A reader asked, "How does Q-Notes make money if it is free to us?"

It is a great question. We get it a lot actually.

Free weeklies and bi-weeklies -- like Q-Notes, Charlotte's Creative Loafing, Greensboro's YES! Weekly and the Triangle's Independent Weekly -- make revenue through advertising. And, that's about it, as far as income streams.

Many papers, including Q-Notes, combine revenue sources from both print advertising and online advertising. Just this year, 2008, Q-Notes introduced online advertising at www.q-notes.com. It's some of the most affordable, competitive pricing you'll find for online advertising in the Carolinas.

Because we rely solely on our advertisers, it is so important for readers to tell the businesses they visit, "Hey, I saw your ad in Q-Notes." Advertisers love to hear that.

And, if you know a gay or gay-friendly business owner, tell them about Q-Notes. We're the best way to reach the LGBT market in the Carolinas, with the largest distribution over two states and most visited website out of all other LGBT media in North or South Carolina. With 22,000-24,000 readers per issue and more than 10,000 page views on our website each month (that's more than 2,000 each week), you'll bet you can get the best bang for the buck using Q-Notes to reach your targeted audience.

Readers, do you have other questions? Email us at editor@q-notes.com or message us through MySpace.