Now I know that's no big deal to most of you, and I can picture many of the responses already. But let me put it into perspective.

I first started buying it in 1993 and I haven't missed a single issue since, ever. Even though it deteriorated. But more and more I've been thinking "yes, it's bad but I buy it for something to read... but am I just doing it out of habit"?

So I picked today's issue off the shelf and decided to have a look inside. There's Lily Allen being all young and rebellious and telling us that everyone's rubbish except her. A load of 7/10, 8/10 reviews not saying much. And just some appalling writing. I didn't used to mind reading about acts I didn't like, if the writing was good.

About the only good thing left is Peter Robinson's interviews... although they're hardly about music.

I'm sure if there's big articles on bands I really like, I'll pick up the odd copy but I've got better things to do with what little money I have these days.

Ho hum.