Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Don’t kill off my print magazine!


I read one of those “quotable quotes” from Ballmer who recently said that the print industry will die off in ten years. We’ve all seen the digital effect on newspapers as they continue to scale back on editorial pages. But books and magazines? I really can’t see my favourite magazines going solely online in ten years.

I don’t mind reading short current news bites, weather, sports scores and headlines off my BlackBerry or computer. But for full-feature coverage complete with photos, please give me my magazines.

My favourite magazine of all time has to be Vanity Fair. It is brilliant. Everything about the magazine is flawless. The writing, photography and even the ads are simply sublime. I look forward to my copy in the mail every month. This month’s issue did not disappoint as usual. The brilliance of Vanity Fair is how they seduce the reader with a glossy, Hollywood front cover and then take you inside some of the most outstanding writing and research on subjects ranging from war, presidents (past and present), current events, socialites gone mad, actors who kill, and European philanderers. Their writers have no problem digging up sordid details and going deep into issues. Last year I read the story about that beautiful thoroughbred horse named Barbaro and how his trainers and owners had to put the lovely creature down. The article celebrated the life of this horse and captured the pain and suffering of everyone who loved him. Not one television story or newspaper article captured the essence and the human-like soul of Barbaro than that story in Vanity Fair. Because this is what Vanity Fair is all about: in-depth, provocative writing that sets the standard in journalism.

This month’s article on President Clinton is a real page turner, too. This is the same article that prompted Clinton to call its writer a “scumbag.” The article is hilarious and a bit shocking. Apparently Clinton’s best buddy is some jet-setting billionaire whose private plane is aptly nicknamed “Air Fuck One.” And another piece of the puzzle is put into place … poor Hilary.

I realize that Vanity Fair also has a dotcom site chock-full of content. But it’s just not the same reading experience.

So are you to tell me that my favourite high-gloss magazine that I can take to the beach, on a plane and curl up with in bed will become extinct in ten years?

Say it ain’t so! I have no desire to ever, ever, ever go to the bathroom with my laptop propped up on my knees!

5 comments:

Amanda Laird said...

I'm with you, Julie. My apartment is a veritable fire hazard thanks to my magazine habit. A world without shiny, glossy print magazines is a world I simply don't want to be a part of!

Anonymous said...

I'm not much for magazines, but I appreciate their physical attributes.

I feel much the same way about newspapers. There are few things I enjoy more than a Saturday paper and a cup of coffee.

The thought of vegetable print impressions on my skin has my heart pounding.

Anonymous said...

Julie, I too cannot live without VF. It's been a favourite of mine for many years. I wait for each month's issue with great anticipation. And the Proust Questionnaire is always such a treat - as well as being a fun and interesting exercise to do with friends at dinner parties.

Anonymous said...

Years ago, when I studied Journalism, one of my professors inspired us to read magazines like the Atlantic, Esquire and Harper's. At the time, they featured some of the most insightful writing in North America. So, I began reading them. It's become a lifelong habit. I can't imagine life without "my mags." Especially up at the cottage!

Julie Rusciolelli said...

I am soooo glad I'm not the only one who likes those high-gloss touchy feelie magazines.. I hate to admit it, I like Maxim too!