+ Just published my first review in around 2.5 years !!!
+ Just published my first review in around 2.5 years !!!
Member since:09.09.2002
Reviews:88
Members who trust:82
It's been a whilst since anyone has reviewed the popular men's publication, "Maxim", so I thought I'd give an up-to-date look at what is on offer.
1. CONTENT
I am actually a long time subscriber to Maxim, and always know as soon as it has arrived by the loud "THUD" on the doormat. The latest issue (Mar 2004) has a staggering 192 Pages. This sounds impressive, but lets take a look at what you actually get...
Eagle eyed readers may notice that the above percentages do not add up. This is because some features fall into two or more catergories, such as there may be a funny article about health. From this, however, it is clear to see that there are a lot of advertisements - with nearly one third of the magazine filled up by them. Suprisingly, for a mens magazine, there is a distinct lack of Sport, and in this edition, not a mention of cars ! There are many photographs in the publication, and these are clear, professional and well shot. Obviously many of these contain semi-clad women, but they are all tasteful and (nearly always) appropiate to the article and the target audience. The articles are both informative and, quite often, funny. This issue had everything from "How to carve ice" to "How to cure a feminist". The interviews make up a large portion of the magazine - but with interviewees such as Pamela Anderson, Tricia Helfer (from C.S.I.) and Leanne Wilson from Casualty, who's complaining ? The interviews dig deep into their "victims" history and can be very revealing - as can the full page photos that often accompany the interview. The "Reviews" section covers everything, from the latest gadgets to all the new release DVD's, CD's, Computer Games and Books. The reviews are honest and fair, and can usually be relied upon when it comes to making a purchase decision.
The features are very well written go into a great deal of detail - normally a benefit, although sometimes this involves torture and other less pleasant topics. The subject matter is, more often than not, interesting and appropiate to the targeted audience.
2. AGE RANGE / TARGET AUDIENCE
It is fairly difficult to narrow down an age range, as the magazine covers so many areas, and differs from month to month. Generally I would suggest that this is aimed at the 20 - 50 age group, although no doubt there will be readers both side of this bracket that would enjoy reading this magazine. Also, although the publication is aimed at men, the wife or girlfriend will also enjoy reading it, as there are many "non-gender-biased" articles.
3. COST
The magazine costs £3.30 at the time of writing this review. It can, however, be obtained at a cheaper price by subscribing and paying by quarterly Direct Debit. Back issues are available at £4.99 each.
4. TIME TAKEN TO READ
This magazine will probably be on your coffee table for about a month (just in time for the next edition !). As there is so much to read, it will probably take about three or four attempts to finish reading the whole magazine, with several "flick throughs" for good measure. On top of this, girls will also enjoy reading the magazine (as mentioned above) to get an insight into the male mind (just as we read their copy of Cosmo' !).
5. OVERALL OPINION
Overall, I would say that Maxim represents great value, is interesting and informative. Despite the excessive number of adverts (which is the only reason I did not give it an excellent rating), I would recommend Maxim to anyone.
Thanks for reading this review. Scott
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Back around the same time as u wrote this review, a couple of lads used to have this at school, and i always thought that 4 a mens mag the lack of sport was a bit silly!
liquidus1000 08.11.2005 11:15
Informative review, I can't believe that 31% is adverts! The magazine I buy seems to have more and more adverts every issue, and less pages..... Paul
Advantages: Good layout, fewer adverts, good journalism, features, value Disadvantages: laddish, too many scantily clad ladies, poor front cover design
Sonatine 11.02.2001 (11.02.2001)
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Jan 29th, 2004
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