Does the Magnificat magazine count?

[Ziggamafu]

Like, could a monk read the Magnificat and fulfill his vow? I can't even seem to find/follow the Magnificat readings with the real LOTH. Is it even really selections from the Divine Office?

The LOTH is so friggen' complicated. Even the WEBSITES are complicated (universalis and loth.org seem completely different, sometimes). And I've never been able to figure out how to do the readings of the fathers.... ::sigh::

Magnificat would be cool...but i feel like it cheapens it...and that i'm somehow sinning (or at least not getting the full blessing) from reading a stripped down version of the Office.

[Laudate_Dominum]

Strictly speaking, the morning and evening prayer published in the Magnificat are not the Liturgy of the Hours as promulgated by the Holy See for use in the Dioceses of the United States. So I would have to answer in the negative, saying that a priest or religious would not be quite on track using the Magnificat in place of the Divine Office. However, that is not the intent of the publication, I believe they rather have in mind the laity, who are encouraged by the Church to pray according to the Liturgical framework, but are perhaps intimidated by the official Liturgy of the Hours. In my opinion I see nothing wrong with this and would not say that a person is any less blessed because they pray the Magnificat version.
However, another opinion I might share, is that it would be good to in fact master the use of the Breviary and pray the official text in union with the clergy and religious throughout the world.

I must say, while I can remember a time where I found the breviary to be confusing, it is very much second nature and I can assure you that if you persevere just a little it will become so for you.
If possible, I would suggest praying the office with someone or a group of persons who are accustomed to praying it so that you might get a sense for it.

Bear in mind these are only my opinions, I am no expert on the Maginificat publication.

God bless you.