6.24.2004

sooner or later, one of us must know

From shameless magazine, a new teen women's magazine directed at 'girls who get it.' Many a lady I've been friends with has indeed talked about doing a mag like this, and having seen Bust in a truck stop in central PA once, I think it might sort of maybe sort of be coming true, in some ways. My problem lies maybe in the explicit stance of the magazine, as evidenced through the "language and tone" guide for prospective writers, copied below. It's obvious, right, but 'girls who get it' in high school are the very small choir, and why not challenge them from the get go instead of spoon feeding them softy faux progressive teen articles as their 'co-conspirator.' Yes, friends, I have just spent three weeks at the Jersey shore, been on the losing side of arguments about droppin' bombs on Iraq, and have a head for thinkin' 'what about all the other girls out there, how do we reach them?' which isnt' to say that Shameless is bad - I applaude it - only I wish that the magnitude were larger, and thus the discussion?!? oh, distribution, how i loathe thee...

Language, tone and style
We are looking for diverse, creative, original, thought-provoking, entertaining, challenging, well-researched, engaging stories. We prefer journalistic style to academic style writing.

Shameless is a progressive magazine with no religious or political party affiliation. Sexist, racist, homophobic and other exclusionary language will not be tolerated.

Please refrain from using stereotypes, sweeping generalizations, jargon and clichés. We are looking for fresh, witty writing that engages and entertains. Frenzied ranting is strongly discouraged. So are over-the-top attempts at sounding young and hip. (Hint: Shameless is not Seventeen “omigawd” is not a word.) Remember, you're the reader’s trusted co-conspirator, not her cooler older sister. Let your natural voice come through.