Thanks for all the rates - if you read one of my reviews, then I will return the favour! Would appr...
Thanks for all the rates - if you read one of my reviews, then I will return the favour! Would appreciate any reads of my Flashforward review - it came through too fast!
Member since:10.01.2009
Reviews:101
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MARIE - CLAIRE
I used to buy this magazine in my twenties, but then stopped. I now only read it at the hairdressers. This is why:
***WHAT DOES IT OFFER?***
Marie-Claire is a fashion magazine with special interest articles aimed at women. It's motto is "Fashion With Heart" and it is priced at £3.30. This month's issue (Jan) has 244 pages, plus a 32 page special about hair at the back (confusingly upside down).
It has an expensive glossy feel to it with heavy quality pages. However a rough estimation tells me that over 50% of it's content is ads!!. In fact, I leaf through 8 pages of ads before I even get to the editorial. Many of the ads are for high end designer companies such as Prada, Gucci and Armani.
The magazine aims to publish stories about inspirational women and takes an ethical stance (also having a 'green' section. As well as one off features, it has regular slots reviewing books, films and tv, as well as a home and travel section.
I note that it often has stories about what life is like for women from other cultures. This month it features a western woman living in Iran, depicting the dangers of conducting a relationship outside of marriage. There are also usually a couple of interviews with stars or celebrities, this month being Kate Bosworth and Richard Madeley.
There is sometimes a free gift attached, which can be worthwhile, but I am not sure about this month as I read it in the hairdresser's.
***OPINION***
This magazine utilises an extremely clever ploy into making the reader think they are choosing a magazine that cares; that they are reading about the pertinent issues of the day - the thinking women's magazine!! Yet, why would a 'thinking' woman choose to buy into a magazine that yes does expose difficult situations for women around the world - but fundamentally, still thinks that women need to be told what to wear and buy???
Indeed, who needs a magazine full of Chanel, Gucci, Armani etc? Is this what the modern woman aspires to? Who in an average job can even afford to buy any of this stuff?
This magazine and it's ethos is a paradox; it has pages exposing the plight of many poor women and children the world over, whilst on the next page there will be an ad for a company that might exploit these very people. Does that audience just turn the page and think 'oh dear, never mind, oooh must buy that new lipstick!'. I think the editorial team must think that women are gullible and to an extent this must be true, as it has a strong following.
It would be better if this magazine was one thing or another; choose one stance, instead of patronizing it's audience. As I said before, when I was younger I thought that I was reading something a bit different - a magazine that cared and highlighted interesting and topical issues. Now I have more sense and wouldn't feed the pockets of those very large advertisers!
OVERALL
I would flick through it if I was in a waiting room - some of the articles are of interest. I wouldn't buy it anymore, as I think that I could direct my money to a more worthwhile cause. *Rant over!!!*
Summary: IF YOU WANT TO READ ABOUT INTERESTING ISSUES - DO
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