Pioneer is a free, volunteer-run magazine covering local arts and politics in Western Massachusetts. Help us print our first issue.
We're acting on the premise that innovative and introspective community journalism can still be relevant, and that a sustained conversation about local arts and politics can make a community stronger. We think there are enough smart and talented people in Western Massachusetts that the sort of creative, challenging, inclusive and engaged publication we're trying to build can thrive here. We're working online and with social media, as well as organizing events in our area, in an effort to maximize the project's exposure and impact. We also have this crazy notion that a print magazine can mean a lot to a community, by coming to people where they live, work and socialize, in an attractive and approachable format. That's where you come in.
We are well on our way to completing our first issue, which we plan to publish in November, but we don't yet have the money to pay the printer. It is going to cost us approximately $3,000 to print 2,000 full-color copies of the magazine, which we intend to distribute for free at businesses and in public buildings throughout the Pioneer Valley. If you can help us meet our goal of raising $2,000 through Kickstarter donations, we believe we can cover the difference through small grants and by selling advertising in the magazine.
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
Our biggest challenge will be sustaining the magazine's momentum over the long-run. We cannot do that on our own. Pioneer is an experiment. We're betting that smart coverage of local politics and arts has a future in this country, and that there's something unique about the relationship a community has with a print publication. But our bet only pays off if people around the Pioneer Valley decide that what we have to share is something that matters to them, and decide to invest in the magazine's future -- by reading, writing, creating art, providing feedback and participating in the events Pioneer sponsors. In short, our goal is to start a conversation. And we don't want to be talking to ourselves.
Though finding a business model that keeps the costs of the magazine sustainable over time is clearly a puzzle we need to solve, we don't see it as an insurmountable challenge. We know that a lot of print publications are struggling. But we have an advantage because we don't need to turn a profit. And as a volunteer-run organization, our operating costs are quite low. We believe that if we put together a magazine people in our community are excited about reading, then we will be able to pay the costs of production through advertising revenue, hosting fundraisers and applying for grants.
FAQ
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58
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Funding period
Oct 3, 2012 -
Oct 31, 2012
- First created · 0 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: pioneerwired.org
Pledge $1 or more
1 backer
You can collect a high five or a hug (your choice) from Pioneer staffers when you see us out at a public event. Our managing editor is also likely to profess his undying friendship to you (though the actual rewards of said pledge are highly variable).
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $5 or more
2 backers
Everybody likes to be reminded they're loved. We'll remind everyone you know that we love you by sending out a nice tweet or facebook post specifically about you.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $10 or more
9 backers
Your name in a glossy! We'll print any name or dedication you like with a list of our supporters in our December 2012 issue. Remember a loved one! Trumpet your civic-minded and charitable character! Nicknames allowed. Marriage proposals discouraged. But basically whatever you want, so long as our grandmothers don't find it offensive. We'll copy it a few thousands times and spread it all over the Pioneer Valley, plus all around the world online. Max 50 characters. Plus everything above!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $15 or more
8 backers
We'll mail a copy of the magazine to your home or business address. Autographed upon request (though our autographs will likely decrease the resale value). (Original value was "free") Plus everything above!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $25 or more
14 backers
Your choice of a Pioneer Valley-themed t-shirt, tote bag or coffee mug. Designs will be unveiled soon on our web site. But trust us, you're going to want to buy one anyway. So take care of your Christmas shopping early and pre-order now! Plus get all of the above!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $50 or more
4 backers
Four passes to the Pioneer launch party to be held in early November in the Valley. Details TBA. WSGs. OMG! You're going to love it. Just think what your friends will do to get an invite from you. Also makes a great first date. Plus everything above!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $100 or more
8 backers
Brace yourself. T-shirt AND tote AND mug AND four tix to the launch party! Plus everything above! We can't believe it either! Recovered your breath yet? Then hurry up and pledge!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $250 or more
0 backers
We'll publish a 1/4-page photo of you or a loved one in a special section of the magazine. In the photo, hold a sign with a message you want to share with the world. Anything you want, so long as our grandmothers approve. We'll devote a full page to the most creative message. Plus everything above!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $500 or more
0 backers
Need to do some interior decorating? We'll send you a one-of-a-kind large framed print of a work by an artist or photographer featured in the magazine. Your choice. And the people around here are seriously talented. Who knows what their stuff will be worth. Think of it as an investment. Plus everything above!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
Just like above, a framed, custom piece of art of your choosing. Plus a very special surprise gift prepared by our editorial staff and personalized just for you. We'd tell you what it is, but then everyone would want it. At this price level, you want exclusivity. We promise it's not something gross. You'll really like it. Plus everything above!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013
