Every year, alternative newsweeklies from across the US apply for membership in the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies. After careful review, some are accepted, some are mentored, and some are mocked and belittled. Like the Fayetteville Free Weekly:

“From the cover stories that read like middle-school reports to the weak home-decorating column, this publication is an abomination. Inane writing, bad editing, zero design. You can’t even read the crossword.”

The review committee’s advice is a mixture of frank professional assessment and tough love.

“This paper has great potential in a rapidly growing if conservative market. First things first: start doing news, get an art director and simultaneously a new printer. Quickly.”

Is it all bad news? No. Los Angeles City Beat, a unanimous choice for admission, is “So sharp, it draws blood”.

Read the committee’s comments. Line after line, they underline the high levels of professionalism, creativity and originality the Association demands of local newsweeklies. Does your hometown rag rate as well?