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G21 WORLD HQ - As summer sets in, when most magazines see their readership fall off, we decided to poll the members of our illustrious Mailing List about what direction they would like to see Your World's Magazine take for the remainder of the year.
Here were our questions:
What follows is a digest of List Member and contributing writer comments.
Let the Games begin!
[NDK] (1) The jaded state of America's founding ideals (2) the growing
dissatisfaction of people who live in western culture with western culture.
2 - Would you like more or less political coverage from us on the US
election?
[NDK] More, but shred it. It sucks. Nobody believes in the veracity of
American Politics any more; we all know it's bought and paid for. We just
want you guys to do something effective about it and revive your founding
ideals. It would be horrible to see democracy die a slow demeaning death.
3 - How well are we doing on covering stories from Africa, Asia and
the MidEast?
[NDK] Good. But I think you should look to the larger pictures that are
revealed. Take the narrow focus and find the common problems and address
those and blow them into light so you take on a more global perspective that
reveals the larger issues that nobody is really paying attention to.
4 - How do you feel about our recent spate of newsmaker interviews?
[NDK] Love it. These are great. Keep 'em coming. Can you get Sean Connery
and ask him what he would like to improve about the art & entertainment
industry most?
It's a reasonable request...and I'm not really all that averse to giving you
that information except for one thing: I don't really consider myself to be
citizen of any one country any more. I've lived all over and I feel more
like I am a citizen of the world; a Globizen, if you will...a citizen of the
world, who is interested in everything that happens to it, and where I'm
from is irrelevant in this context, because I'm from right here: Planet
Earth. And what happens here concerns me, because we are a global village.
Why do you think I want to read G21, a *global* cultural zine...rather than
a local zine?
It's because I want a broader perspective, and I want to see how things in
the world are affecting each other and I want to connect the dots and be
informed. Behind this: it's because I care about what goes on. This planet
is my home. What is done on it and in it, concerns me, and those I love and
care about, and it concerns the survival of the human race which I am part
of. Western "civilization" while it has so much to offer; is yet what I term
"sillivization" because it's not maturing...and its technological capability
and its power are being abused in so many unintelligent ways, large and
small, that it is obvious it is like a petulant bully who just found the
playground and discovered that he's bigger than everybody else. And I
wouldn't limit this concept to western civilization alone; the hardy
spiritual life (the complete opposite pole of the materialistic west) that
sustains and nurtures the hopes and dreams of those who live the spare life
of the Eastern "civilization" are just as silly. We need balance. No more
extreme swings of the pendulum over issues of gender, race, ideology,
poverty and greed. No more dogmas! [Ideological extremes] I'd like to see
G21 become more of a voice for these ideas, if it is possible. In fact, as I
write this I realize it's a fervent hope...G21 doesn't seem to me to have a
position...in respect of these issues...and I think it should...G21 is
positioned nicely to do it, and I perceive this thread in your own strong
voice, but it is tenuous and not as bold as I believe you can be (listen to
me; I who have not yet let loose my own voice and perspective on issues near
and dear to me--creative discrimination, intellectual suppression; and more;
perhaps this is a start?)
So, where I park my body to feed and clothe it, is for me, irrelevant. ... If
you want to state my nationality--though I really do believe that issues of
nationalism and nationality are part and parcel of the problems we face as
the human race...(nationalism and other -isms are a way of side-stepping
larger issues and observations), then state: ex-pat Kiwi [and Kiwi really
means community in the greatest possible sense of the word--our isolation
has worked to make us a stronger western community than any other I've ever
seen]. Coming back to the thread...But we need to move beyond these petty
things and face the collective issues of humanity and make those important,
because those are the things that are really getting people--individuals
(decent people)--steamed and that they really want to grok and contribute to
improving, with a view to creating a greater harmony...we communicate with
so many all over the world now and we get along so well on an individual
basis for the most part...that's the 'force' we want to extend to the larger
issues. But who is articulating these?
Nobody. G21 could. Is, in my considered opinion, in a unique position to do
so, for your position and the nature of your contributors are an example of
what I'm talking about.
Keep up the good work, for I admire immensely what you and your team do. If
you have any more questions...don't hesitate.
Cheers!
The miserable war in Iraq, the chances of another attack on New York City
(one of my sons lives in Brooklyn and works in NYC.
2 - Would you like more or less political coverage from us on the US
election?
It's difficult to get charged up over the presidential choices: an idiot and
a funny looking tall guy. (Oops, just described myself!)
3 - How well are we doing on covering stories from Africa, Asia and the
MidEast?
Excellent work although it's sometimes tough to get excited about those
locations.
4 - How do you feel about our recent spate of newsmaker interviews?
Interviews are always good, especially if the intervi
ewer has done his or
her homework.
You're welcome.
My largest single issue of concern is the seemingly rapid erosion of democratic process and civil liberties.
2 - Would you like more or less political coverage from us on the US election?
More but I do not mean you should exclude other areas of coverate. Many things attract me to G21 but high on that list is the range of your coverage; I find that what I read in G21 often piques my interest and I pursue a matter further.
