GQ Magazine ... WTF?

[KrisParr]

I’m a voracious reader, and slick magazines have always been a favorite. I’ve probably subscribed to Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health, Time, GQ, and others for decades. Just this week, the new issue of GQ arrived, all 88 pages, which is about half or less of what it used to be. Sure, I know mags are shrinking and everything is online, and I do more than my fair share of reading them in that manner. Anyhow, I must be getting old, fussy, or simply “unwoke”.

 

Yeah, I know who Zendaya is. She’s talented, but cover-worthy of GQ? And the feature on Netflix star Noah Centineo was okay, but who-the-hell is he? Jimmy Butler’s write-up was probably the best, because, well, he is. But who the fuck are the Viagra Boys? Swedish punk rock ain’t on my current playlist, so I must be a dinosaur. I watch a little soccer when the NFL isn’t playing, but who is Christian Pulisic? The rest of the issue had a little bit of other stuff about “happiness” and hunting down a Rwandan criminal. That was it. Not one sniff and scratch cologne ad, either, thank you. Probably took all of 10 minutes to thumb through the pages and into the trash. On the other hand, the daily GQ newsletter I get online is far better than the print version.

 

Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m ready for the old man’s version- the current one must be for the hip dudes still in their 20s. Just sayin.

[jjkrkwood]

I havent smelled "pretty" for years since the demise of those "scratch & sniff" tear strips.....?

[samhexum]

I’m a voracious reader, and slick magazines have always been a favorite. I’ve probably subscribed to Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health, Time, GQ, and others for decades... Anyhow, I must be getting old, fussy, or simply “unwoke”.

 

Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m ready for the old man’s version- the current one must be for the hip dudes still in their 20s. Just sayin.

 

 

You can read the most recent issues of AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin online.

 

If you are using a tablet device, be sure to download the AARP Publications Tablet App so you can catch up on the latest (and past) issues of our publications at any time.

[KrisParr]

You can read the most recent issues of AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin online.

 

If you are using a tablet device, be sure to download the AARP Publications Tablet App so you can catch up on the latest (and past) issues of our publications at any time.

My parents send me their AARP mags when they’ve finished reading them. Good tip, thanks.

[spider]

Magazines change over time for various reasons - different editor, desire to attract a younger readership (do young folk read magazines??), etc. Conde Nast Traveler was a staple for me for a long time, good writing, travel hints, a variety of price levels, etc. Then suddenly it became a glossy rag (IMHO) pushing super expensive holidays that I suspected were pushing advertisers. I let my sub run out and that was it. I guess they figure that their readership base will just renew without thinking and that they'll find some new readers.

[nate_sf]

I love glossy magazines too, but like @spider mentions they can change over time. Changing the editor seems to be the thing, and I'm guessing they change editors when they want to try to appeal to a different demographic.

 

Back in the 90s I used to love Details magazine. Then they changed editors, and all of a sudden all of the articles went out of their way to emphasize hetero "bro" culture. So I dropped it and I'm not even sure the magazine is around anymore.

 

My favorite for many years has been Vanity Fair, and I read a lot of their articles online through their daily emails.

 

For what it's worth, I also receive the AARP magazine. My parents don't need to give me theirs, I have my own!

[+ Reisr30]

A tangential topic: Is it worth it to sign up for AARP? I have been on the fence about it. Any ideas on that?

[samhexum]

A tangential topic: Is it worth it to sign up for AARP? I have been on the fence about it. Any ideas on that?

It's only $16/yr or (I think) $12/yr if you sign up for auto-renew. If you actually remember to check if there's an AARP discount everywhere you eat and shop, it can pay for itself.

 

If not, then just bite the bullet and splurge. You're worth $16/yr. ?

[+ sniper]

I almost never see an AARP discount where there isn't also a AAA discount, and you can't stack them, so if you have one you don't need the other for discounts at least.

BTW it should be noted that while AARP markets itself to 50 and up, there is no actual age requirement to be a member. So if you're a carless 20something, go ahead and sign up!

[rustyrex]

I for some unknown reason get print versions of the Advocate and Out magazines. I don’t pay for either one (I would notice a charge to my credit card) but some how the magazine keeps coming in the mail. I think that mag is struggling, I get 2 sometimes 3 copies of it. I guess they want me to give them to my buddies. The ads are a trip...the assumption that I’m well off and can afford a Rolex, a Lexus and the designer clothes makes me wonder what kind of gay man they think I am.

[LGatton]

I’m a voracious reader, and slick magazines have always been a favorite. I’ve probably subscribed to Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health, Time, GQ, and others for decades. Just this week, the new issue of GQ arrived, all 88 pages, which is about half or less of what it used to be. Sure, I know mags are shrinking and everything is online, and I do more than my fair share of reading them in that manner. Anyhow, I must be getting old, fussy, or simply “unwoke”.

