In those five years we have published countless
essays, interviews, columns and articles by some of
the best writers around. Same too with our artists and
photographers whose work has made this such an
outstanding publication. Our brilliant cover artists
were internationally known and local up-and-comers.
Put all those elements together and we have what I
think was a great magazine; something I feel is
unrivalled in the Pacific Northwest. We made many
mistakes but we learned from them. Others may have
been glossy and spelling error-free, but I always felt
(and still do) that our magazine was unique in its DIY
spirit, its never-ending attempt to provide smarter
coverage, and in its goal of providing a voice to
underrepresented people, communities and cultures,
without the snark that makes so many in independent
media feel hip.
Celebrating five years of publishing would be
impossible without the inspiring and tenacious
early-years work of three people: Beth Fell, Cari
Simson and Cheryl Ediss. Thanks to them for all they
did to get us going and their undying support ever
since moving on. Thanks also to the amazing staff and
contributors that have been with us, most of whom for
many years. I have worked countless paying jobs where
the staff doesn’t stay on as long or work as hard as
these people have. It truly has been a labor of love,
a product born of a sincere passion for independent
media, Northwest culture, and the chance to build
something from the ground up. To them, I am sorry we
could not make it longer, but I also know we would not
have made it half this far without you.
The biggest praise I have is for my co-publishers.
They are genuinely amazing people whose tireless work
lifted me when I was burnt out, inspired me when I was
out of ideas, kept me laughing when the bills piled
up, and kept me drunk far longer than was necessary.
Forgive me for getting too personal or sentimental,
but I must call them out. Dan, you were the rock upon
which this magazine lasted. Sarah, you were the heart
behind the whole mission. De, you were the creative
genius who kept us excited about every next step. In
this city, there aren’t three other people with the
integrity, smarts and creativity that you all have in
spades. I am honored to have worked with each of you
and look forward to whatever future projects we can
dream up (preferably really profitable ones).
Finally, thanks to all our readers and advertisers.
We worked hard each month to bring a better magazine
than we brought the month before and we hope that
showed. We started with a few hundred bucks and a
handful of advertisers and turned it into five
kick-ass years. Now our biggest hope is with you.
Because we want to see what you can do. Start up your
own magazine, newspaper, or zine. This city should be
big enough to support more than one decent
publication, so we’re counting on you to deliver.
Make it good, make it sloppy... make it whatever the
hell you want, just make it. God knows that if we
could do it, then you can too.
Eric
Hildebrandt
Publication Director
|