An Island of Ideals in an Indolent Ocean

Some of you may have noticed the occasional “Buy Nothing Day” or “TV Turnoff Week” posters in the HUB or in a hallway elsewhere on campus. For those of you who don’t know, these un-holidays are a product of the folks at Adbusters, a Canadian magazine with worldwide significance. Adbusters Magazine is an unusual publication that seeks to spread awareness of timely issues concerning consumerism, the media, globalization and advertising. You will not find corporate advertisements in this magazine, but it might help you shop smarter. Imagine a magazine that tackles practically every contentious issue, using artistic expression, scientific studies, poetry and good writing without conforming to standard formats, to illuminate such issues. The net result is a magazine that only superficially resembles other publications. The magazine is biased toward sustainable living, recycling, consumer awareness, corporate responsibility and changes as applicable. It is not, therefore, for everyone. People with preformed opinions who do not wish to be confused with facts or opposing thoughts might even find the publication insulting. It is neither dumbed-down nor overly wordy. Adult language is not edited out.The most striking thing, for me, is the amazing photography. These are powerful images that you often will not find anywhere else. In this sense, it is akin to National Geographic, only differing in subject matter.Each issue has a central thesis that is addressed from several different angles. Reader responses are encouraged and often published regardless of agreement or disagreement. A drawback is the steep $7.95 cover price. This is what happens when you don’t run advertisements and still use recycled materials in the production of a magazine. Every page is magazine, without fillers. Bravo.Understanding the tight financing involved with college life, it would be good to have it available through the library. Several attempts have been made to get Lamson Library to subscribe, with negative results. You can’t find it there.If you are interested in subscribing to Adbusters, or are just curious, go to www.adbusters.org and check out their extensive website forums and archives. Expect to be at least a little surprised. There is a wealth of information there about things not covered in mainstream media, and the spoof ads are not to be missed.If you like what you see, talk to the folks at Lamson Library. If you already read Adbusters, bring a copy. Eventually it might become available on campus. Which wouldn’t be a bad thing.