Web Features

Letter from the Editors (Issue 9)

July 1st, 2006     by Derek Hogue     Issue 9: Issue 9: Breaking the Silence on Violence     Comments

In our very first letter in the very first issue of Shameless, published in the summer of 2004, we wrote, “Welcome to Shameless, the magazine we hope will give teen media a serious kick in the ass.” So we think it’s fitting that the cover of our second anniversary issue features a boxer — a symbol of guts, glory and fearlessness. After all, publishing an independent, grassroots magazine on volunteer power alone requires many of the same qualities as boxing: flexibility, determination and the ability to get back up when you’re knocked down.

Although publishing Shameless often leaves us winded, a few things have kept us coming back for more — like getting to know our teen collective members, meeting (and rocking out with) our readers at launch parties, being part of the small magazine community and having the opportunity to speak our minds not only in print, but on radio and TV. Oh, and the award nominations have been nice, too. (Congrats to Zoe Cormier, whose article “Making the Cut,” Fall 2005, was nominated for a National Magazine Award!)

Over the past two years, we’ve had the privilege of working with many lovely and talented people. But part of being a small mag is that folks are always moving on to do other things. In that respect, this issue marks an interesting turning point for us — we’ve bid a fond farewell to our first art director, Jason Paré, leaving your faithful co-editors as the last remaining members from the original Team Shameless.

While we’re always sad to see people go, it’s exciting to have so many new faces at Shameless HQ, including our art director, Sheila Sampath, and our photo/illustration editor, Ronit Novak. Both women bring a wealth of talent and enthusiasm to the magazine. You can read more about them on page 3 and see their work throughout this issue.

Speaking of this issue, we really hope you’ll enjoy it. On page 32, Claire Pfeiffer reveals what it’s like to step into the boxing ring, put your gloves up and get the workout of your life. We chat with indie publishing wonder Emily Pohl-Weary about her fascinating world of girl pirates and detectives on page 24, while Sabine Hikel talks to teen podcasters on page 27. And you’ll get a crash course on T-shirt stencilling on page 36 — we’ve even included some Shameless stencil designs at the back of the magazine.

So kick back, grab some lemonade, or perhaps some delicious birthday cake, and enjoy the issue. Let us know what you think by e-mailing letters@shamelessmag.com or sending snail mail to the address in our masthead.

Yours shamelessly, Melinda + Nicole

PS: We’ve relaunched our website with a new look and an army of bloggers. Get online and join the conversation!

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