The Writer

"The Writer" is the premier magazine for writers of all varieties. Kalmbach is known for publishing a great series of specialty periodicals, and this one is extremely well written and edited, as is appropriate for the subject matter.

The magazine is best for aspiring writers of fiction, with the clear majority of column inches. Poetry is also covered well, and nonfiction (my area of interest), while covered, is definitely in third place. In the end, though, most techniques for fiction also help nonfiction authors and vice-versa: I read every issue cover to cover regardless of area of concentration because I have gleaned some of the best tips from articles that superficially seemed not to pertain to my writing.

The magazine is very good at covering new developments in the publishing world, and features in-depth reporting on subjects like "Print on Demand" (POD) publishing. Many articles concentrate on in-depth technique implementation, while the utilitarian short pieces that cut through grammatical tedium and stylistic methodologies reinforce the basics.

If you are interested in writing as a professional or just for personal satisfaction, "The Writer" is the magazine for you.

I've been a freelance writer since 1996, and every month I look forward to reading the next issue of The Writer. It's a magazine that shows you how to write better, how to get published, and how to stay inspired. The interviews with top writers are great, and I love the reviews of books about writing. The hour or so I spend reading each issue is among the best time I ever spend. If you're a writer, you should subscribe immediately.

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The Writer is the best of the four magazines on writing I have read over the past couple years. The quality of articles, the focus on the writing craft is superior to others that are available in the market. I look forward to each issue arriving in my mailbox.

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I subscribed to this thinking I'd take a break from Writer's Journal for awhile. Unfortunately, after my first Writer arrived, I found myself going back to re-subscribe to Writer's Journal as well. The Writer had a very nice, long, in-depth interview, but didn't have the technique articles Writer's Journal has. While the Writer had some contest notifications, etc, I felt Writer's Journal had more.

At this review I've only received one Writer, and it is unfair to base the entire magazine off one issue, so I am keeping my subscription for at least the next year.

There were a few things I really liked about the subscription:

1) it came right away--I didn't have to wait for 6 weeks, I think it started coming within the first month after I ordered.

2) It was a large magazine, not one with only 10 pages in it (as I have found when I've ordered magazines via the n et without holding a bound paper copy first).

3) It didn't seem to have the number of advertisements that Writer's Journal is full of.

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I subscribed to this magazine thinking it would be a good way to keep up with the trends and improve my writing. I found it a bit scary, actually. Most articles are reduced to lists, with few new or in-depth articles. A look at the cover reminds one so much of the cliché women's magazines that scream "10 sure-fire tips to rekindle your romance!" and "25 worst fashion mistakes revealed!"

There is some really useful information here (thus the two stars) but it's (dis)organised in text bites tailored to the attention span of the M-TV generation. This prevents the information from being comprehensive for a beginner (or relative beginner) and most of it would not be useful for anyone with more than moderate experience as a writer.

To sum up, if you are looking for comprehensive writing instruction, get a book (There are many good onesjust check the amazon reviews for which one would suit you) and if you are looking for info that will keep you abreast of what's going on, check the forums, publisher's and editor's blogs, etc... This magazine, unless it admits that it cannot compete with the internet for trendiness and puts its efforts into timeless, well-written pieces dealing with craft (good writing never goes out of style, people), is doomed for fluffy oblivion.

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Coinage

This magazine is very good for all coin collectors. Some of my favrorite things about the magazine are the articles. The topics can range from sleepers to major shows to legal issues. The topics are diverse and interesting. The magazine will keep you up-to-date with the hobby!

Another good feature is the price guide. With each issue there is a price guide containing the retail price of many US coins. They also have graphs showing the price performance of collector coins (VF coins) and investor coins (MS-65 coins). This will show you trends in the hobby.

The only thing i do not like is the advertisements. Some, not all, of the companies have bad reputations for over grading there coins. Other than that, this magazine is the best monthly coin magazine out there, and i would highly reccommed it to any fellow coin collector!

I purchased this as a gift for my husband. He is interested in collecting coins. I personally don't read it, but he reads it cover to cover. I would definitely purchase it again for him.

