| I have always been a reader. When I was a kid I used to go to the library with a shopping cart and then come back in a month ready for more. True, most of it was crap, but my tastes have matured a little (I'm sooo over those Wakefield twins). Yet, like any dedicated fan, my habit overwhelms me from time to time. My bookshelves groan with "I have to be in the mood to read that" novels as well as daunting theory books set next to precious favourites that are too good for the used book store (give me Cintra Wilson or give me death!). Thankfully, when it all gets too much, the Web has some quick fixes for my addiction.
Salon.com is one of the best known writers' forums on the Web. The site offers daily contributions ranging from comics to articles on sex, people, politics and technology. The material is fresh, current and, if you're dedicated, archived. Plenty of talent can be found here with works from David Horowitz, Camille Paglia, Dan Savage and Sarah Vowell. The site can be utilized through the handy directory (classified by content or popular writer) or through the "hot topics" section. You'll never be hard pressed to find something to read here, and if you get picky you can subscribe to Salon's premium service, which allows you to access some material not available online with the additional bonus of avoiding banner ads.
Slate.com is another online magazine that provides contemporary food for thought. Brought to you by the people at MSN, it isn't as engaging as Salon's site, but there's a few diamonds in the rough and its material improves daily. Highlights include the advice column Dear Prudence, and the political gossip, Chatterbox. |
