Read #22 ($4, READ, PO Box 3437, Astoria, NY 11103)
While I have been a huge fan of the other READ issues I’ve received, I would have to say that #22, subtitled “The Work Issueâ€, is probably about my favourite of the entire run. Incorporating pretty much any work-related material from prior issues of READ and the archives at www.readmag.com, “The Work Issue†reads like a sitcom, with typically funny, episodic descriptions of horrid jobs. As usual, READ is innovative in having the editor (Adam’s) mom write pieces pertaining to the issues theme, specifically about the wheelings and dealings that young Adam would have to make cash on the side. I really am a big fan of the theme-related content, but the theme just stops at a point, not to be returned to during the last page of the magazine. What might have worked to a greater degree would be incorporation of theme-related questions into the solidly written interviews, taken from such acts as Joe Satriani, James Dewees, and The Locust. Still, the broad range of reviewed material does end up taking a good chunk of time to go through, time that really is worth spending reading about what books to read, what games to play, and what movies to see. The only stumbling block I can personally come up with for this issue of READ is the second listing of “snap judgementsâ€, which is pretty much old hat after the first piece in the earlier pages of the magazine.
John Sargeant, writing on NeuFutur as Sargeant, is the founder and editor-in-chief of NeuFutur Magazine, where he has covered independent music, PC hardware, consumer tech, and gaming culture since 1998. With over 25 years of continuous digital publishing experience, he has written thousands of hands-on game and record reviews, conducted in-depth hardware field testing, and analyzed digital media monetization trends. His work prioritizes first-hand evaluation and long-term product testing.
Beats: Independent Music, PC Gaming & Peripherals, Consumer Tech, Webmaster Tools
Testing & Ethics: All hardware, software, and media reviews are conducted through hands-on evaluation in accordance with NeuFutur’s editorial independence standards; sponsored consideration is strictly excluded from editorial ratings.
Contact: editor@neufutur.com