Another Man Done Gone-Paste Magazine Print Version to Cease Publication

Print versions of books, magazines, and newspapers have been in a downward spiral in terms of readership numbers for a long time now, we all know this. Which is kind of a drag because I'll admit it, I still enjoy print media a bunch. Don't get me wrong, I love how the Internets have opened up so much to so many and the speed with which one can obtain info now from the couch, oftentimes for free. I wouldn't be writing this right now, nor would I have started taking photos as often as I do without it, I bet.

I still get Spin and Vanity Fair by mail, and often pick up the print version of a magazine if its cover catches my eye. And every Sunday for countless years now, I still shell out $6.00 for the print version of the Sunday NY Times that doesn't even include the City, Metro, or Real Estate sections, some of my favorites. Usually then I'll take the paper to brunch and read it there, leisurely reading while leisurely eating. I don't always finish it right then, but I do take it on the subway with me and read it on my commute to the day job during the week. Reading a print version of something doesn't require batteries or a plug, you can take it anywhere, fit it into any bag/pocket/coat, and generally it doesn't require a fancy carrying case to shield it from damage. Sure I may get ink on the fingers and print media can often create clutter if you let it, but to me, print media represents time to myself, learning, calmness, and a reprieve from the chaos that life can bring.

When I discovered Paste Magazine a number of years back, I always enjoyed it and would often buy it. Plus, it always put on a hell of a yearly day party at SXSW. Paste's editor, Nick Marino has been writing about music for a long time and has a great way with words. I long thought he steered the print version in a way that was different (read: better) than many of the other American music mags out there. The articles were typically smart and often snarkily funny, the page colors typically rich and appealing to the eye, and it was usually many steps ahead in terms of the indie music I like than, say, Rolling Stone. So it was rather sad to read the following today:

Today Paste Media Group announces, with deepest sadness, the suspension of the Paste magazine print product.

Struggles with mounting debt were made public last year when our readers responded with generosity to save the magazine. But the prolonged downturn of the ad market has forced a hiatus. Paste, while considering strategic alternatives, is focusing on its digital assets, including PasteMagazine.com.

We thank all of those who have shown such tremendous support to a vision of independent media focused on Signs of Life in Music, Film & Culture, including subscribers, advertisers, writers, photographers, illustrators, publicists, record labels, movie studios, book & game publishers and others in the press.

All Paste print subscribers will have access to the digital version at Paste online through the June/July issue.

News: The Campaign to Save Paste Magazine

Give a little, get a lot back. Paste Magazine has always been pretty top-notch (its encouragement of Scarlett Johansson by giving her the cover aside of course). Plus mp3s for free from artists you really like for even the smallest donation, who can turn that down?

Dear Paste readers,
We write this letter with great appreciation for all you’ve done for Paste, as well as sorrow that we need to come to you and ask for further support. The economy has taken its toll on Paste, and we need your help to continue.

As the global recession has continued, many of you have written us (especially as ad pages shrunk) to say, “If you ever need help, let us know.” That day has come.

Today, we are launching the Campaign to Save Paste to raise money to keep Paste coming to your mailboxes and computer screens. If you are in a position to give even a little, please consider donating. As thanks for your generosity, over 70 amazing artists (including The Decemberists, Neko Case, Bob Mould, Cowboy Junkies, Indigo Girls, The Jayhawks, Brandi Carlile, John Roderick of The Long Winters, Patterson Hood, The Avett Brothers and Josh Ritter—with more to come) have gathered and donated rare & exclusive MP3s for all who join us in the campaign. Here's what artists are saying about why Paste should be saved.

As a completely independent company, Paste has struggled for the past nine months as advertisers have decided to wait out the recession. As most of you realize, magazines are heavily subsidized by advertising. Industry experts estimate that an average subscription for a monthly publication would cost $60-$80 per year without advertising support.

But last month was brutal. Cash received unexpectedly reached an all-time low, and turned a tough situation into a short-term crisis.

Long-term, Paste will emerge in good shape. Even with the fall-off at the end of the year, 2008 was our best year yet—print subscribers, print ads, online readers and online advertising were all at record levels. Readers (print and online) remain strong. And new advertisers have come on board even in the recession, with more ready when their advertising budgets come back.

In the meantime, we’ve adjusted our business to weather this storm. We’ve cut costs, and we developed a robust online business that’s among the best in the industry. Fundamentally, we’re in good shape and won’t need another appeal down the road. But it’s taken us until this point to get there—leaving us critically low on cash, without some large corporation behind us to bridge the gap.

We’ll make it through this short-term economic crisis—but it’s only with your help. Our fate is (and has been and always will be) in your hands. Big-time investors are not “in the game” right now—but readers can rise up and “invest” in Paste’s future. Will you be a part?

We appreciate all of your support so far—everyone who’s subscribed, given a gift, or even read a story online or opened a newsletter. It’s all enabled us to make it this far. Now, we humbly ask you to consider giving a little more.

It doesn’t take much. Every little bit helps and you can be a part of continuing our efforts to help you find signs of life in music, film and culture. If $1 (yes, one dollar) came in from everyone on our e-mail lists (or $10 from 10% or $100 from 1%), we’ll reach our goal and emerge from this recession as a stronger magazine and website. While we’re not a non-profit (this isn’t a tax-deductible gift), know that every dollar you give goes into keeping Paste alive and, ultimately, making it even better.

While you’re at it, also let us know what more you’d like to see from Paste. What should we do (or do better) online to help you discover new music, film and more? As advertising comes back and the magazine thickens, what would you like to see in print?

CLICK HERE to give via PayPal or credit card.

With our sincerest thanks,
Josh, Tim and Nick for the entire Paste family

PS. As thanks for your help, a number of our favorite musicians and labels have donated free rare & exclusive MP3s (from artists including She & Him, Arrested Development, Shawn Mullins, Samantha Crain, State Radio, Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3, Rogue Wave, Passion Pit, Over the Rhine, The Minus 5 and more) for everyone who donates. And as more artists contribute, you'll have access to those songs as well. We also have a number of goodies (such as signed R.E.M. posters, an ocean-view cabin on next year's Cayamo cruise, and more) to give to donors in random drawings. And, anyone giving $350 or more will receive a lifetime subscription to Paste as a thank you.