DigBoston

Boston's Weekly Dig (along with its competitor, The Boston Phoenix) is one of the two popular free weekly rags or alternative weeklies found in Boston, Massachusetts. It offers commentary on music, arts, politics, technology, film, sex, food, drink and more, as well as local bar, entertainment and club listings, and personal and classified ads.

The Weekly Dig began as a monthly called Shovel, run by publisher Jeff Lawrence and editor Joe Bonni. In September of 1999 it became a full-time operation, became weekly, and was renamed the Dig. Its competitor, the Boston Phoenix, initially gave it stiff opposition, including - according to some people - attempts to sabotage distribution and to increase the rates of Phoenix advertisers who advertised in the Dig as well.

In September of 2003, Lawrence abruptly - and amidst some acrimony - dismissed Bonni as editor. Assistant editor (now editor at large) Seth McDonlin was named interim editor; 'Judas Goat' columnist Joe Keohane was appointed the replacement editor later in 2003.

In January of 2005, the paper went through a relaunch that offered a new, updated design and broader content.

Lawrence and his staff of more than 20 editors, designers and advertising representatives put out the paper every Wednesday. It is distributed free of charge in self-serve newspaper dispensers located throughout the city.

In October, 2004, Boston Magazine publisher Metrocorp announced that it bought a majority stake in Weekly Dig. Metrocorp, which has operated Boston magazine since 1971, also publishes Elegant Wedding, Concierge, Home & Garden and New England Travel and Life. It also has operated Philadelphia magazine since 1946.

Sections

A typical Dig issue contains several sections, accessible by a Table of Contents, usually found on page 3 (facing the inside cover).

Letters

The Dig receives comments from readers regarding various issues about the articles, the paper, the writers, and otherwise.

Soapbox

As the name implies, this section is a soapbox for guest editorials and the like, written about such broad topics as lynchings, profane professionals and house burnings. Readers are encouraged to submit pieces they have written to be published as soapbox entries.

News to Us

News with a sarcastic and funny twist.

What it is

Tech reviews, Buy Me, and others.

Dig This

Club listings and events.

Music

Music reviews, interviews with local artists, and general music-related news.

Gutbusta

Showtimes and theater listings of comedy and improv performances around Boston.

Movies

Movie reviews, theater listings, and showtimes. Also DVD reviews.

Words

Book signings, releases, and other literary-related news.

Arts

Gallery listings and reviews, with emphasis on happenings around the Boston area.

Performing Arts

Theater listings and reviews, and often a column about current theater events.

Eats + Drinks

Restaurant reviews and beer advice from BeerAdvocate.com

Comics

Comics are near the end of the issue, and currently contain the strips The K Chronicles by Keith Knight (website), Ted Rall by Ted Rall (website), Perry Bible Fellowship by Nicholas Gurewitch (website), The Thinking Ape Blues by Mark Poutenis (website), No Exit by Andy Singer (website), and Secret Asian Man by Tak Toyoshima (e-mail).

Crossword

A typical crossword, yet themed around a specific celebrity or group.

Adult

Contains adult classified information (such as party line and escort service).

Classifieds

Contains classified information about automobiles, real estate, commerce, and a personals service.

Slag Heap

The Slag Heap is always found on the last inside page facing the cover. It typically includes photographs or a column intended to leave the reader remembering the paper. These are usually funny and irreverent pieces with little substance.

External links

• Weekly Dig Website