Maybe 'Rolling Stone' should look into polybagging?

What follows is a re-creation of my thought process as I trudged through the 28-page centerfold insert—a Chevrolet American Revolution 2006 Year in Rock calendar—in the current issue of Rolling Stone, the one smack-dab in the middle of the Rolling Stone interview with AdFreak’s favorite übersexual, Bono. “This is really interesting. I want to read what Bono has to say about tensions in the band. I luv tension! Whoops! Stop interview! Insert! Man, this insert has heavy stock.” January: “Crap, this insert is a calendar. I’m getting a sinking feeling.” March: “Who’s the damn advertiser?” April: “Oh, it’s Chevrolet.” June: “Close call. Almost got a paper cut.” August: “My tennis elbow is starting to flare up again.” September: “Note to self: Never buy a Chevrolet.” October: “What was I reading about again, before I was so rudely interrupted?” December: “Nice picture of Billy Idol, but I’m exhausted.” The worst part is that the calendar features some great photographs and innovative design, but its placement is so disruptive that annoyed readers may barely notice. (On the other hand, while looking for links for this post, I discovered that Rolling Stone is offering a Podcast of the interview that you can subscribe to here. I'm feeling better now.)

—Posted by Catharine P. Taylor

October 27, 2005 | Permalink