It wasn’t long ago that new local publications shared closer ties to chapbooks than to periodicals. But those thin, inky newsprint rags have gone the way of other rough-around-the-edges Asheville staples (spoken-word hot spot the Green Door, co-operative restaurant Stone Soup, DIY community center ACRC). These days, premier issues actually mean glossy pages, full-color print and high-budget advertising.
Such is the case with the two newest publications to hit stands: Breathe (by the publishers of Blue Ridge Outdoors) and Verve (from the publishers of Bold Life).
Both are geared toward women (Breathe‘s motto is “Inspiring active women to explore their passions” while Verve bills itself as “Western North Carolina’s smartest magazine for women”) and both hit the ground running with slick, intelligent text aimed at the interests of the fairer sex. But don’t pick up either publication expecting the typical women’s magazine litany of sex tips, lipstick roundups and Memorial Day cake recipes. Breathe and Verve, respectively, offer articles on “Yoga vs. Pilates” and how to build an “Earthship” house from discarded car tires.
What does the future hold for these two debuting reads? Time will tell, but both seem to suggest a growing and varied readership in the area.
— Alli Marshall, A&E reporter
I was going to comment on the forums about this. I fully understand one’s desire to follow your dreams (I’m on a slow path to insanity myself), but if I was in this market I would think twice about starting yet another magazine or publication. I like a lot of them and want to help everybody, but our advertising budget is spread too thin as it is.
All of this I’m sure is a bonanza for you writers and photographers out there, as long as you’re getting paid!
If you have the cash to carry through with more publications..more power to you. As long as neither of the above magazines have fund raisers every month to create an issue..I’m all for it. Do not start a project if you do not have the funds available to continue it on your own.
Gotta agree with Orbit.
why do you have to advertise with them?
“why do you have to advertise with them?”
I don’t, but they sure want me too. The battle for advertising dollars is fierce in the print world. Right now I am looking at radio, tv and other forms besides magazines, so my ad dollars for print is limited.