We have definitely been feeling the pinch of the down economy. If you visited my blog on the S&T web site this past year, you probably read about my quest to drive down costs while increasing our subscriber list and seeking more advertisers. The results of these endeavors have been mixed.
I’ve cut our printing and shipping costs as close to the bone as possible without actually going out of print. I’ve done the research to determine whether a switch to e-zine format would fly and learned that isn’t the way to go (at least not in the near future). Our subscriptions have increased, due in large part to a successful campaign targeting lapsed subscribers from as far back as Gordon’s tenure, as well as the PR efforts of all S&T staffers and several fans (thanks, folks!) We’ve also managed to bring in more advertising, especially from conventions, because our quarterly schedule has proven to be more attractive to these time-sensitive events. However, since I wear most of the business hats in this organization, I haven’t been able to actively pursue new advertising to the degree it should be sought.
“So,” I decided, “it’s time to put on the ol’ corporate beanie. What should any small business do in order to continue to afford its own existence?”
The answer: form a strategic alliance.
Toward that end, I am very pleased to announce that Space and Time has forged a strategic alliance with Dark Quest Games, L.L.C. (www.darkquestgames.com). Please join me in formally thanking Neal Levin (who has also graciously offered to serve as our Adverting Director) and his crew for demonstrating such confidence in our future, and making it possible for us to continue showcasing some of the finest writers and artists from the world of genre fiction. How can you show your appreciation? Check out the offerings from Dark Quest, which include some really cool fiction as well as fine gaming paraphernalia. There are ads in this issue promoting some of their hottest titles. If you find something that strikes your fancy and make a purchase, make sure to jot a note on your order form thanking Neal and his peeps for helping to support Space and Time.
Also, dear Readers, if you or someone you know has an interest in discussing what alliance with Space and Time can do for YOU, please feel free to contact me at hildy@spaceandtimemagazine.com.
Before winding up this missive, I must offer my apologies for the delay in getting Issue #109 onto the shelves and into your mailboxes this quarter. The downside of being a solo publisher is that when said publisher experiences a Real Life Crisis, it inevitably impacts her publishing schedule. However, to make up for the lateness, I’ve made sure this issue is stuffed full of fictional and artistic goodness. I mean, check out the cover by Ben … how cool is that? So cool. And stories from Dennis Danvers AND CJ Henderson? C’moooooooon. I hope you’ll be so entertained that you forget I delayed your gratification.
I would like to leave you with this not-so-subliminal suggestion: subscriptions to Space and Time make excellent holiday gifts. Subscriptions to Space and Time make excellent holiday gifts. Holidays to excellent Space and Time make gifts. Subscriptions to holidays make excellent Space and … I mean … oh, you get the idea.
Happy holidays and here’s to a much better year for everyone, in every way, in 2010!
Hildy Silverman
Publisher
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