I began reading the Guardian Weekly about 35 years ago, partly because it was so convenient for plane travel and partly for the several buckets of icy water the front-half customarily supplies. That may be why I usually begin from the back, and perhaps why I read it all. When I’ve done so, which must be within three or four days of delivery, I feel faintly virtuous. And grateful.
Three matters. As I loiter past Notes & Queries, over time it appears that very few contributors become implacable in eschewing wit for information.
Secondly an email with a news wrap arrives from another source in my inbox every day. I marvel at the difference in the experience of reading the two media. I read six or eight of the most popular articles and have my prejudices confirmed and my knowledge condensed, if not shrunk.
I read the Weekly and all the good bits are where you wouldn’t or couldn’t be bothered to look online – the short articles, the odd bits, all the reviews, the long read. Strangely, it has a serial coherence that says “big world”. The best online experience still implies you’re only one click away from “10 best celeb nipple slips”.
Lastly, looking at the photos in this section: what happens to the Guardian Weekly in 10 or 15 years when we’re all dead?
My grateful and ongoing thanks.
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