As a music fan who can't stand the radio, I have to look for new music in magazines and trust the editors judgement. This approach usually works for discovering new talent since I tend to agree with a lot of critics and writers. My two favorite magazines out there are "Q"- a British music magazine, and "Paste"- a pretty well rounded music magazine that emphasizes indie and relevant music and culture.
Lately I have thought that it is kind of a waste of money to have two subscriptions come to my house every month, since I really don't read the magazine more than once. I've decided that in these "economic hard times" to let my subscription to "Q" run out and stick with "Paste."
It is not that "Q" doesn't interest me anymore. "Q" usually covers all my favorite British bands that no body in this country really cares about. U2 and Coldplay seem to routinely be on the cover every month. Most issues have free CDs as well (although I never seem to get anything good on them). The fact of the matter is though- "Q" is one expensive magazine. Over $130 per year! Q never seems to have any specials either (except this month I get a free REM cd that I have anyway).
"Paste" on the other hand, only sets me back $20 for a year, and gave me an extra subscription (that I gave to a friend). "Paste" has also gives out a sampler every month of undiscovered talent. Lastly, Paste also has a better web site too that updates daily with all that is going on in the world of relevant music.
So it seems that Paste is the better deal. Q has already started sending me letters pleading for me to return. I hate those letters that make you feel like a creep for backing out. But the truth is, over $10 a issue is too steep for me, when I can get my news from the web for free.
7 comments:
Print media is dead. Long live print media.
Seriously, though, I am all about trimming expenses. Ten bucks an issue does seem a hefty price.
By the way, do you still have the same email address (the Trillium one)? I think the plan is to do Homer's on Thursday night at the standard time, but if there are changes, I'd like to email them to you.
Yeah, I still have the same email. I'm hoping to see you at Homers
You're cancelling your subscription. I feel bad that I originally bought that subscription for you for Christmas years ago.
I love Paste magazine. I have been with them since the first issue. I always thought their articles had more depth than your typical music mag.
A friend has been sending me a subscription over here in Spain of a US magazine - a real treat until they doubled the price on her this year - to $140!! My magazines will run out in May.
Why haven't I got this much issue of Paste yet?
Post a Comment