It's Tuesday: ...We're OOO. Here's our Favorite Mags - Issue #64
We are gone. Our voicemail is turned on. The email machine has an "Out Of Office" message. The social notifications are mercifully muted. Amazon deliveries are postponed.
Yeah, we're taking a few days off. So, no real news to share with you this week.
But I do have some things I'd like to share. As we head towards the end of the year, there's always some time to reflect and think about what's important. In the world of magazine media, the magazines themselves are important. So below are a few of the magazines that have captured my attention this year.
Take a look. Hopefully you'll see something that a you like. When you get a chance, drop me a line and let me know what magazines you're into this year.
note: None of the publications listed below are clients or former clients.
1___From the Homefront
In my mind, Chicago Magazine is the perfect example of what a good city magazine should look like, feel like, read like. While I'm not currently a subscriber, I do occasionally pick up a copy and I have to say that editorially, the title has adapted to the times and covers so many important issues facing this incredible city and at the same time celebrate everything that makes Chicago such an amazing place to live and work.
I'm also entranced with their current art team because their covers are just terrific.
2___If you want to freelance, get this!
The UK is home to what must be literally hundreds (? Or thousands?) of incredible indie magazines. About a year or two ago I stumbled across an article about the launch of Freelancer Magazine and not only am I enthusiastically following its progress, I also became a subscriber.
Founder and publisher Sophie Cross has successfully created what so many large scale publishers fail to do: Create a real community. Not only is the print magazine a super welcome visitor to the home office, but the publication offers courses and sports a vibrant social community that can be found on LinkedIn, Instagram and other platforms.
3___Who's still standing?
When I was younger and worked for Outside Magazine, the outdoor adventure niche was pretty extensive and filled with titles to compete with: Powder, Ski, Skiing, Bike, Rock and Ice, Surfer, Backpacker and more.
Most, or maybe all of these publishers have been merged, sold off, and turned into digital only properties. A few years back, former Powder editor and founder of Bike Magazine, Steve Casimiro founded Adventure Journal.
This quarterly publication can average 128+ pages of beautiful photography and deeply felt editorial about everything from climbing, to surfing to camping, the environment: Pretty much anything outdoor adventure related.
This magazine is stunningly gorgeous, printed on certified USFS paper and priced accordingly. It is worth every penny.
4___Don't look away. Look straight ahead...
A year ago, I did have a conversation with the publisher of Kill Pretty Magazine, but there was nothing, professionally, that I could bring to the table that would have actually helped their cause.
But in looking through the samples the publisher sent me, I found something exuberant about the magazine as I read it and I've felt that way about the title ever since. It is an exciting read. And it's most likely that way because the founder and editor of this publication is so exuberant about graffiti art. And how can you not see the joy that exists in every page of this magazine?
5___Still Standing...
Yeah, I know. You're probably wondering, does anyone actually read the print edition of Time Magazine anymore? The answer is a resounding "Yes!". According to its last circulation statement, more than 1 million people pay to subscribe to the print magazine. Another 100,000+ people pay for a digital subscription. And another 17,000+ people still buy a copy at the newsstand.
That's just the print magazine and its digital replica.
The newsweekly category was never all that large and there's little need for the old school type of publication that Time, Newsweek and US News used to be. I've been pretty impressed with how the new owners of this venerable title have transitioned it to a more reflective and deeper dive look at the news.
Your Moment of Magazine Zen
So what are some of your favorite magazines? When you get a chance, drop me a line and let me know. Send me a scan of some of your favorite covers and if I can, I'll report back in a future newsletter.
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If you’ve got a question or comment, please drop me a line. You can always reach me at joe.berger@newsstandpros.com.
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May you have a productive and worthwhile week. May your meetings be short and to the point. May your break room be filled with yummy snacks. May we all hope that Phil doesn't heat up his left over Tilapia in the microwave again!
See you all next week!