We’ve all picked up a magazine or guide at some stage and come face to face with one of these: the collection of press releases stapled together the bland and banal publication designed to offend no-one the magazine so slanted towards its advertisers that it might as well be called “Lies They Paid Us To Tell”

Carpe Diem was born out of frustration with exactly that kind of publishing. Its flagship magazine, bc Magazine in Hong Kong, has established itself as an essential read with sharp and insightful writing, great design and comprehensive coverage of the local scene.

In a sea of mediocrity the Carpe Diem team remain clear on their mission. Put together the sort of intelligent magazine they themselves would like to pick up and read. Just like our mothers told us, “if you’ve got nothing interesting to say, don’t say anything at all” and, although they don’t consider their opinions to be the Holy Grail, the team are at least proud to have opinions.

They are also fiercely independent and, although that occasionally costs a few friends, readership per issue has grown to 120,000 in Hong Kong and over 20,000 unique web visitors every month.

After all, if readers wanted regurgitated press releases telling them how wonderful everything from boy bands to b-grade films were, they could get that anywhere.

As if putting together devastatingly good magazines wasn’t enough, Carpe Diem also publishes an annual Food Guide in Hong Kong, is working on a Food Guide in Singapore and provides copywriting, design and other print services.

They also have a website … obviously.