WOW, big question. I think the soft cover/paper back work well once you get to a point after magazines that you wish more in detail at 3 or 4 a.m. Let's face it, what quilt class is held at that time for beginners or people trying to perfect techniques? Best magazine for entry level as far as techniques and details probably Fons and Porter or one of the McCalls or BHG special publications. I am a tactile learner so having the hard copy helps rather than beating myself up with a cursor!