Cook's Illustrated Succeeds Without Flash, or Ads: "[Boston Common Press's] no-frills magazine has grown from 25,000 paying readers in 1993 to 520,000, with 150,000 of those joining in just the last two years. The company, based in Brookline, Mass., has published five successful cookbooks. It runs a Web site with 21,000 subscribers who pay at least $19.95 a year, and it produces a public television show that broadcasts in 78 percent of American markets. It has plans for two new magazines, including one that will rate food and kitchen equipment. What the company most defiantly does not have is advertisers."

Thanks to Robert Spears for this link. Here's what you get on Cook's Illustrated for $24.95 a year or $3.95 a month ($19.95 is the discounted price for subscribers to the printed version):

Access to all Cook's Illustrated searchable Index, favorite Cook's Illustrated recipes, tastings, and equipment tests from anywhere...at any time.

Additional recipes never before published in Cook's Illustrated.

Dozens of new equipment testings available online only.

A searchable archive of step-by-step photographs covering basic cooking techniques, from dicing an onion to butterflying a chicken.

A question and answer community bulletin board where your questions will be answered by Cook's Illustrated editors or other members of the online community. Search prior postings to find answers to frequently asked questions.