These periodicals may be quite attractive in
appearance, although some are in newspaper format. Articles are often heavily
illustrated, generally with photographs.
News and general interest periodicals sometimes cite
sources, though more often do not.
Articles may be written by a member of the editorial
staff, a scholar or a free lance writer.
The language of these publications is geared to any
educated audience. There is no specialty assumed, only interest and a certain
level of intelligence.
They are generally published by commercial
enterprises or individuals, although some come from specific professional
organizations.
The main purpose of periodicals in this category is
to provide information, in a general manner, to a broad audience of concerned
citizens.