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Many magazines are bought for their advertisements; other magazines are bought because of their articles. This is a "for the article" magazine. This magazine combines small articles and excerpts form other publications for the purpose of enhancing your coin collecting capabilities. Their main thrust seems to be U.S. coins; however the skills in grading and handling can apply to any coins. There are also articles about the history and physical makeup of coins. Even thought there are prices this is not a catalog.

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They charged my credit card and expected me to wait 3 months to receive a magazine. That doesn't work for me so I tried to cancel. I had to dispute the charge because Coinage wouldn't cancel the subscription that they never sent. It might be a fine magazine but I'll never know.

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Ophthalmology Management

This journal, Ophthalmology Management, is concise and excellent for those of us in private practice who need to be involved in both the business management as well as scientific and clinical aspects of medicine. I cannot remember the last time I did not read an issue from cover to cover. ADAM KOENIGSBERG MD

Opera News (1-year auto-renewal)

I have been a subscriber of Opera news for over 5 years now, and I eagerly look forward to the arrival of each issue. Not only does Opera News provide information about the Metropolitan Opera in New York, but also every major opera house in the world. I feel connected with all that is going on in the world of opera when I read Opera News. The timely articles about performers, performances, and recordings help me to make informed decisons about what to see and what to buy. I highly recommend Opera News to anyone who loves opera.

I've been a subscriber to Opera News for almost forty years. (Now THAT's a sobering thought!) And indeed it is the opera-lover's best friend. There is always a lot going on in the opera world, over and above the performances themselves. And Opera News is a great place to keep up. Of course, it focuses primarily on the Metropolitan Opera and in particular the the Saturday afternoon broadcasts (I'm listening to a delectable 'Don Giovanni' as I write this--'La ci darem la mano').

And for people who are new to the world of opera it is easily the best periodical for easing them into this admittedly difficult (at first) art form. The price is terrific, too.

If you've hesitated before, now's the time!

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I am a young singer who is really excited about what's ahead. I love Amazon because I can find everything I need. Opera News teaches me about all the professional artist, I get Classical singer which talks to me as a young artist with audition listings, and Voice Lessons To Go by Vaccarino (two volumes of singing lessons on CDyey!). Now if I could just get an agent of this site!

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(2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)I have only recently become an opera enthusiast partially because I realized I needed to be old enough to appreciate it and also because of my intimidation of those who are quite knowledgeable about it. That's why I heartily endorse a subscription to "Opera News", which I find to be by far, the most reader-friendly of magazines dedicated to opera and classical music. It is probably not as comprehensive as others are, but it makes for educational and entertaining reading at a level that would make sense to anyone interested in learning more about opera. Published monthly by the Metropolitan Opera Guild, it naturally places primary focus on the Met's performances, but it also does an excellent job in covering performances at venues around the world. The layout and graphic quality are as polished as any popular entertainment publication.

The feature articles are consistently informative and well-written, especially in their efforts to broaden perspectives on opera relative to other performing arts (e.g., Broadway, early movie musicals) and spotlighting historic performances. Generally showcased as the cover stories, there are in-depth profiles of the leading performers rising, established and legendary. There is also a comprehensive section devoted to reviews of recordings and performances available on CD and DVD, which I find very helpful in prioritizing my own purchase decisions. In fact, I was lucky enough to travel to New York last month to see the wondrous Stephen Wadsworth production of Handel's "Rodelinda" at the Met, and the December 2004 issue (with star countertenor David Daniels on the cover) gave me all the information I could use to heighten my anticipation of that superb performance. If you are a long-time opera aficionado or a neophyte like myself, it would be difficult to find a more worthwhile publication on the newsstands. Also worth noting is the accompanying Web site () that includes online exclusives of particular reviews, easy access to archived issues and daily news updates in the opera world.

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A Great scource of information for lovers of opera and classical recital singing. As a singer myself by avocation, it's great to know what the pros are up to, to read stories and interviews from some past luminaries and to see what's up with the regional and international opera scene.

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