It's been a few weeks since Good magazine launched. For those who are not in the know, Good magazine encourages and inspires conscious global citizens to band together and "give a damn." I was following up on the LA and NY launch parties via posts on GOOD magazines own blog (the site is integrated into a blog) and ran head first into a truckload of published spam comments.
I'm not talking about Astroturfing, or shameless plugs that help the cause. The really offensive stuff! It's like nobody has been on watch at Good for the last 15 days, and that isn't so Good after all. On September 25th Good's blog spambot sold out to the bankers, sex industry and drug companies! They all should make a large contibution todoy.
The Goods on Good Magazine: Clean website design, nice magazine layout. Both are easy to navigate/read –stimulating mix of content that will reach several demographics. Good Magazine Departments:
Cover, an arresting visual and verbal statement that presents insight and/or commentary on a current focal point of our culture.
Graphic Statement, a visual interpretation of the issue theme
Look, A bold visual tour of creative ideas around the world
Transparency, a graphical exploration of the data that surrounds us
Marketplace, information on our consumer culture
Portraits, a collection of people doing things that matter
Features, a diverse group of sharp and fun pieces that delve into culturally relevant issues and stories of the moment through investigative, photo, and new journalism.
Guide, a GOOD-tinged instruction manual to the world around you
Provocations, essays to stimulate thought and action
Stimuli, a collection of essays on the newest trends in culture
Project, an experiment in large-scale, open source creativity
Now for the not so good. Many of the more attractive articles (to me) are only available in print version. I hate that. I hate how iTunes does that as well, you know, where some songs are only available if you purchase the entire album. Perhaps Good can get sponsors to allow the Good content to be available to all who want to make a difference. I'd even settle for a month delay on content to go from print to the website so paid subscribers get premium content first. Finally, half a month is a long time not to check your comments- reply to them or junk the spam. Who’s on watch at goodmagazine.com?
