magazine days

I guess every day in my life has magazines in it in some shape or form, whether I'm at work (where I'm a magazine editor), browsing the headlines in the check out lanes or reading one of the 5 magazines I currently subscribe to. But for me, one of my favorite magazine days is when I get home from work, check the mail, and find a new issue waiting for me.

Today I was greated by the July issue of Esquire. Don't be deterred by its target male audience. This magazine has some of the best writing out there and for that reason I look forward to each new issue, even if I have to settle for some less than flattering covers. Even though I already have the magazine in my possession, I can't help but read the coverlines and wonder which ones do they think will get people to pick it up off the newsstand.

Then, depending on the magazine, I flip through to find my favorite columns or stories. I always read the editors letter (does anyone else do this? or is it just me, the magazine geek) Then I check out the contributors page (again, I think I'm the only one who does this, although my co-worker Sam claims to enjoy this page as well, we just can't seem to sell our editor on its merit) Then I usually flip to the back page to see what clever thing is there, check out a few departments and then settle in to read the features. This month in Esquire I'm looking forward to the American Taliban story.

And when I finish it, I'll add it to the pile and wait for next month's.