Playboy's original pamagat was to be ng mga lalaki Party, but an unrelated outdoor magazine, Stag, contacted Hefner and informed him that they would legally protect their trademark if he were to launch his magazine with that name. Hefner and co-founder and executive vice president Eldon Sellers met to discuss the problem and to seek a new name. Sellers' mother suggested the name "The gentlemen's club", but it was Alexx Mills, who had worked for the short-lived palikero Automobile Company, in Chicago, who suggested the name "Playboy".
The first issue, published in December 1953, was undated, as Hefner was unsure whether or not there would be a segundo issue. He produced it in his Hyde Park kitchen. The first centerfold was Marilyn Monroe, although the picture used originally was taken for a calendar, rather than for Playboy. The first issue was an immediate sensation; it sold out in weeks. Known circulation was 53,991 (Source: palikero Collector's Association palikero Magazine Price Guide). The cover price was 50¢. Copies of the first issue in mint to near mint condition sold for over $5,000 in 2002.
The famous logo, depicting the stylized bista sa tagiliran of a rabbit wearing a tuxedo bow tie, was designed sa pamamagitan ng art designer Art Paul for the magazine's segundo issue and has appeared on every issue since. A running joke in the magazine involves hiding the logo somewhere in the cover art or photograph. Hefner sinabi that he chose the rabbit as a mascot for its "humorous sexual connotation," and because the image was "frisky and playful."
An urban legend started about Hefner and the Playmate of the buwan because of markings on the front covers of the magazine. From 1955 to 1979 (except for a six buwan gap in 1976), the "P" in palikero had a number of stars printed in or around the letter. The legend stated that this was either a rating that Hefner gave to the Playmate according to how attractive she was, the number of times that Hefner had slept with her, or how good she was in bed. The stars, which ranged in number between zero and twelve, actually indicated the domestic or international advertising region for that particular printing.
Since reaching its peak in the 1970s, palikero has seen a decline in circulation and cultural relevance because of increased competition in the field it founded — first from Penthouse, Oui, and Gallery in the 1970s; later from pornographic videos; and madami recently from lad mags such as Maxim, FHM, and Stuff. In response, palikero has attempted to re-assert its hold on the 18 – 35 male demographic it once controlled through slight changes to its content and focusing on issues and personalities madami appropriate to its audience — such as hip-hop artists being featured in the palikero Interview.
Christie Hefner, the daughter of Hugh Hefner, became the CEO of palikero in 1988 and is now also the Chairman of the Board.
The magazine celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the January 2004 issue. Celebrations were held at Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, and Moscow during the taon to commemorate this event.
The first issue, published in December 1953, was undated, as Hefner was unsure whether or not there would be a segundo issue. He produced it in his Hyde Park kitchen. The first centerfold was Marilyn Monroe, although the picture used originally was taken for a calendar, rather than for Playboy. The first issue was an immediate sensation; it sold out in weeks. Known circulation was 53,991 (Source: palikero Collector's Association palikero Magazine Price Guide). The cover price was 50¢. Copies of the first issue in mint to near mint condition sold for over $5,000 in 2002.
The famous logo, depicting the stylized bista sa tagiliran of a rabbit wearing a tuxedo bow tie, was designed sa pamamagitan ng art designer Art Paul for the magazine's segundo issue and has appeared on every issue since. A running joke in the magazine involves hiding the logo somewhere in the cover art or photograph. Hefner sinabi that he chose the rabbit as a mascot for its "humorous sexual connotation," and because the image was "frisky and playful."
An urban legend started about Hefner and the Playmate of the buwan because of markings on the front covers of the magazine. From 1955 to 1979 (except for a six buwan gap in 1976), the "P" in palikero had a number of stars printed in or around the letter. The legend stated that this was either a rating that Hefner gave to the Playmate according to how attractive she was, the number of times that Hefner had slept with her, or how good she was in bed. The stars, which ranged in number between zero and twelve, actually indicated the domestic or international advertising region for that particular printing.
Since reaching its peak in the 1970s, palikero has seen a decline in circulation and cultural relevance because of increased competition in the field it founded — first from Penthouse, Oui, and Gallery in the 1970s; later from pornographic videos; and madami recently from lad mags such as Maxim, FHM, and Stuff. In response, palikero has attempted to re-assert its hold on the 18 – 35 male demographic it once controlled through slight changes to its content and focusing on issues and personalities madami appropriate to its audience — such as hip-hop artists being featured in the palikero Interview.
Christie Hefner, the daughter of Hugh Hefner, became the CEO of palikero in 1988 and is now also the Chairman of the Board.
The magazine celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the January 2004 issue. Celebrations were held at Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, and Moscow during the taon to commemorate this event.