing and great cartoons. Also Vanity Fair and Esquire (fabulous humor writing!).
O has some of the best content for women our age. Skip the stuff that makes you mad, or ignore that it comes from Oprah if that’s what bothers you. Or check it out at the library for free — but there’s always something of real value there.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive read with practical information, look to “All You”, Wal-Mart’s magazine. A little more than $1 and you get advice on inexpensive fashion, recipes, etc.
The only two I buy on a regular basis are Romantic Homes and Victoria. To get our “magazine fix,” my hubby and I spend about 2 hours every other week at our local Barnes & Noble. We order a latte, then sit and read the latest issues of any mag we want, for free (except for the price of the lattes.) My favorite B&N read is the British issue of Country Living – much more sophisticated than the American version. I used to love More magazine, but it seems they’re geared more toward the 40-50 year old working woman. Why doesn’t VN publish a magazine???
I love O magazine.
In fact, I gifted four of my freinds and family members with a subscription. They are loving it as well.. Why? It’s due to the inspirational articles and advice. Yes, most often the clothes that are selected tend to be pricey, however the April 2010 issue has several ads advertising clothing items from Target.
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Yes, but did you see the “floral” designs for this year??? I truly do not know one person who would look even remotely good in any of those dresses, and exactly where would we wear them??
I simply have a “thing” about magazines…. I really would just like to see one relate to real people, with real, non-airbrushed, regular food eating, hard working, every day people. Even O’s most indepth articles leave you hanging…..
I also simply think Oprah should walk in my shoes for, say, about a month….then see what her articles are about….forget educating Africa…there is too much need in her own country….
Don’t get me started….she is as phony as a $3.00 bill…all for show and cold hard cash…hey it’s a free country, but I don’t have to support it I guess.
I visited her school in South Africa last year. it’s a beautiful campus.
She has done a great thing for the girls in South Africa.
(Recalling the statement “…”When you educate a woman you educate a entire family, nation…..”
Further, Oprah’s earnings, Oprah’s choice in how and where she wants to spend it those earnings.
Just who can argue or condem ANY one for spending their own money to EDUCATE females?
I agree with you on some level about many ladies magazines. I suggest you write
any number of them and suggest articles or ideas you would like to see included in future publications.
Like I said, it’s a free country, it’s what America is all about, she can absolutely choose exactly how to spend or not spend her money, I’m just saying I am not going to support those choices….and I hold to the fact that you don’t have to get on a plane to find need…..there are females who need to be educated and assisted right here.