The final issue of Out magazine as something that is produced by an editorial team for Here Media is OUT. Of late, the magazine has never looked better. But that was not enough to survive in an environment of quick fixes and immediate gratifications, the magazine is reportedly not dead, but in transition. Aaron Hicklin, the editor-in-chief of Out magazine reports that the magazine will be produced by his new venture, Grand Editorial, and "contract" the magazine on a monthly basis for Here Media. This means the current staff is now freelance. Hicklin issued this press release: “I’m thrilled that Here Media, Out’s parent company, sees the value in this exciting new initiative,” says Hicklin, adding: “I’m profoundly committed to Out’s ongoing evolution, and beyond happy to be able to continue doing what I love best while also having the opportunity to explore new ways of thinking about the relationship between editorial and publishing.”
Out was founded by Michael Goff in 1992 as editor in chief and president. He and executive editor Sarah Pettit (since deceased) together built it into the largest circulation gay publication, featuring prominent writers (such as Augusten Burroughs and David Sedaris). By avoiding sexually explicit material and personal classifieds, the publication was able to attract more mainstream advertisers than previous publications aimed at gay readers. Goff presented the idea to The Advocate editor Richard Rouillard in 1992 and was turned down as the The Advocate was then dealing with creating another publication for its less-than-savory advertising. Out became wildly successful and enjoyed the highest circulation of any monthly gay publication.
Hicklin contends that the publication will return: "With any startup, there are always risks," Hicklin said. "But for lots of publications, midsize publications especially, I think it makes sense to be a little more innovative in thinking about how they find ways to continue creating high quality content while being mindful of the huge transition the media is going through."
Time will tell.
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