Magazine Review:
Parenting magazine
Well-written, organized, and presented. Addressed a range of appropriate and interesting topics relevant to "parents" --noted direction toward "moms" realistic and reflective of most "parenting" experiences. With due respect to involved, active dads a large percentage of parenting is done by mothers--and the content is reflective of this reality.
Integration, balance of the role of parent and the parent themselves--health, relationships, style....underscores the value of maintaining identity as a person, outside of the role as caregiver. Parents often focus on the child's development and differentiation--to the neglect of their own lives--while some of this is inevitable--a healthy balance is possible and desirable for the benefit of parent and child--great info and suggestions here as noted. I love the positive approach and attitude presented--scanning covers of many popular magazines one might assume that all children hate to read, loathe their siblings, etc... dire outcomes seem to be the norm, not the exception. While these distressing and dramatics headlines certainly draw attention and inspire fear (not intentionally, of course!)
It is refreshing to hear, for example, that not only do some children learn to read--(one does begin to wonder, considering national headlines and test results) it is possible to help your child love to read! Educational research indicates:
Of all academic subjects, reading has been found to be the most sensitive to family influence. In 1994, the College Board established a correlation between reading and family support for their children's efforts. Reading achievement is felt to be more dependent on learning activities in the home than is either math or science. Moreover, success in reading appears to be the gateway to success in other academic areas as well.
(source: Family Involvement: A Key Ingredient in Children's Reading Success
Author: Laura J. Colker, Ed.D.
Source: RIF Exchange Show #403 - "Literacy a Family Matter"
http://www.rif.org/parents/articles/FamInvolvement.mspx
Accessible, relevant articles effectively combine standard educational concepts of children's developmental stages with informative examples--ie object permanence as displayed in games of peek-a-boo and the phenomenon of separation anxiety. For new parents, these concepts may be unfamiliar or difficult to recognize in the context of a child's behavior. (For that matter--though thoroughly familiar with the concepts--it was still nerve-wracking and guilt-inducing to have a screaming child peeled off of me at the door of the daycare--I for one would probably have cut out this particular article and taped it to my steering wheel!)
Excellent article on learning styles in children--an incredible opportunity to recognize a child's preferences and abilities, and create a learning environment and tasks designed to maximize the effectiveness of their educational experiences. Working with a child with "style" in mind enables parents, teachers, caretakers, and eventually children themselves to adapt and develop different educational experiences and opportunities to maximize learning, encourage creativity, and reduce unnecessary frustration.
This publication is appropriate for a wide range of parents, teachers, caregivers--inexperienced, experienced---providing accurate information in sufficient amounts to be useful, informative, encouraging,and empowering. Parenting successfully negotiates the difficult and delicate balance of providing sufficient information to inspire confidence and independence with approachable accessibility--to ask questions, seek further information, confirmation when necessary or desired. There is no such thing as perfection--but there are no really serious gaffs here--difficulties with some of the advertisements are noted, (and realistically to be expected in any publication--it is advertising, after all!) Interesting, informative--a nice balance of shorter articles to accommodate the frequently interruptive, often chaotic environment many parents experience on a regular basis!
Helpful, appropriate product and availability information--there are many creative and useful inventions on the market that are beneficial, educational, and fun! Health and beauty information was attractive, relevant, and useful--I was charmed not to read any articles emphasizing losing those "last stubborn baby pounds"-- :o)
Publishing a parenting (or Parenting, in this case!) magazine seems to parallel some challenges parents face--and this one does it well! Excellent! :o)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Magazine Review:
Real Simple: Life Made Easier
Interesting reading. Bright, attractive presentation--publication is visually appealing, with creative use of cover photo to illustrate the "experience" the magazine apparently seeks to promote--whiter-than-white laundry, in some timely fashion.... Ahhhhh.... :o)
Logical, appropriate presentation of featured contents--illustrative titles that appear to address a variety of goals for the target reader.
