The Desert Woman

Not every newspaper was meant to be world class. In the land of free speech and free press, there is room for niche markets. The Desert Woman very able plays to its niche, that is women who live or play in the Palm Springs area and to the men who are supportive of those women, regardless of their religion, race, or ethnic background.

Having said that, if a newspaper has no readers, it attracts no advertising. If it has no advertisers, it can't exist for anyone, regardless of who it perceives as its audience.

Hooray for the Desert Woman. Its existence is evidence that entrepreneurship thrives. So are its ads.

PROS: A great niche market, reviews, poetry page.
CONS: Some overly sensitive reviewers.

Posted 06/19/06 | Report Abuse

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From a fall that broke her back, editor-publisher Barbara McClure (an Athena Award winner) creates a truly beautiful, inspirational magazine that brings young women, women in their second acts, and very secure men together. The magazine is a springboard for bimonthly gatherings called Desert Woman Tea at Two, wherein the advertisers and authors can interact with their readership. When was the last time you saw a magazine do that?

I have to strongly disagree with the negative review I've read here. Compared to the airbrushed size 2 models with breasts bigger than legal, bizarre European designer jewelry, and belly-baring clothes that only 1 percent of the population can wear in the national magazines, the ads are as refreshing as the articles. I really do subscribe to Desert Woman for the articles--and the community. Call anyone out of the Desert Woman and they're delighted to get your business. Furthermore, there are psychic businesses, health businesses, professional organizers, CPAs, attorneys, artists, special events, and businesses you might never hear about if not for the Desert Woman. Barbara McClure, "the Oprah of the Valley," supports books big time--there's a bookshelf column (yes, people in California actually do read) and an annual Mini Book Fair, plus a poetry page written by the magnificent Dessa Byrd Reed.

The profiles of the desert women are terrific uplifting adventure stories. This isn't yet another glossy celebrity mag celebrating women with little more than great marketing and money. I have yet to see anything on Paris Hilton in the Desert Woman, and that's a relief. Barbara McClure started the magazine to celebrate real women, real stories, real lives.

Barbara McClure has created something amazing. I also love Phyllis Major, Andrea Giambrone, Kate Porter, Rita Dickey and the rest of the talented crew. Plus, the covers are stunning.

PROS: Great layout, thought-provoking articles, wonderful messages
CONS: None

Posted 06/11/06 | Report Abuse

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