I was very much an NME man. I liked the folk stuff in the MM, but it was the sheer energy of the writing and editing of the NME which made it entertaining for me. It did not take itself too seriously either, which I liked. There were serious writers in there too, like Bob Welch, Charles Shaar Murray and Mick Farren, to name a few. The interviews were more memorable and they were far ruder to the establishment (including the pop establishment).
It is also worth noting that most of the writers there went on to greater things. There was a lot of silliness and there were a lot of irritating traits to it. Having said that, I still have the feeling that the writers were basically honest. I don't think they had much more affection for the music business than WLD.
It was a phase of my life which I enjoyed.