Weekly Dig

by Viv C.

Cute local newspaper with quirky articles but I was looking for a paper that would inform me of more local activities beyond movies, bars and clubs. Don't get me wrong. It was enjoyable to read, but not that helpful for an out-of-towner. Still pick it up if you see one.

by Jeff L.

Original review below this - this is a quick edit:Regarding Boston M (anonymous post below):There have been rumors lately of our demise, all of which unfortunately have been perpetuated by a small minority of past employees. It's sad but that's why they call them "disgruntled." Are times tough and money tight? Sure. It's that way for everyone right now, especially in media, but we're not going anywhere and anyone who says otherwise is both wrong and stupid (which is why they stay anonymous.)So, love us or hate us, but don't be a tool and post stupid shit. You don't know what you're talking about. ---Ok, I'm biased...I founded the damn rag back in 1999. But I would still only give it four out of five stars because, unlike happy-go-lucky Alex L. below, we're actually not perfect - we can always do a better job. We take our small slice of the world and carve it out as best we can, week in and week out.  We're not trying to be the PHX, or Improper, or anything else, we're just trying to be the Dig. Some get it, some don't - and that's ok. As for pushy sales reps, or unfamiliar ROIs for print, we try not to worry too much if every dolt doesn't get it. I'll take our antiquated approach any day of the week, it's still far superior to the generic, anonymous online rants more a kin to "Hey buddy, pull my finger" than to a well thought out snark-fest, printed fresh and clean on biodegradable, soy-based ink slop, each and every Wednesday.To sum it up best and paraphrase a brave and intelligent member of our staff, "Mourn the death of print media at your own peril....at least it gives us ass-hats a chance to think about what we're actually writing, before it's printed."

by Angie T.

Snarky!A fine collection of in-your-face journalism. I totally appreciate writers who aren't afraid to write what they think, *after* they have done their homework and researched thoroughly. Of course -- must give credit to the publishers that aren't afraid to print it. Thank you, local businesses who support the Dig.It's so good, a former Bostonian friend of mine giggles when I mail him copies. I believe the exact quote was, "If I take three local Minneapolis papers and cut sections from them, I can *almost* put together a Dig."  It's a good read.

by Kiwi H.

Like Goldilocks felt about her porridge, I feel the size of this publication is great: not too big, not too small, perfect size for those "I'm not in the mood to sit down for a serious read but want to read through something that will entertain me" moments.The articles generally make me laugh, and I usually like the artwork. Not always, but generally yes. If it's about entertaining me, then yes, this does do the trick. Probably my favourite of the free mags because of it.All these publications have ads. This one just feels more like a publication with ads in it, instead of an ad-book with some articles in it, which is the better side of things!And they feature a weekly Yelp column. Every Tuesday. Written by our Community Manager extraordinaire, featuring her words of wisdom and those from Yelpers, and our 'style'. And it contained an excerpt from one of MY reviews last week too! Yay, thank you for boosting my ego a little. :)  It was exciting. And I liked it. :P And they have Secret Asian Man! How can you not like it for printing this adorable loveable comic strip on the regular! :)

by Andy T.

Best free weeky in Boston, but that's not saying much.  They have a good niche carved out for their snarky cynical selves, but I would really like to see them back the pose up with a little substance.  How bout some real articles from time to time, guys?  I'm tired of reading about places to drink and stuff to buy.  Still, they whomp the ass of all the other guys, and have one of the best comics sections ever.  I'll keep on reading.

by Kelly A.

Heart the Dig.I preferred when Mr Keohane was in charge, as I thought the paper was far superior then.  I loved the Burn Unit, but then that disappeared too.  But regardless, I am still a big fan mainly because the paper didn't lose alllll of its snark.  I love when Wednesdays roll around and I can snag a copy of the Dig and know that I can have about one hour of uninterrupted pleasure-reading time that evening.  My favorite parts include Oh! Cruel World and Defend Yourself! and Bean Counter.  I have been enjoying Ligaya's yelp section too.So even though it's not as good as it once was, I still give the Dig a 5-star review.  It's kind of a highlight of my life.  Proving exactly how boring my life really is.

by John L.

So the Dig just did a 1337-speak issue in honor of ROFLcon, which was interesting in that it's tougher to read than usual.  That being said, I appreciate having a magazine that has events in it that I like, and places that I'd probably go to.  I also like the fact that it's free and weekly.  My only issue is that it kind of tapers off about halfway through, when it becomes a lot more ad-focused, but overall, it's worth the cost to the consumer (which is just pulling down the door on the newsstand thingy.)

by Pete S.

Remember that show that was on TV where some people would intentionally watch a movie they didn't like, then complain to one another that they were watching a movie they didn't like, making jokes to one another so they felt like they were funny?Now there's a newspaper version.The Weekly Dig used to have at least one article each issue -- several, usually -- that actually *added* something to the world, rather than simply comment on, complained about, or advertised it.  But no, actual original content has fallen far down the ladder behind "personality" pieces -- articles in which the real subject is the author him/herself, and the purported topic is just the vehicle for this person to showcase their idea of how funny/annoyed/cool they want you to know they are.  In fact it's sort of like this one web site that's popular nowadays, you know the one...Seriously, it goes out of its way to make Stuff at Night look sincere.  Is that really worth the trouble?

by Joe R.

I like the Weekly Dig, but feel it is slightly less complete than the Phoenix, therefore I have to ding it a star.  If you have the option, grab both the Phoenix and the Dig for a true connoisseur's view of upcoming Boston events.  The Dig features very similar content to the Phoenix: arts entertainment listings, upcoming concerts, reviews, etc.  One leg up the Dig does have is the Beer Advocate column - quite possibly the most robust beer event listing that a beer lover could ask for.  Great commentary on beer etiquette, too.

by Tom E.

I'm looking at this star-rating thing wondering what to say needs improving on The Dig to justify only giving in 4 out of 5, and I'm drawing a blank.Too many adverts? Not really - compared to other freebie magazines it's far more reasonable.Too short? Nope - that's a bonus for me - a svelte tome is much more up my street than a hefty wad.Too immature and snarky? Come on, we're on Yelp here - that's our style too.So 5 out of 5 it is. Keep up the great work and the great artwork.Now give me a job please.