2006 was a rotten year for independent magazine publishing. The Independent Press Association debacle has persisted through most of the year. This past summer, Oakland-based radical zine LiP magazine ceased publication after two-and-a-half years and in November, Toledo, Ohio based Clamor Magazine shut it doors after seven years of publication. It’s been one big blow after another and, for me, the latter was personal; Clamor was a part of my life for two crucial years, during which I contributed as an editor. I learned so much about magazine editing, the business of magazine publishing, and working with freelancers for months to develop the germ of an idea into a fully formed piece. It is said that Clamor worked with over 1000 writers in its 38-issue run. That is outstanding for such a small operation.

Yeah, there were money problems—there always are with magazines, even ones with big-name financial backers. And still, Clamor lasted seven years: longer than George magazine did, way longer than celebrity-obsessed Talk did. That is a mighty accomplishment, because survival is pretty much a crapshoot for magazines, no matter how devoted the readership is or how talented the staff and contributors are.

Clamor lived and died with its uncompromising vision and progressive perspective intact. So I will pay my final respect to it here by sharing five ways to keep other outstanding independent magazines from the same fate. Here’s how you can help:

1) Buy a subscription

Yeah, it’s a great feeling to pick up your favorite indie magazine at Borders or your neighborhood independent bookstore, but getting a subscription, in addition to insuring that you’ll get your favorite ‘zine delivered to your doorstep, also cuts out the middle man and insures that nearly all of your hard-earned cash will go directly toward the magazine’s publication. At the end of the day, a year’s subscription is usually cheaper than purchasing the magazines off the rack.

2) Give a donation

You’ll be hard-pressed to find an indie magazine that will turn away a no-strings attached donation. Writers, editors and artists have to get paid from somewhere (when they do get paid at all), and printing costs can eat up a surprisingly huge chunk of cash. Most indie mags have special donor programs or goodies (free t-shirts, CD’s or other merchandise) for those who give a little extra. Punk Planet’s Community Supported Journalism Fund is set up specifically to support the payment of quality writers and artists. So think of it, the money you give comes back to you in the form of a great ‘zine.

3) Contribute

Contributors are the lifeblood of indie publications, both print and online. That includes Third Coast Press. If you can write, draw or take pictures (or just like to) and you’ve got a story to tell, don’t be afraid to pitch. Indie magazines are always looking for fresh voices, and editors tend to be very welcoming and patient when it comes to working with first-time writers and artists.

4) Spread the word

My friends are tired of hearing me constantly pimp Punk Planet, Stay Free, Sun, Venus and all the other indie magazines I read. I don’t care. Most bookstores don’t go out of their way to promote indie magazines, readership tends to grow through word-of-mouth, and most indie magazines have small-to-non existent marketing and advertising budgets. Therefore, I’m pretty shameless about talking up my favorite magazines to like-minded readers whenever I get the chance. And don’t forget, subscriptions make great gifts, too!

5) Throw a fundraiser

If you’ve got the experience and resources, you may want to consider throwing a fundraiser for your favorite ‘zine. It can be something as small as an evening get-together at your home, a reading at a bookstore or a big blowout at your local bar. Of course, you’ll want to clear it with an e-mail or phone call to the folks at your favorite magazine first. Chances are, they’ll go along with your scheme.

-By Keidra Chaney

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Posted to Music News on Friday, January 5th, 2007 by Chris Force.