FAQ

• Why is the funding needed and what will it be going toward?

  I have bootstrapped the magazine on credit cards, savings, loose change found on the street and the goodwill of others since the beginning in March 2011. I closed my first (very small) investment in mid-December, but it was barely enough to help get the January issue printed, and did not cover the full cost. One of the biggest difficulties for the magazine has been that in the publishing industry, publishers do not receive any of the retail sales until 180 days after the magazine has been on the newsstand. This represents a significant portion of our revenue, which will not start coming in until March 2012 (6 months after our launch issue debuted). We anticipate being break-even in the May timeframe, and the funding from Kickstarter is to help us get through the next few months cost of printing the magazine. All proceeds will go toward the printing cost of the magazine.

  My goal in using Kickstarter has never been to look for a handout. I myself have backed 10 projects on Kickstarter for projects that I felt were either cool, unique, or just bringing a great consumer product to the world. In exchange for your pledge, I have tried to provide thank you options that provide significant value, whether it's a lifetime subscription to the magazine or a full page ad for you to advertise your own project, startup or aspiration. 

  Last updated: Sunday Jan 1, 9:37pm EST
• What made you decide to start a print magazine, and on social media of all things?

  Back in 2009, after working for a conservation non-profit for 10 years, I put the first major social media conference on the East coast together on June 11th, 2009 here in Washington, DC. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/video/share.html?s=news01n2cecqa84 I then organized 20 conferences across the US and Canada in 6 months. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the conferences was teaching people how to start and use Twitter. Remember, this is 2 1/2 years ago, and it was new for everyone.

  But, even today, at the beginning of 2012, Facebook and Twitter may be very well known platforms, but not everyone knows what is being done with them, or what can be done with them. And there's more to social media than just Facebook and Twitter. The vast majority of the population do not read Mashable or TechCrunch everyday, but are still interested in learning about how social media is affecting different aspects of society and how they can make use of it. The magazine wasn't designed for the social media marketer, but for everyone else who is trying to wrap their arms around it. At the same time, we focus on longer-form journalism, and try to develop content that is of interest to a large a number of people. Both newbies, and experts alike.

  And....I love print. For me, there's still something about sitting down, or lying on the couch with a magazine you can curl up with, or throw in your backpack, or read during take-off and landing, etc.

  As well, my goal for the magazine is to always provides some affordable advertising space for the garage developer or startup that has a great idea, but not the marketing budget to promote it. I just want to provide the same opportunities and help for those that are trying to get off the ground, as I myself am.

  Last updated: Sunday Jan 1, 9:37pm EST
• What extra incentives have recently been added to the rewards of this project?

  I've been working hard to come up with some very extra special items to include in the rewards for anyone that pledges $100 or more. 

  In addition to the Lifetime subscription shipped anywhere in the world, you will receive a limited edition set of issues #2 through #5, signed and numbered by each cover artist. We're in final negotiations with each artist and at this time there will be a minimum of 300 copies of each issue signed and numbered with a maximum of 500 of each issue. We are working to include issue #1 in this set, but figuring out logistics with Yiying Lu, the launch issue cover artist, who is based in Sydney, Australia. The earlier you pledge, the lower the number of the signed copy you'll receive. For example, if you were the 5th person to pledge, you'll receive the #5 numbered copies.

  But wait, there's more. We're going to include a set of posters of all the covers for issues #1 through #5, suitable for framing or tacking up in your cubicle. Each poster will be 18" x 24".

  But wait, there's still more. We will also send you a printed copy of "The Big Book of Social Media Case Studies, Stories, Perspectives". This book has been used at a number of universities now as a textbook including the University of Hawaii and The New School in NYC.

  And don't worry, if you've already pledged $100, you'll automatically receive all the extras. No need to do anything.

  Last updated: Sunday Jan 8, 9:52pm EST
• If I already pledged $100, will I still receive the extra items for the pledged amount?

  Yes. If you've already pledged, you'll automatically receive all the extra items, no need to do anything.

  Last updated: Sunday Jan 8, 9:52pm EST