Getting Better

I agree with some of what all the other reviewers have stated. I, too, am a Texas native who has subscribed for nearly 15 years (and read my father's for 10 years before that) and have seen the mag's quality ebb and flo. As copyKat states, the magazine doesn't seem to know who its target audience is (i.e. upscale, politically savvy, middle-or-the-road, city dweller/suburban, etc.) The political and investigatory writing is still top-notch. This state has a lot of problems and the magazine does not try to simply gloss them over. However, some (ok, many) of the 'fluff' pieces leave me wondering why they were included in the first place. Like ducksquat, I also dislike having to stop an article in mid-paragraph to hunt down the continuation on page 97.

I travel throughout the state and appreciate the restaurant reviews and cultural 'to-do' lists. I also enjoy the mix of current and historical events. I also very much like Kinky Friedman's Last Roundup (I think I'm in a minority, tho). The annual Bum Steer Awards are usually worth the subscription price alone.

My biggest gripe is with the 20- to 30-page 'special advertising section' every single month. What used to be a once- or twice-a-year occurance is now in every issue. I know we (the subscribers) don't keep magazines afloat- the advertisers do - but still...The magazine at times looks (and smells) like my wife's Vogue.

Overall, Texas Monthly is a good magazine. The state is so big (physically, culturally and politically) that I am sure it is hard to find a good balance of articles every month. Other than the politics-only rags like the 'Texas Observer' and the usually horrible 'city' magazines ('D' or 'Inside Houston') TM is all we have; they usually put out a good magazine. Changes in ownership and editorial staffs over the recent past have slightly changed the magazine's direction every couple of years, but I like the current editing team. And, Texas Monthly keeps winning awards.

Consider my, dusksquat's, copykat's, Karen's, and Sheila's reviews before buying a subscription. Then subscribe anyway.

Magazine as opinionated as Texans...

As a Texan, I find it refreshing to read this fine magazine. It keeps me up-to-date with the happenings in my state whether political, sports-related, recreation or any number of things. There are just as many opinionated editorials as there are factual-based articles and no punches are held back in trying to keep Texas looking like a flawless state.

I have lived around the country and it certainly helped me to keep my feet rooted in my native state. Since then, I've returned, though temporarily. It now serves me well to give me ideas of things to do, see and experience.

My main qualm with the magazine is that there seems to be as many if not more ads than stories and images. In addition, I'm not quite satisfied that many stories are continued towards the back of the magazine. This merely means that if I don't hold my place, I'll have to strive to find it again.

It has been said that everything is big in Texas and the size of the magazine is certainly filled with enough reading material to keep you busy all month long. I have yet to read a rehash of stories such as a 1,000 different takes on the Alamo. If a story is "rehashed," it is from a totally different perspective so that the magazine never stays stale. Besides that, a fun read for all who have any interest at all about what this former independent country is all about!

Interesting Local Reading

I have somewhat mixed feelings about this magazine, as I can not tell to what type of audience this is truly meant for. The articles are hard hitting, and well written. I can not dispute that. Sometimes I simply don't find them all that interesting. I enjoy the restaurant reviews, its helpful knowing of a few good suggestions when traveling, or even locally. I find the advertising in the magazine to be a bid auspicious as it seems to cater only to those high members of society that are in serious need of spa treatments and an occasional face lift. Maybe its tough finding advertising, but I find that it takes away from articles about our local government and issues.
I do feel this is totally worth the subscription price, and you are bound to find 12 dollars of reading in a years time :) This might even be a good gift idea from someone that is no longer in the area.