 

Yeah, I know who Zendaya is. She’s talented, but cover-worthy of GQ? And the feature on Netflix star Noah Centineo was okay, but who-the-hell is he? Jimmy Butler’s write-up was probably the best, because, well, he is. But who the fuck are the Viagra Boys? Swedish punk rock ain’t on my current playlist, so I must be a dinosaur. I watch a little soccer when the NFL isn’t playing, but who is Christian Pulisic? The rest of the issue had a little bit of other stuff about “happiness” and hunting down a Rwandan criminal. That was it. Not one sniff and scratch cologne ad, either, thank you. Probably took all of 10 minutes to thumb through the pages and into the trash. On the other hand, the daily GQ newsletter I get online is far better than the print version.

 

Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m ready for the old man’s version- the current one must be for the hip dudes still in their 20s. Just sayin.

 

Remember this sage wisdom from Grandpa Simpson because you will feel its truth multiple times through out your life. And take comfort in the fact that all those younger kids will feel it too

[KrisParr]

True confessions. I am an AARP member; it’s cheap and the discounts are very good. Details magazine? I was a subscriber for every issue: I even had a “Details” t-shirt that I wore all the time, especially to the gym. Loved that mag, oh hell, yes. Condé Nast replaced it with something else until the subs expired. That t-shirt actually facilitated a couple of fun encounters.

[samhexum]

I’m a voracious reader, and slick magazines have always been a favorite. I’ve probably subscribed to Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health, Time, GQ, and others for decades.

 

 

Free subscription to Car and Driver:

https://cdn.mercurymagazines.com/121-121001398/index.html

Edited January 30, 2021 by samhexum

[samhexum]

I’m a voracious reader.

 

Free subscription to Harper's Bazaar:

https://cdn.mercurymagazines.com/121-121001418/index.html

[Eggman]

I’m a voracious reader, and slick magazines have always been a favorite. I’ve probably subscribed to Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health, Time, GQ, and others for decades. Just this week, the new issue of GQ arrived, all 88 pages, which is about half or less of what it used to be. Sure, I know mags are shrinking and everything is online, and I do more than my fair share of reading them in that manner. Anyhow, I must be getting old, fussy, or simply “unwoke”.

 

Yeah, I know who Zendaya is. She’s talented, but cover-worthy of GQ? And the feature on Netflix star Noah Centineo was okay, but who-the-hell is he? Jimmy Butler’s write-up was probably the best, because, well, he is. But who the fuck are the Viagra Boys? Swedish punk rock ain’t on my current playlist, so I must be a dinosaur. I watch a little soccer when the NFL isn’t playing, but who is Christian Pulisic? The rest of the issue had a little bit of other stuff about “happiness” and hunting down a Rwandan criminal. That was it. Not one sniff and scratch cologne ad, either, thank you. Probably took all of 10 minutes to thumb through the pages and into the trash. On the other hand, the daily GQ newsletter I get online is far better than the print version.

 

Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m ready for the old man’s version- the current one must be for the hip dudes still in their 20s. Just sayin.

 

I recently cancelled my subscription. Just couldn't relate anymore.

[KrisParr]

I recently cancelled my subscription. Just couldn't relate anymore.

Thanks for posting. Sounds like a plan.

[+ Lucky]

I avoid any CondeNast magazines online. One visit to the newyorker.com website, one visit!, gave me 108 cookies!

[alrajee]

Out of all the men's style-oriented magazines, Details was my favorite. I was bummed when it folded in 2015.

 

GQ under Jim Nelson and Jim Moore got their formula down pat: Bright photography, predictable and generic styling, top-of-the-food-chain celebs, excellent long-form stories. Under Will Welch, GQ has evolved (some would say devolved) to a hypebeast magazine.

[rvwnsd]

[+ Axiom2001]

As one who does not like reading pages on the net-- I prefer to subscribe to magazines and newspapers.

 

My magazines include AARP, Architecture Digest, Consumer Report, Dwell, Elle Decor, Esquire, The Fight (gay), GQ, Health, The New Yorker, News China, Out, Passport, Real Simple, Reveal, TIme, Travel & Leisure, and Vanity Fair. Yes, quite a few.

 

If I tire of any of them or don't like the new formats, I don't renew (even at the lower costs or other deals).

 

Today many of our magazines have a completely new look as well as content, for we are all living in a new era. Competition reigns supreme.

[OCClient]

Once in a while GQ still does some nice stuff.

 

My Vanity Fair and New Yorker often arrived in beat up shape the last few years. Seems the Post Office doesn't care anymore or worse, as well as the magazines are printed on much cheaper paper than back in the day, not suited for rough handling..

[spider]

I almost never see an AARP discount where there isn't also a AAA discount, and you can't stack them, so if you have one you don't need the other for discounts at least.

BTW it should be noted that while AARP markets itself to 50 and up, there is no actual age requirement to be a member. So if you're a carless 20something, go ahead and sign up!

I don’t care to fund their agendas.

[+ sniper]

I don’t care to fund their agendas.

Well the membership is so cheap you would probably save more than the fee, and you could donate the savings to opposing their agenda. Take em down from the inside...