Buzz
With countless publications now heavily politicized, moralistic, and struggling to survive in the digital age, it’s easy to assume that magazines are a dying breed. However, a handful of niche publications continue to thrive, catering to highly specific interests—whether you’re passionate about potatoes or fascinated by the macabre.
10. Emu Today & Tomorrow
For those curious about the world of emu farming and its future prospects, this magazine is a must-read. A dedicated community of emu enthusiasts, known as ‘dromaius fanciers,’ eagerly follows this industry publication. Dive into topics like harvesting vibrant blue eggs and savoring the surprisingly tasty meat. Interestingly, while emu meat is technically poultry, the USFDA classifies it as red meat due to its color and pH level, similar to beef. Emus, like their ostrich relatives, are formidable creatures with sharp claws capable of causing serious harm. Thankfully, the latest issue of Emu Today & Tomorrow offers a detailed guide on safely raising these birds. Sadly, no centrefold features here.
9. Spudman
Previously titled ‘The Times of Ireland’ (apologies, but it had to be mentioned—we truly adore you), this magazine offers an in-depth exploration of potatoes, blending scholarly insights with the joy of indulging in their chipped form. Despite its playful name, Spudman delves into highly technical topics, featuring research from the University of Idaho on optimal potato storage methods, economic forecasts for the potato chip industry, and a dedicated online section called Spudwoman, highlighting influential women in the tuber world. Published eight times annually, it’s a must-have for potato enthusiasts. Sadly, no centrefold potatoes here either.
8. Girls and Corpses
Robert Steven Rhine, the founder, publisher, and self-proclaimed ‘Deaditor-in-chief,’ shared the inspiration behind this unique magazine:
“Why Girls and Corpses, you ask? Well, if you’re like me, you enjoy two things: stunning women and decaying corpses. So, I thought, why not combine these two fantastic elements into one publication?”
Fair point. If you assume this is just a quirky gimmick with models posing alongside B-movie props sourced from Arizona storage auctions, think again. The corpses featured are genuine! Sourced from countries with more relaxed cadaver transport regulations, the team uses them for photo shoots before sending them to their final destinations, such as labs or museums. If you can stomach the sight of decaying bodies, this magazine offers a darkly humorous and refreshingly irreverent take in an otherwise prudish era. Or perhaps it’s just plain macabre—you be the judge.
7. Elevator World
A magazine entirely dedicated to elevators might conjure images of an MC Escher-inspired world of endlessly intersecting machinery, but the reality is far less surreal. Their polished website suggests this industry is at the forefront of modern civilization, akin to advancements in AI and Elon Musk’s ventures—though that might be a stretch. The site even features a bookstore section, showcasing titles like the ‘Elevator Maintenance Handbook and Manual’ for $80 or ‘The Vertical Transportation Handbook—Fourth Edition’ for $179.99. Subscribe to this publication, and soon you might find yourself booking a ticket to ‘Lift Expo Italia 2021’ in Milan. Though, I’ll skip it, as the expo is oddly scheduled on the ground floor of the MiCo convention center. Missed opportunity, really.
6. Practical Sheep, Goats and Alpacas
This magazine isn’t about farm animals mastering IKEA furniture assembly; rather, it’s a comprehensive guide to livestock care. However, if you’re a llama owner, you’re on your own.
Similar to ‘Emu Today & Tomorrow,’ this publication covers everything you need to know about raising sheep, goats, and alpacas—animals that generously provide us with wool and meat. Launched in 2013, this quarterly magazine is an essential resource for prospective owners. It answers questions like: Which goat breed is best? How should you house alpacas? What if your sheep gets orf virus? And while it won’t help with escaped llamas, it’s a treasure trove of practical advice for everything else.
5. The Fortean Times
While we’ve poked fun at some entries (no offense to emu farmers or elevator engineers), this magazine demands a more serious tone. In a culture fixated on cancelations, moral purity, and self-destructive ideologies, The Fortean Times stands as a beacon of intellectual freedom. Inspired by Charles Fort’s writings, it offers a refreshing escape from the mainstream, encouraging readers to question the unexplained and embrace the unconventional.
Charles Fort was a fascinating figure, blending Victorian-era mysticism with Enlightenment rationality. This monthly publication continues his legacy by documenting events and phenomena that defy conventional explanation. Featuring stunning photography, exceptional writing, and a vibrant community, The Fortean Times is a must-read. Attend their annual ‘UnConvention’ to connect with like-minded thinkers. From bizarre deaths and paranormal accounts to deep dives into pop culture’s oddities, this magazine bridges skepticism and belief, proving that the middle ground is where true understanding lies.
4. Twins
Since its launch in 1984, this bi-monthly magazine has been the go-to resource for parents of multiples. Whether you’re raising twins, triplets, or more, Twins offers a wealth of information, from product reviews and expert interviews to scholarly articles on twin-related topics. It’s an invaluable guide for anyone navigating the unique challenges and joys of raising multiple children.
While it’s great that they offer a free digital subscription, it’s a bit of a letdown that the so-called ‘magazine for multiples’ only sends one physical copy with a subscription. Come on, Twins magazine, how about a buy-one-get-one-free deal?
3. Crappie Now!
Despite the misleading name, this magazine isn’t about portable toilets—it’s for avid anglers targeting crappie, a North American freshwater sunfish. One popular fishing technique, ‘spider rigging,’ uses multiple rods fanning out from a boat, resembling a spider’s legs. Thanks to Crappie Now!, I now know this fascinating detail.
There’s something captivating about subcultures—their unique lingo, tight-knit communities, and the passion they pour into their hobbies. If you’re curious about crappie fishing, this magazine is your gateway. Want to make fishing less ‘crappy’? Grab an issue of Crappie Now!
2. PRO
If you could choose any magazine cover to feature on, which would it be? Aspiring musicians might opt for Rolling Stone, while actors dream of Variety. But forget those—aim for PRO Monthly, the go-to publication for portable restroom operators. Current cover star John McGreavey, a former accountant, crunched the numbers and dove into the porta-potty business. Now he’s cleaning up—literally and figuratively!
Jokes aside, it’s remarkable that this industry has such a detailed, high-quality magazine. Portable restrooms are often overlooked, but imagine music festivals or public events without them. How many times has a porta-john saved you from disaster? These unsung heroes, alongside electricians, sewer workers, and submarine technicians, deserve our gratitude for making modern life bearable.
1. Miniature Donkey Talk
This title could use a comma—imagine it as a command: ‘Miniature donkey, talk!’ While that would make for a viral video, this magazine delves into the fascinating world of tiny donkeys. If you adored Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh or the sassy donkey from Shrek, you’ll find their real-life counterparts equally charming.
For 25 years, founders and miniature donkey farmers Bonnie and Mike Goss have served this niche community with informative articles and a marketplace for donkey-related goods and services. All that’s missing is an Eddie Murphy-voiced AI device to make Miniature Donkey Talk the most popular magazine on the planet.
