Colleagues
As much as I may criticize their advice, I couldn’t do this without the efforts of the following people:
The Big Ones
Dear Abby – The grande dame of advice columnists, now on it’s second generation. Started in 1956 is the gold standard by which all others are judged. She did not pioneer the genre. That honor goes to her sister.
Ann Landers – Twin sister of Abby, Ann Landers wrote her column for over 50 years. Sadly, she died in 2002. It was her wish that her column would end when she died, and it did… sort of.
Annie’s Mailbox – started by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of Ann Landers’ columns started their own column before the Ann’s body reached room temperature.
Dan Savage – Writes a weekly sex-advice column where, trust me, no subject is taboo. Interestingly, after the death of Ann Landers, he purchased her desk.
Miss Manners – written since 1978 by Judith Martin advises on all matters if etiquette and polite behavior. Arguably invented referring to one’s self in the third person.
Hints from Heloise – the Martha Stewart of advice columnists, Heloise shares tips submitted by readers on a wide variety of topics.
Honorable Mention
Wayne and Tamara – married couple focusing on relationship advice.
Ask Carolyn – started her advice column in 1997 as a weekly feature for The Washington Post. Often she posts replys and follow-ups in her column, taking all the fun out of it.