One writer in the site's crosshairs promises that after hearing the new album by the singer-songwriter Maria Taylor, "you'll soon be wondering how you've lived so long without having these songs in your life." Another declares that the new Art Brut album is "as clear as crystal a piece of untainted genius." And a third notes that "No Wow," by the Kills, is "a brutal record that changes you the same way prison changes a man." No extra commentary is provided, and none is necessary; the site's scathing sarcasm goes entirely unstated.

The Shins Will Change Your Life reads like a delayed reaction to the great snark debate of 2003, begun in the pages of the literary magazine The Believer and continued, for a few months, in the Snarkwatch section of the magazine's Web site, believermag.com. Heidi Julavits, an editor of The Believer, used the term snark to refer to the "hostile, knowing, bitter tone of contempt" that she often noticed in book reviews, including some that have been published in The New York Times Book Review. (The essay is online at believermag.com/issues/march_2003/julavits.php.) And the Snarkwatch site did the opposite of what the Shins site does now: instead of snarkily mocking music critics for their overwritten encomiums, it took book critics to task for "needlessly unpleasant" or unfair reviews.

MORE ONLINE

3. Chicago Tribune
50 Best Magazines
By Amy Dickinson
6/23/05
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-0506230005jun23,1,5717415.column?ctrack=1&cset=true

On Friday, June 17, Each year at the National Magazine Awards, a panel of judges decides which of the nation's 17,500 periodicals are the best.

But who cares what some publishing-industry poohbahs think? Magazines speak to each of us differently, and those lauded for slick editing and fancy photography aren't always the ones that capture our hearts. The New Yorker is the best magazine? Tell that to the readers of Armchair General.

Thus, the Tempo staff, for the third straight year, has compiled its own list of best magazines -- our personal favorites, drawn from the titles that clutter our cubicles, litter our nightstands or just, frankly, fire us up. The ranking is deeply subjective. But we've spent a lot of time seriously mulling a vital and eclectic universe. We proudly present Tempo's 50 Best Magazines, 2005.

MORE ONLINE

************
Whisper Jobs
************
Ed hears??¦

... that the editors of MEDIA and OMMA Magazines (publications.mediapost.com), which target the media planning and buying community, are looking for an editorial intern for the remainder of the summer. Duties will include research, writing, copy editing, collecting art, and interacting with all areas of magazine production. We strive for a casual, fun, and hard-working environment. Hours and days are flexible. We will also soon be seeking fall interns. Please send a cover letter, resume, and no more than three recent clips to Jennifer at jcoleman@mediapost.com. (OK to mention Ed)

... that Time Inc. is seeking a custom projects art director. The custom projects art director supervises a staff of designers and takes input from project managers to design or direct the design of sell sheets, mock ups, special advertising sections, and custom reprints. This includes taking designs from concept to completion, working with writers and editors to flow and fit copy to layouts, and obtaining and producing graphic elements such as charts, graphs, photos, and illustrations. The art director must be able to manage multiple projects at the same time, work with a variety of people and personalities, and meet strict deadlines. Must also have strong production skills and understand all aspects of pre-press in order to prepare or supervise the preparation of materials for printing. Art director is responsible for choosing and buying art within set budgets guidelines. Experience making presentations to advertising clients and selling design concepts a plus. Qualifications: Seven + years of experience in magazine design; A strong portfolio of varied work; Experience managing designers, artists and photographers; Expertise with Quark, Illustrator and Photo Shop; Comfortable in matrix organization; Strong PC and organizational skills. If interested please apply here: http://jobs.brassring.com/en/asp/tg/cim_home.asp? partnerid=391&siteid=5101&codes=NXXX,44486BR (OK to mention Ed)

... that Meredith Corporation is seeking an associate beauty & fashion editor at More Magazine. Candidate will be required to research, write, copy as assigned by beauty & fashion director, manage all website information, beauty & fashion shopping directories, contest fulfillments. Bachelor??™s degree required, at least two years experience in the beauty department of a consumer or similar magazine. Must have a demonstrated passion for beauty, strong product knowledge, and the beginnings of solid industry contacts. Very strong writing, editing and proofreading skills required; familiarity with Microsoft Word and Quark. Team-oriented person needed who is also mature enough to handle running a department for significant amounts of time. Please send responses to nyhr@meredith.com and include the job title in the subject line of the email. (OK to mention Ed)

... that Meredith Corporation is also seeking an assistant photo editor at More Magazine. Candidate will assist photo director and photo editor in all photo department operations, including photo research and production. BFA required, plus 1-2 years related experience. Ability to communicate visual concepts. Strong research and organizational skills. Cost-conscious. Excellent inter-personal skills. Please send responses to nyhr@meredith.com and include the job title in the subject line of the email. (OK to mention Ed)

*********
About Ed:
Ed2010 is a purely volunteer organization dedicated to helping people reach their dream magazine jobs by the year 2010. Find out more (and donate to the cause!) at ed2010.com

Reminder: Ed has message boards!
Ed on Campus -- http://www.ed2010.com/eocboard.html
Ed2010 -- http://www.ed2010.com/boards.html

How to unsubscribe from this newsletter:
Send an email: 5557-unsubscribe@zinester.com
or go 52598/

How to subscribe:
Email: 5557-subscribe@zinester.com
or go to: http://www.zinester.com/mpb/ml_fs.cgi?topic=5557

BTW, Ed doesn't endorse the advertisement you see below. It's just what happens when you use a free e-newsletter service.