ORIGINAL: rybohunter
If I'm reading a magazine, I enjoy reading more about someones adventure than I do about what tactics and /or gear to use.
You nailed my thoughts on being able to learn from a "cookie cutter" magazine.
That's the reason I enjoy the magazines too is for the stories. The only real mag that I consistantly learn something new in is Deer & Deer Hunting and what I learn is usually something more about the biology of deer rather than hunting them.
I have learned far more useful tricks on the Internet that I have in magazines. They are great for getting the basics, but once you understand how to identify deer poop they aren't much help.