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.