I had a great deal for 50% cash back on magazine subscriptions so I chose a couple magazines I thought I might want to pitch ideas to. One of the two quickly went on my "I don't want to sully my name with a byline in this rag" list.

Why? First, its jumbled layout makes it difficult to tell ads from articles. Apparently they don't know the value of a little white space. Second, each issue touts miracle foods or life-changing tips that often counteract things crowed about in previous issues. Is white vinegar the ultimate natural cleaner? Or baking soda? Or hydrogen peroxide? Which of the many super fruits really is the super-duper super fruit?

All I've taken away from the magazine – aside from a flop of a recipe I tried last week – is that it's a mishmash of hyperbole relying on an excessive use of superlatives.

Worse yet: After the first issue they were already sending renewal notices. No thanks.

I know how difficult it is to find a topic that has not been blogged about – ad nauseam. It leaves me wondering if there really are no new ideas. However, I am also equally convinced, no matter what the topic, you can make it your own with your unique spin.

So, when I see the 10 Must-Do that lists what we've read before with no new angle, I click off that blog.