Homegrown Music Monthly's Editor Asks Bands And Fans For Help

Tampa, Fla. - (August 13, 2009) - In journalism classes, they tell you to lead with the most important information, then continue the story by listing the facts in a descending order of priority.

So here's the long and short of it: REAX Magazine needs your help.

REAX is and always has been a fiercely independent entity, beholden to nothing but the tastes and imaginations of its staff and readership. Unfortunately, these days, "independent print media" has become a euphemism for "pretty much screwed from the get-go." Budgets and assets were basically nonexistent when the mag started, and they've only gotten tighter as the media and publishing industries have gone into a tailspin.

We've done more than just get by. We've managed to support local music and art in communities all over the state of Florida while simultaneously covering the national scene and exposing homegrown talent to readers all over the country and beyond - the vast majority of our subscribers at issuu.com reside in other countries. We've given aspiring writers an opportunity to interview their heroes and hone their craft while adding cover stories and other prominent features to their resumes.

We've thrown some most excellent parties.

And we want to keep doing all of those things.

Now, I'm supposed to write a press release that asks for donations without sounding like we're in trouble. That inspires the scene to rally around REAX without making it seem like we think the scene owes us something. That lets the bands and fans and readers know that we really need their help without scaring advertisers.

Well, you know what? We are in trouble. We do need your help. And if some of our advertisers paid what they owe us, we wouldn't have to play the "incredibly handsome free magazine asks its readers to give a little back" card.

Rest assured, REAX isn't going anywhere. We're still committed to providing local, regional and national music and lifestyle news.  But we're having a really tough time paying the bills right now. So we're asking every fan, band, artist and writer to help us out a little bit. If you've ever gotten something out of REAX, or support the idea of independent media in an increasingly conglomerated industry, throw us a few bucks for toner or printing costs or gas. Donors will automatically be entered into a series of special drawings for swag like clothes, event tickets, gift certificates, maybe even a bar tab or two. We'll print your name in the mag's masthead as a thank you, too, if you want. Many of you have asked over the years what you can do to help REAX and how you can get involved.  Well, this is your chance.  We'll be eternally grateful.

Thanks,
Scott Harrell
Editor







http://reaxmusic.com/blog/donate