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Letter from the Editors "Just when you think you've got me figured out, the
season's already changing...." -Meredith Brooks, "Bitch" I can't imagine that there's anyone on the editorial board here at Buzzsaw who can stomach Meredith Brooks's special brand of one hit wonderdom, but the quote just seemed so right on (and was so fresh on my mind from a recent bout with Karaoke) that I had to use it. Sorry. But it is true. Just as things look like they're getting settled with Buzzsaw, things change again. And change they have. Perhaps the most obvious change is the new layout. We wanted something cleaner and less obtrusive, something that allowed for more content, something less frequently seen in other magazines. We think we've achieved that somewhat. We also run 40 pages now, not 32. More on that soon. Other changes, ones you might notice if you were really thinking about Buzzsaw (and who does that, other than a few of us who work here): fewer columns, more journalism. We have recommitted ourselves to journalism and fine writing. We are not and never will be, though, regrettably, we may have been in the past, the place for people to spout off unsupported, badly reasoned opinions (yours truly pleads guilty on this point). Columns are now confined to three: this one, James Sigman's Disappearing Ink, and The Soapbox, which will be filled by a guest writer each issue. We are always in need of content for The Soapbox, so if you're got something to write, drop us a line. We're also got a whole new section: The Other Side of Town. The Other Side of Town focuses on something we haven't really done with Buzzsaw in the past: fiction, poetry, creative works, fine art photography. It's what became of the much-ballyhooed, but distinctly invisible special Buzzsaw creative writing issue of the end of last semester. So, for eight pages in the back of every issue, you'll be able to read some of the finest creative writing Ithaca College (and any others who submit their work) has to offer. A less obvious change is how we pay for this fishwrap. Until the end of last semester, Buzzsaw had paid its bills through private contributions from editors, friends, and family, as well as whatever advertisers we could blackmail into giving us money. That cost us about $2600. It was lack of funds (I.e. we're broke) that caused the cancellation of the creative writing issue last semester. It also forced us to undertake perhaps the most radical move in Buzzsaw's relatively short history: accepting SGA funding. As of February, we are now, at least partially, funded by IC's Student Government Association (though we still accept, and gravely need, advertising). Not everyone here in the Buzzsaw offices was thrilled about this move, but the editors believe it was the right one. Rest assured, if you too are feeling that sinking, roller coaster-drop sensation in your stomach: Buzzsaw won't be different. We'll still cover things the same way, we'll still be full of piss and vinegar, it's just going to be a different name on the checks. That's all. Stay with us this semester, and I think you'll see that's true. Lastly, as always, we need writers. And copy editors. And advertising reps. And web designers. And more. There are many positions open at Buzzsaw, and we need your talent. There are lots of ways to contact us listed in the magazine, find them and use them. We'll all be happier if you do. So, that's where Buzzsaw Haircut, Volume 2, Number 5 finds us all. We hope you like our new direction, new layout, and new staffers (a gaggle of whom you'll be seeing over the next two issues). Read every page, then pass it on to your friends, and we'll see you back here next month. --Sam Costello |
