Free newspapers in NYC

Village Voice, but I hate the print edition because the printing quality is crappy and the ink comes off on my hands. Online it's great, though. In fact, it's a classic.

I haven't picked up any in quite some time, having switched to the online versions of things. I am with you guys on the Village Voice. I used to pick up L Magazine if I was getting on the train and didn't have any other reading material.

I really don't read newspapers anymore, especially since I get nearly everything I want online. I do read magazines, however, as I am subscribed to about three of them.

I read almost all the free newspapers in NYC, the Metro, AmNY, Village Voice, L magazine, Our Town East Side and West Side Spirit. They form my subway and bus reading as I don't usually take my subscription newspaper the FT outside. I think these free newspapers are a boon as they keep you informed about the events in the city. Often I know about stuff which my close friend who subscribes to the NYT has no idea of. I try and dispose these newspaper responsibly though as I am aware that they cause a god awful mess when they are chucked around.

Agreed, @uraniumfish! I hate getting newsprint all over my fingers, and the VV is so big as to be unreasonably unwieldy. But it has such great listings! I've found out about 50% of the things I go to through there - and 50% through Time Out NY.

@ajadeidealist Every once in a while I'm actually surprised by the interesting VV articles...because admittedly I don't have high expectations. Time Out NY is better for listings stuff, but don't have anything like a decent feature article to offer.

Does anyone read the Observer, the pink newspaper? What kinds of people read the Observer, by the way?

Never picked up a copy of the Observer. Maybe I should start reading the free papers. At least that can help keep me better informed.

@definitely recommended hhusted I love the free newspapers they give you a ton of local news though I haven't yet picked up the New York Observer..

Hmmm. Plus, they have a lot of great ideas that we can talk about on this forum. But the basic thing is you can find out what is going on and keep or stay in the know, as someone once told me.

Actually, I don't think the Observer is free, but since we were on the topic of NYC papers...I just can't imagine NOT reading the NY Times and choosing to go for a subscription at the Observer. Just wondered who reads it and what the attraction would be.

Not sure, Uraniumfish. I used to subscribe to the NY Times many years ago, but I have seen some newspapers offer certain parts of their paper for free online. It is hard to say if I will subscribe or not. Maybe I'll pick up a free paper and look through them before deciding on the pay ones.