Well-organized, easy-to-read guide to contents--easy for readers to find content of interest, use magazine as a resource guide in future--**on the cover**--helpful feature--scanning the table of contents trying to match the prose with the items described on the cover--particularly if I am purchasing a new publication on the newsstand--this may tip the decision on whether I will buy the magazine or put it back!)
Topics featured provide an interesting insight into what constitutes "life"--it came as no real surprise to find the editor inspired by a 1958 publication designed to make housework "easier". [Firmly entrenched in what Arlie Hochschild named "The Second Shift", a large number of us may understand the appeal of "life made easier".] I would argue that 'simple' is relative, and 'easier' is wide open for interpretation--but perhaps that "lion" (referencing the Tonga proverb on the magazine spine) should remain behind the closed door for purpose of this review :o) Interesting choice of quote source, as from brief Internet research it appears that Tongan society is by-and-large strict, conservative, with questionable gender equality (anecdotal evidence that at least as of 2004, women may not own land--although widows may inherit )
http://www.tonga-now.to/Article.aspx?ID=588
Contents, with noted exceptions, follow expectations created by the cover and table of contents. Articles and advertisements echo standard "women's magazine" fare, for the most part, with some differences. The "right-hand" diamond ad is an interesting perspective--contrasting the Happily Ever After with the Happily Here And Now...something about the power to make your dreams come true (by purchasing a diamond...:o) An IRA as a woman's best friend provides nice balance, and different take on "ever after"!
(For those Happily Ever Afters, at least two ads are designed specifically for "marrieds"--beefy entrees and bathroom wipes...that's simple enough, isn't it?) Advertisements focus on grooming, shopping, cooking... enhancing our appearance and surroundings. Advertisements clearly identified--providing adequate product information, availability, as noted.
The article on "Meddle Management" presented some difficulties--thought-provoking, as noted. The piece seemed an amalgam of advice drawn from parenting magazines and The Dr. Phil show--with due respect to the good doctor, of course. The scenarios were common enough--solutions and explanations are simplistic at best. (Blending families is a challenging and ongoing effort--with no guarantee of success. Advising couples to confront a critical parent--"We don't want you to say these things. If you do so, you won't be allowed to visit" sounds more like setting the rules for a preschool play date--the behaviors may be childish--but the persons involved are adults--a frank discussion about the situation may not solve it, but it is certainly a more appropriate first step towards conflict resolution.) "Secrets" of thin people--the "biggest" difference "may be", as revealed in the article: "Those who don't gain (or regain) have come up with effective, specific, and often personal ways to keep their weight in check". (Doctor, I gain weight when I eat chocolate cake..... Well, you know the punchline....:o) "Simple"? Yes, this is certainly simple... To paraphrase Einstein, "Things should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler...." I think we are near this line....
Advertising content ranged from enlightened and informed to offensive and inappropriate, as noted in the text. I don't question the items advertised--these are predictable--but the presentation of individual ads, as included in the overall publication--(apparently a matter of individual taste--a "visual joke" about flat lining and mold killers may not offend all readers--but is questionable, in my mind. An automobile ad with "rockin" motion, women fighting over handbags, are "simply" in poor taste. As the automobiles "rock" in my neighborhood, the exact source of the disturbance makes it no less troubling or bothersome. As persons are injured in stores fighting over PlayStation games--Christmas mobs, etc, the trivialization of fighting over merchandise is unnecessary and in poor taste. I did get a laugh (sorry!) at the inclusion of a free gift with subscription to the magazine Real Simple--"A Guide To Cut Paper Clutter" (not just clutter, Paper Clutter!!) How about a digital subscription, for starters!
Writers and editors obviously put great effort into creating an attractive, personable, well-groomed, well-rounded publication. Polished, clean-- a genuine attempt to contribute to the "women's magazine" offering on newsstand, in subscription. A magazine I would buy on the newsstand if a particular article or feature was appealing--I would not subscribe as the contents are uneven, unpredictable. In the "Meddle Management" piece, the article simply ends, abruptly--there is no wrap-up, no concluding paragraph, no referrals for further information (even a reiteration of the sources mentioned in the article would be helpful to provide some closure).
