The top tabloid choice.....
Written: Aug 16 '00 (Updated Aug 16 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Higher quality tabloid
Cons: Overdoes certain stories
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| Christine79's Full Review: Star Magazine |
It never fails. No matter how hard I try to exit our small local supermarket with my STAR Magazine tucked secretly into my grocery bag, either my checkout person or the kid bagging my groceries picks it up and says, at the top of their voice, “Oh my gosh, Kathie Lee Gifford is getting a divorce and she’s having an affair with Kevin Costner!”
Well, this high-pitched remark inevitably leads to an open discussion among everyone waiting behind me in line, the checker in the next lane and several passersby. My face red, I snatch my magazine, mutter that I am purchasing it for my mother-in-law, and hastily exit the store.
So why do I go through this humiliating weekly ritual? It’s simple, actually. I enjoy reading this magazine. But, even though I like reading about the not-so-perfect world of the beautiful, rich and famous, I am aware of the opinion many people have regarding tabloid journalism.
In any case, I decided long ago, that if I was going to read a tabloid, it would be Star Magazine. In the world of ‘tabloid trash’, Star Magazine has, in my opinion, the highest quality content, photos and stories. I don’t try to disillusion myself to believe that the majority of stories I read are true, but they are usually well-written, with the right amount of details to make them interesting.
On the downside, Star Magazine is often guilty of overdoing high-profile stories with endless installments. Some prime examples are the JonBenet Ramsey case, the John Kennedy Jr. tragedy, all of Kathie Lee Gifford’s dramas, the O.J. Simpson Trial and, most recently, the CBS Survivor series. I also find Star Magazine, and most other tabloid and celebrity magazines, to be obsessed with Britain’s Royal Family. I’ve always been a little stumped on this fixation.
Overall, a good magazine for celebrity gossip, articles, contests, and a variety of weekly features. This magazine, in my opinion, is the top choice in the tabloid catagory.
What Star Magazine has to offer -
Celebrity/High-Profile Personality Stories - these types of stores represent the bulk of the magazine. They run the gamut from everyone to Michael Jackson, Kathie Lee Gifford, Kevin Costner, Michael Jordan, Garth Brooks, Elizabeth Taylor and thousands others. They also include what I call the ‘Star of the Moment’, people who are enjoying their 15 minutes of fame. Some examples of these include Darva Conger, Monica Lewinsky and everyone’s favorite houseguest, Kato Calin. (Remember him?)
Star Shots - this is a two-page layout featuring close-up, personal photos of celebrities, sports personalities, music personalities and entertainers.
This Just In - this section represents small, news-type tidbits that obviously did not make the cut to be large celebrity features.
Star People - a wide-range of photos and small stories with one of my favorite regular features, the Hollywood Whodunit. Readers can try to uncover the mystery celebrity from the detailed description.
Dear Meg - this section features advice from, who else, Dear Meg. I’ve never been clear on what her credentials are or how she is qualified to dispense advice, but letters in this section cover everything from infidelity to in-law problems, pregnancy, relationships and substance abuse.
Soap Star - featured here are stories, gossip and information regarding daytime drama.
Star Fashion - model and celebrity fashion photos and the weekly “Would You Be Caught Dead in This Outfit?” (The title says it all...)
Star Log - this is a new feature, much like the one in People magazine. It features celebrity births, deaths, anniversaries, divorces, marriage and legal issues.
Star Style - each week, a celebrity or model is chosen for this feature based on their personal style. Information includes where to purchase clothing, accessories and shoes similar to the celebrity and make-up and fitness tips.
Other features include a classified advertising section, crossword puzzle, word search, various quizzes, contests and games, Letters to the Editor and a weekly horoscope. (Currently, the magazine is featuring a Star Sweepstakes. The prize is a 2001 Ford Escape.)
Purchase price - approximately $1.69 ($1.99 in Canada)
Type - tabloid-size magazine printed on medium-weight newspaper stock.
Published - weekly.
Subscriptions -available. They are currently running a promotion for a 16-week subscription for $16.97.
Advertising - heavy on major advertisers and features such products as diet aids, movie/music clubs, psychic hotlines and cigarettes. Also, many advertisements for broadcast programming and movies. Classified section for smaller advertisements.
Available -at most newsstands, grocery stores, convenience stores and larger chain stores, such as Wal-Mart and K-mart.
Internet - Star Magazine is now available on the WEB. The address is www.starmagazine.com
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Christine79
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Member: Christine
Location: Northern United States
Reviews written: 79
Trusted by: 43 members
About Me:
Freelance writer from northern Michigan with a passion for books, travel, family issues and homeschooling.
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