3 - How well are we doing on covering stories from Africa, Asia and the MidEast?
I don't know how well you are doing in an objective sense but I do know I see more and better coverage on G21 that elsewhere.
4 - How do you feel about our recent spate of newsmaker interviews?
I like them.
The future my children have in South Africa. The economy. Al Qaeda. Poverty and sickness in South Africa. What type of a world are we leaving my children? Current education policies.
2 - Would you like more or less political coverage from us on the US
election?
No thanks... (no offence...)
3 - How well are we doing on covering stories from Africa, Asia and
the MidEast?
Pretty damn well...
4 - How do you feel about our recent spate of newsmaker interviews?
Very interesting and informative.
Coming to terms with the world the way it is today, making sense of it ..
more stories about the "little" people, more of the heart to heart stuff
2. Would you like more or less political coverage from us on the US
election?
Not into US politics but general articles on it would be good and perhaps
more on the US-world link
3. How well are we doing on covering stories from Africa, Asia and the
MidEast?
Africa - great.
4. How do you feel about our recent spate of newsmaker interviews?
I think i jumped the gun in answering that :). The interviews were a gd read
but would like to see a wider spectrum ... but then I should be making a
mental note to send some in ...
Ans. to Q2--Moderate Coverage.
Ans. to Q3--OK.
Ans. to Q4--Great work by Brad! Except, if I'm missing something--since I'm still "digging" into the archives---?I'd like to see more women being interviewed. I bet there are a lot of women in the news out there.
I am not all that interested in interviews I'm afraid, I prefer analyses, they always say so much more.
Regards,
Take care!
It's great to learn that the world's magazine is alive and kicking. i have being trying to?knock a book into shape and it can be a brain twister sometimes. i guess?you know.
This is how i feel about about your questions:my issues of concern are basically social . I am passionate about sports too.
I would also read more political stories as i am not apolitical.
I enjoy the way you cover africa, asia and the middle east; but it could be improved.
I should also say that you are doing terrific in view of the many constraints you have shared with me.Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Eroding of our freedoms, corruption of our country and destruction of our imagine abroad. I want to feel good about being American.
The eroding of my personal financial wellbeing, which I believe represents the status of many folks my age.
2. Would you like more or less political coverage from us on the US election?
I would like to know more about obscure happenings that mainstream media may not carry or barely covers - but I often don't make time to read more than your headlines. Sorry, sorry, sorry. Thats only partly an apology - the other part is bemoaning that I cannot do all the things I want to.
3. How well are we doing on covering stories from Africa, Asia and the MidEast?
I am pretty well focused on USA. Not that I don't care about the rest of the world, but I am so overwhelmed by my perception of things here at home I can't seem to get much beyond it lately.
4. How do you feel about our recent spate of newsmaker interviews?
They are good and I'm glad you do them but I am focused elsewhere. Well, perhaps "focused" is too strong a word. More realistically, I am little focused anywhere and direct my attention to things that hit me between the eyes.
Sorry, Rod. I doubt any of these are the answers you wanted to see. I don't like them either.
Please keep the e-mails coming even if I fall behind. Thanks!
:-)chn
That said, as with most publications, GENERATOR 21 finds itself in the position of having to respond to conflicting and diametrically opposed demands, as your own e-mails evidence. Our domestic readership wants us to focus on the USA almost exclusively -- something that is not part of our desired mandate -- while our international readership only wants to hear about America as it impacts the rest of the world -- and most specifically their own countries.
So, in my view as Editor and Publisher, you present challenges among your kudos. Challenges that it's my job to address.
In at least one instance, I took the time to respond to a comment. I found NDK's second e-mail compelling and had this to say:
Thanks for the eloquent and thoughtful answer to my questions. Actually, you also addressed at least a couple of questions in the poll in more depth that gave me considerable food for thought.
.. A Note about your other comments: You're right. G21 could definitely decide to be a platform for certain kinds of thought. That we aren't, I believe, has occurred for two reasons:
1 - My leaning is to let the writers and contributors speak to and about what they care most passionately about. In some cases, that has meant publishing opinions and positions with which I most certainly don't sympathize. BUT I believe that's one of the strengths of the effort. Kevin Carey once referred to it as my "heterodoxy."
2 - If, as you assert, the goal is to go beyond ideologies and -isms, then it seems to me it would be wrong to intercede between the writers and readers by only publishing work that fits my limited ability to establish a "Position". In the final analysis, I believe I'm more concerned with profiling good writing from a world-spanning pool of sources than vetting those writers who'll contribute to us for their support of a particular position of my own.
These two reasons, which I believe are interrelated, put me in a rather dodgy position, if you will, in presenting a uniform product but I've never bought into the notion that we should perform as a choir; we're more of a jazz band. And a highly improvizational one, at that.
I appreciate your input very much. I'm sure this won't be the last time I'm made to explore these issues.
Regards,
Indeed, these are issues which have come up recurrently -- as especially in the early days of this endeavor -- when I was constantly challenged by new visitors/readers with the question: "But what is G21 about exactly?"
My own answer has never changed: "We mean to report the history of our world from the perspective of people 'on the ground.' " In the early days, that answer did not seem to satisfy most people. NOW it is all that some readers want to see from us.
