Niagara Life Magazine: A Lesson in Vanity

I clicked a link this morning to Niagara Life Magazine’s website.  (**Not to be confused with the interesting and informative Niagara Magazine, which can be found here.)

The first blurb I read was this:

“Niagara Life magazine enjoys one of the most affluent consumer demographics of any publication in the Niagara Region. Niagara Life appeals to readers who have discriminating tastes and are able to afford the things about which they are truly passionate.”

The second was this:

“Niagara Life celebrates the uniqueness of the entire Niagara Region. Features promote Niagara’s culinary venues, wineries, culture, arts, entertainment and more. Niagara Life enjoys one of the most affluent demographics of any publication in the region, distributing 50,000 copies to readers who are able to afford the finer things in life.

Award winning photography, editorial and graphics make this a MUST HAVE for those with discriminating taste.”

Now, what impression are you left with after reading this rather imperious introduction? I daresay it should have added, “…readers who are not up to snuff need not waste their time, or the magazine’s.

See, I’m of the opinion that in today’s struggling economy, self-serving magisterial comments like these are teetering on the dangerous side, able and ready to skid down the slippery slope to where other defunct publications have already met their end.

Isn’t it marvellous that Niagara Life Magazine is so assured of continued success that it need only appeal to readers having discriminating tastes and those able to afford the finer things in life?