Dude, Put Down That Domino… Again
I know many of you are still reeling from the sudden deaths of O at Home and Cottage Living, but I – on the other hand – see promising news in the shelter mag world: the return of Men’s Health Living!
Ok, so I realize this may not excite the ladies out there, but this is promising for us design guys. And considering it’s been a year since the first issue debuted, I had just about lost all hope for its return. But the self-proclaimed “World’s First Home Magazine for Men” is back for a second installment and it’s… well, it’s hit and miss.
It’s a hit where it’s home focused – tips for designing a killer office, Q&A with Johnny the Contractor, and (my fav of the issue) a look into “Why Men Build Mansions.” But, for me, it misses when it veers off into general lifestyle / work-out / womanizing stuff that you’d see in any regular issue of Men’s Health (to which I’m a loyal subscriber, btw). For example, how do articles about hunting or “Drinking Like A Man” make this a home magazine? To see what I mean, check out their website for a sample of content from both issues.
I shouldn’t complain though, because – just as I proclaimed last winter - I want this mag to succeed, even if it means shamelessly plugging it here so all of you go buy a copy (makes a great stocking stuffer!). In the future, I just hope the editors embrace the topic of home completely and don’t dilute the next issue with “home” tips like how to do push-ups on an ottoman. And don’t think we didn’t notice that deja vu inducing cover layout (“Build Your Perfect Life” seems to be ever-present).
I’ve said enough though – what do you guys (and gals!) think about the existence of a home magazine for us menfolk? And if you’ve checked out the issue, what’s your take? Do you wanna see more?
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Comments
I’m more of a Consumer Reports kinda guy. My only gripe is that some of the articles are a little repetitive.
I just *finally* found a copy of this yesterday… I’ve been scouring the newsstands for this since I saw you last mentioned it.
I got to admit that I prefer men’s magazines to women’s. For some reason they are have a more direct, no non-sense approach than women’s do. I think I’ll check this one out – I have never seen it before. But, I’m a little concerned that it might promote the bachelor “I wonna be James Bond” decor and lifestyle – which is something I have been trying to steer my husband away from since we moved in together, over 5 years ago! Maybe if we mix Domino and this one, we’ll find a compromise. :)
I think this is great! Even if it takes you buying a subscription for your man, maybe after flipping through it… it will spark an interest in him to spruce up the house projects, etc. He may not buy it himself, but it’s a great gift idea!
I’m gonna have to agree with you on this John. We’re currently in the process of building a brand new home, so I’ve been trying to get my bf to watch more HGTV stuff with me, but for the most part his eyes seem to glaze over. Which I don’t understand since he insists on providing an opinion of our “Style”. Plus, we have both expressed an interest in buying houses to flip, once I’m licensed as a realtor… so reading the magazines, and watching the shows in theory should peak his interst. Instead, he feels they are too “girly”. I love that Men’s Health is doing something like this, we’ll need to check it out. I just wish they’d avoid the Maxim-like articles!
I wish my boyfriend would read it, specifically the “what is your bathroom telling her?”. His is telling me that nuclear germ warfare has taken place and he can’t be bothered to engage the enemy.
Anyway- I hadn’t seen this before! What an interesting concept.