A scrappy little newspaper with a small staff that isn't afraid to tackle a tough story.read more

It is easy to get the wrong idea about (614) (the parentheses are part of its name), the free…read moremagazine available monthly at various places in town; it is not a rag to discover what weekend events are happening, what band are playing where, nor will it get you free entry to a gouging strip club like say the extinct Other Paper did. Though they do have monthly schedules, smart phones have put an end to prints that specializes in only that. What it does, as magazines do, is publish feature articles; stories from a wider perspective and more in-depth than hard news. For me, its deeper coverage of Columbus' culture and goings-on is my feature writing supplement to columbusunderground hard info. Together I am out of the dark about the community's civic and cultural trends. The covers are always graphically and photographically eye-catching. They make the issues look glossy, an illusion as one touch reveals its lower grade paper stock, a fact not to be disparage for a free publication. Still the artistry of the illusion should be applauded; often with city landmarks transported behind animated avatars they appear like old super hero comics--the city behind rendered like Gotham. Their photos laid covers are just as well done. Articles are usually well written and edited, with various levels of sophistication and acumen, but never underserving; I appreciate the general artsy style here than the tranquilized tone of the Dispatch's Art Section The February 2016 addition is typical of what you will find every month: the story of a local musician battling back after break up of his former band due to a theft; an electrically written interview with the band Animal Collective; a look into the art competition involving the Arnold Sports Festival; A look at the annual Dude-a-thon at Studio 35; a look back at the NFL's roots in Columbus; and a great article viewing the benefits and challenges of the social enterprise model embarked by Hot Chicken Takeover and other businesses in town. Packed with info and interests, it was a joy to read. Ending each addition are short-short stories written by Columbus area writer showcasing the talent in town. (They also have poetry that I think misses, but I am picky about that art form.) I usually pick one up while eating after a long work week. It is a must for anyone interested in the city's culture.

There are a core group of publications that I must have by my bedside to find what's coming up and…read morethe latest Columbus news. This is one of them. (614) is published each month and is in a nice, large format that is full color and chock full of useful local information. The tone of the magazine is similar to 'Alive' but with a bit more refined flavor. For example, the April 2010 issue has articles on African restaurants around town next to articles on the best Columbus locations to buy a house and how to go about getting a good deal. Their events section is beautifully laid out with large descriptions of each event and pictures accompanying each one which makes it nice to see something other than an endless sea of type. The stories and events are Columbus centered so you have a good chance of seeing someone that you know (if not yourself) in its pages. I usually pick up (614) at Cup O'Joe but they are scattered all about town with a high concentration in the Short North. But pick one up fast as they go quickly!!

Horrible, horrible customer service. No way to reach a live person and chats are not helpful in…read moreresolving delivery issues. I have to go back and chat repeatedly to get a credit for a missed delivery. Our delivery person has no back-up, so when she is sick or has car trouble, we get no newspaper. I don't know how much longer I can put up with this nonsense.

The Columbus Dispatch used to be a respected and qulaity newpaper. It has become one of the worst…read morenewspaper currently being printed. Let's start with the quality of the editing. The Dispatch prints the same story multiple times in the paper almost daily...probably to just fill space. Then, they will print the same story multiple times in a week...again to fill space. The editing is also terrible. Many articles have spelling, punctuation and grammar errors. It looke like some of the reporters are still in elementarty school...and the editor is asleep on the job to allow the mistakes to happen. Now, let's talk content. The Dispatch is obviously an extreamly liberal newpaper and prints articles that I think few people actually read. The Dispatch constanly backs liberal elected officials and their agendas while constanly bashing the conservative officials. I would just ask the Dispatch to be more objective and not what they currenly are. Currently the only thing worth reading in the Dispatch is abou two or three comics.