It is considered the first modern weekly magazine. Addison and Steele had been friends since they met while students at Cambridge University. In 1698 they had established a London newspaper called The Tatler, which lasted for only six issues before it was shut down by the government due to its liberal views. After this failure, they decided not to publish another newspaper for several years. But in 1710 they realized they needed to start up again if they wanted to have any influence over events while still living in London. Thus was born The Spectator, a monthly magazine that would include essays on current affairs plus poetry and jokes. Its aim was to provide informed discussion on public issues but also offer some amusement as well. So many people read The Spectator that it became one of the most popular magazines of its time. It also influenced other magazines such as Black's Magazine and Fraser's Magazine (both founded in 1751) that took a similar format. Today The Spectator is remembered for being the first true magazine that allowed for serious discussion about politics and current events to be mixed with humor and entertainment.