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We are in the age of magazines: Paper, digital and otherwise. Magazines are proliferating at enormous rates.
This is due to a greater role of self-identity in society. Instead of having to fit into a couple of stereotypes we can be who we are. Instead of a small number of publications covering the small number of in stereotypes we are getting matter issued on every quirk of life. Like-minded people with similar interests gather together in groups whose activities are covered by magazines. The Internet has reduced the friction stopping such comings together of like-minded people resulting in a wonderful smorgasbord of creativity.
But magazines play important roles and we have tired of the petulant, pseudo-high brow, patronizing reviews and commentaries of old-style art critics who still frequent dinosaurs like New Musical Express. Nowadays we expect and demand articles based on solid fact that allow us to form our own opinions with the author's own opinion carefully delineated from the facts. Also reasoning for arguments has become expected, not simply "Didn't like it 'cos I didn't" attitudes.
There's more to magazines than that of course. They bring news (as well as other things I know!) but this seems to have become a playground for the PR executive in an increasingly transparent manner. Some magazines seem to be merely printing press releases 'as is' not only from big companies but startups. A bit more discretion is needed - journalists checking up on the info before plopping it into Quark Xpress.
The age of magazines brings freedom, and problems. Hard cheese.
By Jeep
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