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> we could see a resurgence of magazine approaches in whatever comes next in digital media.

No, this is not happening. I don’t think it will happen because of people’s attention spans and the cost of printing and distribution.

It’s a wishful dream, but I think the time is past. I love magazines and have collected some old issues of Wired that got me into tech. But current magazines are really bad and vapid and cheap.

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I don't think you're looking ahead far enough. It's true that people's attention spans have declined, but I can't imagine that is a permanent condition. Giving sustained attention to interesting things is an essential feature of human minds, and I'm certain we'll regain that ability over time. I see signs of it even now. And when you say, "…current magazines are really bad and vapid and cheap," you're describing the unsuccessful response by many publications to pressure from digital media: they cut quality. A resurgence of magazines will require that they recognize that error and correct it, publishing magazines that show depth of thought and quality writing and printing — all the things that are discouraged by the "quantity first" attitude of digital media. I think the time for a resurgence of print periodicals is coming soon.

>you're describing the unsuccessful response by many publications to pressure from digital media: they cut quality

I was talking about this with an older woman recently who was lamenting the planned demise of the Martha Stewart magazine. She was completely unsatisfied with the print alternatives, which she said were low-rent by comparison. I took a look at both and I'm inclined to agree; the Martha Stewart magazine had more elegant design and photography, etc.

We bought our Mom a print subscription to Food & Wine that she adored but they just notified her they’re going to digital only (not sure if it’s a permanent or temp shift)for the rest of her subscription so we won’t be renewing. Food & Wine’s print edition was solid content and enjoyable reading. Other magazines we’d gifted her in the past disappointed. They were thin & mostly ads so we’re bummed we’re losing the Food & Wine print option.

While it’s possible that it’s not a permanent condition, I gave up hope 10 years ago.

I love magazines and use to subscribe to dozens and spend time in bookstores reading through them. Every time I browse the magazine section I see nothing. So I don’t think there’s a single quality magazine I’m into.

I still subscribe to MagPi and think it’s great.

It depends- I have a subscription to Nat Geo History, Scientific American and Nature and I enjoy reading them cover to cover every month.

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