magazines are not dieing Tweet

could you be a spy?, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

I've always felt that The Economist was the kind of magazine one reads from cover to cover. Each time I traveled abroad years ago I would indulge in this pastime rather than buying some random glossy magazine for women. Today, more often than not, I browse the airlines' magazines when I don't work, eat, or sleep.

The only exception is Intelligent Life, from the same economists. Another magazine that can be read from cover to cover, or, if you can't find it in your area or think four issues per year are not enough, from post to post via their website More Intelligent Life and feed.

Not the same can be said about Monocle, a magazine that seemed exciting and has a monthly issue. Put together by Tyler Brûlé, of Wallpaper** fame, it lacks the focus and elegance of the economists' productions. Also, it gives you access to story bonuses online provided you're subscribed to the print edition, and it sure sells odd merchandise.

But this was about The Economist, which landed in my lap this morning, as my love thought I'd enjoy seeing an ad for spies. In fact, I'd very much enjoy becoming one, except I can't, because I'm not British and also because I've told you about it; silly me!

For a good bit of my morning, I read the magazine with the same satisfaction I had years ago and the same pleasure I find in Intelligent Life (now with a brilliant fashion section, too). I only stopped when I came across the word obsequiousness, a 15th century equivalent of a noun abused today. I laughed like a kid who gets a new toy: this playfulness sets the economists apart.

These said, I'll drop an e-mail to our new Vietnamese friend to see whether he wants our collection of the magazine. Bringing discomfort to the world ever since 1976.

Update, July 3rd 2008: I went ahead and signed up for one year of Intelligent Life, even if its cover design is disputable in view of some reputed source. The writing's fine with me!