Some outstanding elements as noted--excellent writing, relevant subjects--I found the piece on the decision to have children genuine, thought-provoking. The article on the choir for the terminally ill was both informative and inspiring. On the lighter side, features on cleaning, shopping, getting and keeping a great haircut were well presented, organized, helpful, and appropriate--well-done.
A good magazine will provide features and content relevant to their reading audience. A great magazine will provide features and content interesting, educational, informative, and enjoyable to those who flip through their pages on the newsstand--and make the decision to buy!
Perhaps the best way to qualify the publication is in "real simple" terms--when it is good, it can be good, very good, (even great!) and when it is bad, well, ...it's not good.
Real Simple: Life Made Easier
Interesting reading. Bright, attractive presentation--publication is visually appealing, with creative use of cover photo to illustrate the "experience" the magazine apparently seeks to promote--whiter-than-white laundry, in some timely fashion.... Ahhhhh.... :o)
Logical, appropriate presentation of featured contents--illustrative titles that appear to address a variety of goals for the target reader.
Well-organized, easy-to-read guide to contents--easy for readers to find content of interest, use magazine as a resource guide in future--**on the cover**--helpful feature--scanning the table of contents trying to match the prose with the items described on the cover--particularly if I am purchasing a new publication on the newsstand--this may tip the decision on whether I will buy the magazine or put it back!)
Topics featured provide an interesting insight into what constitutes "life"--it came as no real surprise to find the editor inspired by a 1958 publication designed to make housework "easier". [Firmly entrenched in what Arlie Hochschild named "The Second Shift", a large number of us may understand the appeal of "life made easier".] I would argue that 'simple' is relative, and 'easier' is wide open for interpretation--but perhaps that "lion" (referencing the Tonga proverb on the magazine spine) should remain behind the closed door for purpose of this review :o) Interesting choice of quote source, as from brief Internet research it appears that Tongan society is by-and-large strict, conservative, with questionable gender equality (anecdotal evidence that at least as of 2004, women may not own land--although widows may inherit )
http://www.tonga-now.to/Article.aspx?ID=588
Contents, with noted exceptions, follow expectations created by the cover and table of contents. Articles and advertisements echo standard "women's magazine" fare, for the most part, with some differences. The "right-hand" diamond ad is an interesting perspective--contrasting the Happily Ever After with the Happily Here And Now...something about the power to make your dreams come true (by purchasing a diamond...:o) An IRA as a woman's best friend provides nice balance, and different take on "ever after"!
(For those Happily Ever Afters, at least two ads are designed specifically for "marrieds"--beefy entrees and bathroom wipes...that's simple enough, isn't it?) Advertisements focus on grooming, shopping, cooking... enhancing our appearance and surroundings. Advertisements clearly identified--providing adequate product information, availability, as noted.
The article on "Meddle Management" presented some difficulties--thought-provoking, as noted. The piece seemed an amalgam of advice drawn from parenting magazines and The Dr. Phil show--with due respect to the good doctor, of course. The scenarios were common enough--solutions and explanations are simplistic at best. (Blending families is a challenging and ongoing effort--with no guarantee of success. Advising couples to confront a critical parent--"We don't want you to say these things. If you do so, you won't be allowed to visit" sounds more like setting the rules for a preschool play date--the behaviors may be childish--but the persons involved are adults--a frank discussion about the situation may not solve it, but it is certainly a more appropriate first step towards conflict resolution.) "Secrets" of thin people--the "biggest" difference "may be", as revealed in the article: "Those who don't gain (or regain) have come up with effective, specific, and often personal ways to keep their weight in check". (Doctor, I gain weight when I eat chocolate cake..... Well, you know the punchline....:o) "Simple"? Yes, this is certainly simple... To paraphrase Einstein, "Things should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler...." I think we are near this line....