Sometimes, it takes a while for a good idea to catch on, I guess.
I take into account that in 1996, when G21 was first launched on this medium, there was no such thing as a "blog" or Web Log. Now they are everywhere and (for the first time in history) "Bloggers" are receiving Press Credentials to cover the political conventions in New York and Boston here in the United States. This would suggest that the brand of "personal journalism" that your World's Magazine has supported for nearlyl a decade has gained a relative legitimacy.
Sometimes (and I won't be surprised if this is one of those instances) your World's Magazine comes out later than our official schedule. I would rather be late than remiss. This edition is an example of that principle.
It might not appear until late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, but when it does it will be exactly what I want and need for you to see.
I believe you should not expect anything less. (I attempt to fix some of the typos as we go along, but sometimes even I miss them.)
Let me share with you what one writer, from Africa, had to say about this effort:
will get back to you on those - hope these have helped though in terms of
where the site is and where it is going.
Have a great day.
My greatest fear is that I have succeeded at the latter while failing at the former.
Heart and Stone. Those are two word which anyone who has ever loved me intimately knows define the kind of person I am, in person. Felicity Ussher, who was my friend until she met me face to face, was surprised at Heathrow airport in London by how aloof I came off. Dragan and Dragana Vicanovic, my friends in Belgrade, celebrated my passionate heart. To some I come as a dream and to others as a nightmare ...
That comes out in this magazine of mine, I have to accept.
I can only hope that its next editor will put such a personal imprint on the endeavor and not attempt to simply be another Rod.
.
"NDK Creative Artist" in Los Angeles, CA, USA, wrote:
1 - What are your main issues of concern today?
[EDITOR'S NOTE: These comments provoked my interest. So I e-mailed the respondent back to get more input. What follows is a snippet of what I received. -- RA]
Hi Rod,
Our Music Writer, Bob Powers, of Marietta, OH, USA, had this to tell me:
1 - What are your main issues of concern today?
BobLen R. , of Laguna Beach, CA, USA, sent us this note:
1 - What are your main issues of concern today?
Our contributor from South Africa and inveterate jokester Gaynor Paynter told us this:
1 - What are your main issues of concern today?
Our African writer Aamera Jiwaji of Nairobi, KENYA, shared these thoughts:
1. What are your main issues of concern today?
Asia - ok, the interviews session was different and nice to read but despite
this are lacking a feel for life in Asia.
Mid-east - not so gd.
Could we perhaps make a G21 roaming section which could include stories from
less covered areas such as the Middle East, South America, the Far East ...
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It don't hurt like it did
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Who do I kid? -- Sheryl CrowNgozi Razak-Soyebi, of Lagos, NIGERIA, shared these observations:
Ans. to Q1--To tell you the truth, the sorry state of the world at large bothers me.
Mwara K'u, of East Hampton, London, UNITED KINGDOM had this to tell us:
Slightly alarming though it is to acknowledge the impportance of American foreign policy today, no, I don't think you spend too much time on the American political scene. It's sad but necessary. I love your coverage of African thoughts and writing, but Asian is not so well represented I think. Yes, the US election is important, we need to know, carry on, but what about some good news stories from the rest of the world? You know - oh, my god, it's working! After 40 years of family members from my extended family walking 2 steep kilometres downhill every day for water from our ancestral home (that means the laden trip home is uphill, note), my uncle put in a simple water tank and gutters running from the roof,?the?whole project?took about 2 weeks, and ?from that day to this no one has ever fetched water at our house again. Imagine! Stuff like that - practical things that make a social difference to the structure of society.
Mwara
Our writer in Queenstown, SOUTH AFRICA, Mpthumii Ntabeni, sent along this note:
I've been trying to think about suggestions to improve the
G21 for the past few weeks. The fact that it took me this
long to even come with one must be a testemony of how good
the magazine must be. My suggestion is perhaps G21 does
need a little bit more injection on the general
entertaiment and book reveiws, movies, such stuff.
Mpush
And Steve Ogah, from Lagos, NIGERIA, had this to say:
Hi Rod,
Steve.
Cheryl H-N, of West Fairlee, VT, USA, wrote us this:
1. What are your main issues of concern today?
COMMENTS, CONCLUSIONS * CONSIDERATIONS
First, let me thank all of you who took part in this exercise in Reader Control. It's appreciated, as the dialogue here is only as valuable as you make it.
NDK,
Rod
... Have actually been thinking about giving you some feedback on the site of late so your request came just in time to give me that extra push to writing
it all down:
The two words that affected me most in that comment about what we have tried to accomplish here were "heart and stone". That should not surprise you, my loves, when considering you are dealing with an editor attempting to build both a History of our World as we simple and often impoverished people know it and a Cathedral of Words. Heart and Stone.
phew - i know that wasn't quite the critical response you wanted but having
put all my thoughts down maybe there'll be some room in there for critical
comments to develop now.
G21 BOTTOM 10 OF 2003 +++ check out our next poll: INTERNATIONAL ELECTION SURVEY +++
via e-mail.