Style Weekly Magazine

The paper is a staple for Richmond’s goings-​on. Some issues are better than others, but that’s to be expected. It’s my go-​to source for new restaurants and reviews (next to Unilocal,of course). I’ve followed them on Twitter for awhile and recently liked them on Facebook, too for up-​to-​the-​minute «breaking sleaze…» I mean, news :)

I pick up this paper to find out about events, as that’s really their strength. And I agree with Sean about the architectural reviews… I love that kind of stuff!
As with any paper, some columnists are better than others, but in general, I think their arts and entertainment coverage is pretty good. I wish local alt-​weekly tabs like this would let go of the snarky, «Creative Loafing» style stuff. It’s so 90’s and if you want that kind of writing, read some of the good stuff like «The Onion».
As for it being Democratic, someone has to counter-​program to the daily newspaper so I’m all for that.

I have always looked forward to my Style Wednesday fix of local news and gossip. I have had a love affair for 20 years and it doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon.
I go first to «the score» which rates the city’s «weekly zeitgeist» It gives a quick number rating (–10 to +10) and quickly rates how Richmond and VA fared in the news this week. For example, this week, the death of beloved Richmonder, Jimmy Dean got a –9! but the World Beer Festival got a +7…so you can see that certain things balance each other out. For the week, a +6, not bad!
I also look forward to the Architectural reviews of Edwin Slipek as he brings one of my true interests to the masses. He also shows both sides to the newly erected structures around Richmond.
The Arts and Culture section does a great job of keeping up with all the happenings around town. It features reviews on movies, theater and music around town. Often there are up close interviews with local artists. For example, this week they spotlight the gentleman who is responsible for ringing the bells at Byrd Park’s Carillon.
The one thing that I do find bothersome is that the entire classified section basically consists of ads for Trustee’s Sales. While Style has never been known for great classifieds, and most papers are doing away with them, it is just bothersome in this type of weekly paper. I also turn to the weekly calendar showing events around town to make my plans for the coming week.
My most favorite issue is the year end wrap up or «Best Of» edition that shows the hot spots in town. Style is available throughout the city at most restaurants and grocery stores.

Style has come a long way, it was once a magazine we all had to have, now it is nothing but a trash rag! I will buy a Sunday Times Dispatch before I will pick up another Style Magazine!

Some of Style Weekly’s investigative pieces are journalism at its best. Their coverage of the music, art, and food scenes here in Rivah City is terrific. I could live without some of the alt-​weekly urban-​wannabe snark, but I suppose that comes with the package. Plus, as a transplanted New Yorker, I might have a higher snark standard than they’re able to deliver…

The only paper worse in the city of Richmond is The Defender. This paper is highly biased basing a lot of its reviews and articles on people and companies that advertise with them. The calendar section for live music, events, etc… is nice but I can’t stand to anything else about it. The top 40 under 40 is always elitist wealth despite Richmond having so many people that do better things for the community. The food reviews are hit or miss. Sometimes I couldn’t agree more, sometimes I wonder if Deveron was eating at the same restaurant. Also I feel like this is a very Democratic paper. I prefer non biased papers that express their thoughts independently.