John Rockwell: August 2010 Archives
When I first floated the fantasy of an arts publication, I didn't assume it would be an NAJP production, tho I have no problem with that and would happily avail myself of any advice/help NAJP members can provide. Egged on by Peter Plagens, the NAJP board discussed this idea at our last teleconference meeting. Members were sympathetic but dubious, and unwilling to invest much of their own limited time in a project with such a dim chance of realization. Me, too, what with book projects and other ventures on the horizon. It was decided I would send an e-mail to all members asking if anyone wanted to join a committee to further discuss the matter.
Bob Christgau and I also had dinner recently with Joe Levy, who has considerable magazine experience. He suggested some ideas and avenues toward people to approach for advice and money. His thinking was that it would best fly as a prestige print monthly or quarterly, however wide-ranging the arts covered. It could also have an online presence, of course.
Upon further reflection I have decided to post this in ARTicles instead of sending it out to the entire membership -- because it's easier and because the NAJP membership list is seriously out of date and no one has the time to update it. I, too, am doubtful such a venture could fly, without a munificent endowment provided by a single philanthropist, as opposed to a shifting consortium of foundations, each of which would have to be appeased.
So: If anyone reading this wants to get together via teleconference to discuss it further, fine (tho I won't be back from abroad until Aug. 22). I would be especially interested in anyone with an MBA or hands-on experience in the upper levels of magazine publishing, with practical ideas about funding, business models and such. If the membership is as hesitant as most of the board, I could pursue it on my own, on the model of Lapham's Quarterly or The Believer. Or I could let the whole idea die a graceful death.
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