Some periodicals are published daily, but many are published less often, probably because their ideas don't need to be quite so up-to-the-moment. Periodicals like The Tatler and The Standard started out by mixing bits of news with essays, but now they generally just print essays and stories (one or more) on a given subject.69 Some of them take major news and produce commentaries, while others detail private events or personal essays.70
Most essays directly or indirectly portray thoughts and critiques on a social, moral literary or philosophical theme.71 If you like, I've got tons of periodicals on scientific and moral thought. If you're a fan of literature, you can find critiques in here of the newest books and novels; it may help you find something to read! Be careful, though, many of today's critics are scathing.72 Many periodicals deal with the nature of God and man, of course. If you're interested in that, you might want to head over to our section on religion and morals, right at the front of the store and covering both side walls.
Some periodicals, such as The Athenian Mercury, began to ask for questions from readers. The publishers would answer these questions in the next issue. This became wildly popular, and the publishers had to print messages asking the public to stop sending in inquiries.73 Whatever the topic, these periodicals are a great place for public debate.74
Even though these periodicals are in the form of essays or stories rather than "news," they still convey a sense of being "in the moment." Often, events of the day are related to a more general understanding of human life; they show how we are all part of some larger plan.75
