Keep it real

If you're doing something that espouses a particular philosophy, such as producing a magazine about living more simply, don't take on advertising in direct opposition to that philosophy, such as having the entire back page of your magazine be an ad for a Hummer.

(Yes, we thought they were a bit hypocritical before, but the current issue of Real Simple drives the nail in the coffin of their credibility. Lame, guys, very very lame.)

Comments

[Karen]

I couldn't agree more. A magazine about keeping it simple also should never ever have an "Accessories" section.

[Deepa]

I cancelled my subscription to Real Simple when first, I found it impossible to tell if their recommendations of certain products were disguised product placements or the result of research and second, a spread on overnight luggage did not include a single option under $100. So in my mind they weren't keeping it real or simple.

[Leah]

I often wonder how a magazine about simplification can espouse consumerism at all. I try to just ignore the title of the magazine and pretend like it's a catalog. Because, really, that's all it is. A catalog I pay to receive. Wow, now that I've typed it out, it's even more pathetic than when it was in my head.