<p>So this is kind of based off another thread asking how to become more knowledgeable politically. I'm in a different position in that I follow politics, but I'd still like recommendations as to what journals would be the best to subscribe to in order to be well informed (I'm going to be a Gov major so I'm looking for analysis, not just the basics of what's happening). I know I want to subscribe to Foreign Affairs ($25, every 2 months) because I've read their articles and really like them, but because those only come once every two months I'm thinking I want 1 or maybe 2 other subscriptions (though I think for now I'm only going to get 1 more). The main ones I'm thinking about are:</p>
<p>-Foreign Policy ($25, every two months)
-The Economist ($77, weekly)
-TIME ($30, weekly)</p>
<p>I've heard great things about the Economist (haven't read a lot of it though) but it's by far the most expensive on the list, so I'm not sure if it's worth it. I do like that it's weekly though, so it might be worth the money. Time is a great choice for the money, but it's not really politics-centered (the main point I guess would be for quick coverage), although that could be nice since it would give me a bit more variety in what I read. I'll get the in depth political analysis from Foreign Affairs though, so it might not be a big deal. I'm just not totally sure Time has something to offer me that I'm not getting online for free.</p>
<p>I just don't know exactly how these magazines/journals compare in their coverage and which ones would be worth the price. I would really appreciate any opinions on this; if you've read any of these I'd love to hear the gist of how they cover issues and if in your opinion they're worth the price.
Thanks so much for any advice you have :)</p>
<p>I prefer TIME myself for the very reason that it’s cheaper, and comes every week (Friday before newsstand release for subscribers). A lot of it is the basics of what is going on, but they usually have 1-3 main stories that really go into things and/or offer some varied perspective on a huge current topic. FWIW, I think they do a great job summarizing what’s been going on in the world over the previous week, plus I think some of their graphics help in explaining the complex in a simpler way.</p>
<p>I would subscribe to The Economist if it were a bit cheaper. If you’re really wanting to read it, then check out your local or campus library as they usually already have subscriptions for some, if not most, of these publications. Just be sure to go in every week to get it.</p>
<p>I think The Economist is worth it. $67 for six months of issues really isn’t that much money, you’ll probably spend more than that in one night of drinking at a bar ;)</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your opinions so far everybody I’d still love to hear more opinions but this has been really helpful! I just want to address a few points:</p>
<p>@Caldud and turtlerock: thanks for the advice on trying to look into free options. I’ll definitely check out the library and see what I get for online subscriptions. From what I’m able to tell I just get the Washington Post from UMD but I’ll look into it!</p>
<p>@ThisMoralSoil: that’s a good point that it might be worth the investment. I definitely wouldn’t spend that much in one night though, especially since I don’t drink (and I know I won’t in college because I hate the taste of alcohol). But considering I’m getting a full ride to college I could probably afford the $67…I think I’ll see about the library option and consider paying for it if I can’t find another way.</p>
<p>@discoinferno: I get what you’re saying about the internet making sense, but I guess I’m old school in that I really prefer to have something solid that I can hold in my hand, mark up if I want to, etc. I definitely get a lot of my news from the internet, but I want 1 or 2 print journals that will motivate me to read as well as just being more pleasant for me to deal with.</p>
I’d still love to hear more opinions but this has been really helpful! I just want to address a few points:</p>
(and I know I won’t in college because I hate the taste of alcohol). But considering I’m getting a full ride to college I could probably afford the $67…I think I’ll see about the library option and consider paying for it if I can’t find another way.</p>