Innovations in media: 'Works in Progress'

Works in Progress is a 6-year-old “magazine of new and underrated ideas to improve the world.” 

“Magazine” is used loosely. A bi-monthly print version of the London-based magazine launched only late last year. The first 20 issues of Works In Progress were digital, distributed only on a robust website that includes individual articles (including audio transcriptions of each), videos, a podcast, an email newsletter, events and an archive of past issues. 

All of the digital pieces are free to consume; the print magazine, however, costs $100 a year for six issues. It’s pricey, but beautifully designed on high-gloss paper. Each issue weighs in at more than 120 mostly ad-free pages, with an eclectic mix of content focused on “economic growth, technology, policy, history, metascience, cities, medical research, aesthetics, transport, energy and much more.” Classically liberal and market-oriented themes guide the story mix. 

So far, three print issues have been released, and I’ve enjoyed each. At almost $17 an issue, I would feel obligated to read every issue top to bottom. And I do, but it’s because the content is that good. The articles are eclectic, well-researched and written, and beautifully designed. 

The most popular Works in Progress articles include “The Housing Theory of Everything,” “How Mathematics Built the Modern World” and “The Beauty of Concrete.” 

Sexy? Um, not exactly. Egg-headed, yes, but also thought-provoking.

I first learned about Works in Progress late last year from its Substack newsletter, which has 47,000 subscribers. As a magazine fanatic, I signed up for the print edition as soon as it was available. It’s invigorating to know smart journalists still consider print a strategic vehicle for long-form journalism, where readers can ponder graphics, relish typefaces and find lasting value in premium packaging.  

And Works in Progress is very much a community-centric product. Online commenting on articles is robust, and editors periodically post public requests for story submissions. In addition, if you have expertise in a story topic that is considered unique and interesting, they’ll gladly accept a pitch. Contributors run the gamut of professions, which helps ensure each article has its own rhythm. 

To ensure differentiation remains high, the editors reward readers who help ensure Works in Progress content remains unique. 

“We don’t want to duplicate work that’s already been done. If you know of a really good article tackling one of these subjects that’s already out there on the internet, then please share it with us instead. If we agree with you, we’ll give you a $50 Amazon gift voucher, or donate $50 to an effective charity of your choice. If it’s old, obscure, or out of print, we might republish it in our magazine.” 

The Stripe.com payment network purchased Works in Progress in 2022 and weaved it into the Stripe Press subsidiary. I’ve found no evidence Stripe influencing the content, but the magazine’s roots mirror Stripe’s mission of free-market economics. Whether Stripe is subsidizing Works in Progress is unknown, but I’m betting this new print venture earns its keep over the long run. It’s an ambitious thought experiment worth supporting.