You don't start a business like this if you don't already enjoy reading men's magazines. I have, at times, been subscribed to GQ, Esquire, Robb Report, Men's Health, Details, Maxim, Men's Journal, Playboy (for the articles), and a handful of others that have since disappeared from the landscape (Vitals, Player, FHM to name a few).

When Condé Nast announced that they would be publishing a "men's" version of Vogue, my first reaction was cynicism. Like feminine grooming brands that come out with a line for men (I'm talking to you Nivea), here is the quintessential women's fashion title being unnaturally bastardized in the hopes that men will want to pick up a magazine that has forever been associated with the female sex, and of course, a Madonna song. 

Except that, after reading the first couple issues, I quickly became a fan. I felt like it was a well-balanced mix of content & advertisements, especially if compared to each 3 lbs. issue of GQ in which 2.5 lbs of it is ads. Unlike some of the other titles mentioned, I would try to get through it within a day or two of receiving each issue.

Alas, Mens' Vogue is being reduced to a bi-annual issue to come in the Spring and Fall. Much of the staff has been let go, and their blogs seem to have died at the end of October. After we bail out the auto industry...and the airline industry...hopefully retail is next...and then we can evaluate the merits of propping up publishers.

If you are a glutton for punishment and want to hear more about Condé Nast's difficulties, you can read the full article -- ironically posted at one of the websites of their own publications complaining about the "draining effect" of the Internet -- here. Men's Vogue - may he rest in peace.