Gulp. It's been a grim couple days for the employees and long-time readers of SPIN, arguably the go-to source for alternative and indie rock news, culture and know-how since 1985. As reported in the New York Times on Sunday, the magazine was gobbled up two weeks ago by online company Buzzmedia, who are quickly making steps suggesting they plan to dismantle the longstanding print edition to focus on competing with fellow online music and pop culture sources like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone.
Earlier this year, SPIN went from publishing monthly to bi-monthly issues, a move probably remembered best by their decision to tweet-review new albums (still shuddering). This Friday, things went from bad to worse when SPIN dismissed 11 employees--including print editor in chief Steve Kandell and managing editor Catherine Davis--and announced it won't be publishing a November/December issue while the company decides where (if anywhere) to take the print edition.
"Buzzmedia and SPIN are committed to moving forward with print, but we are still determining exactly how print fits in with SPIN’s multiple distribution points and growth initiatives," read a company statement, "…In the coming year, we will build upon this core staff by doubling the editorial team."
It all sounds like a big shuffling mess, honestly. I don't know about you all, but I've been reading SPIN since high school and owe more than most of my musical anchorage to writers like Chuck Klosterman, Ann Powers and Dave Eggers. From one gang of professional (I use the term very loosely in regards to our end, of course) music fans to another, we're sending a slew of positive thoughts to the staff (current and dismissed) of SPIN. Hang in there, guys—you're still my favorite music magazine! Always have been. Heavy sighs all round.
Anyone else a little distraught by the uncertain future of SPIN? Get the conversation started in our comments section below.
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[The New York Times]
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