Advertising content ranged from enlightened and informed to offensive and inappropriate, as noted in the text. I don't question the items advertised--these are predictable--but the presentation of individual ads, as included in the overall publication--(apparently a matter of individual taste--a "visual joke" about flat lining and mold killers may not offend all readers--but is questionable, in my mind. An automobile ad with "rockin" motion, women fighting over handbags, are "simply" in poor taste. As the automobiles "rock" in my neighborhood, the exact source of the disturbance makes it no less troubling or bothersome. As persons are injured in stores fighting over PlayStation games--Christmas mobs, etc, the trivialization of fighting over merchandise is unnecessary and in poor taste. I did get a laugh (sorry!) at the inclusion of a free gift with subscription to the magazine Real Simple--"A Guide To Cut Paper Clutter" (not just clutter, Paper Clutter!!) How about a digital subscription, for starters!
Writers and editors obviously put great effort into creating an attractive, personable, well-groomed, well-rounded publication. Polished, clean-- a genuine attempt to contribute to the "women's magazine" offering on newsstand, in subscription. A magazine I would buy on the newsstand if a particular article or feature was appealing--I would not subscribe as the contents are uneven, unpredictable. In the "Meddle Management" piece, the article simply ends, abruptly--there is no wrap-up, no concluding paragraph, no referrals for further information (even a reiteration of the sources mentioned in the article would be helpful to provide some closure).
Some outstanding elements as noted--excellent writing, relevant subjects--I found the piece on the decision to have children genuine, thought-provoking. The article on the choir for the terminally ill was both informative and inspiring. On the lighter side, features on cleaning, shopping, getting and keeping a great haircut were well presented, organized, helpful, and appropriate--well-done.
A good magazine will provide features and content relevant to their reading audience. A great magazine will provide features and content interesting, educational, informative, and enjoyable to those who flip through their pages on the newsstand--and make the decision to buy!
Perhaps the best way to qualify the publication is in "real simple" terms--when it is good, it can be good, very good, (even great!) and when it is bad, well, ...it's not good.
Review: The Martha Rules
The Martha Rules:
10 Essentials For Achieving Success As You Start, Build, Or Manage A Business
Publisher: Rodale International Ltd (April 7, 2006)
An exceptionally "readable" book--logical, organized, balanced presentation. Intelligent, appropriate for readers across the spectrum of experience. Stewart's "rules" format--a nod to current publishing trends--provide an accessible source of guidelines, resources, and suggestions for readers interested in applying her business model to new or current endeavors.
Excellent reading! Stewart provides glimpses into her family and career history--highlighting values instilled, lessons learned. Throughout this framework of experiences, Stewart weaves a now familiar tale with new insight and perspective.
Stewart's self-transformation from caterer to entertainment expert characterizes the development of her business and approach to consumers: to educate and be educated. Learning, teaching, interdependence between the producer and the customer combine to create an emphasis on quality and service--an attitude of mutual respect. (David Ogilvy states "The consumer is not a moron; she is your wife.") Stewart identifies herself and her company as the consumer--a simple but far from simplistic approach to content, presentation, and direction--we love Martha--we like who we are when we are "with" her--what we may become.
Stewart brings a remarkable and apparently unflagging optimism to her work--her enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring...She effectively communicates core values--their particular relevance during personal and professional decisions. Teacher and student, Stewart discusses her highly-publicized legal affairs in only the most general terms--focusing on appreciation for expressions of support from her family, friends, and fans.
Whatever your position, (or opposition) to the phenomena that is Martha--it is impossible to deny the perseverance, resilience, empathy, and empowerment that characterizes Stewart.
She refers to Thomas Edison early in her book--focus on serving the needs of the customer, from the customer's perspective. Edison also said "who you are will show in what you do"--and in Stewart's case, all indications are a future characterized by innovation and inspiration---excellent as always, Martha! It's a very, very good thing! :o)
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