The first time I ever saw my name in print was as a contributor in Reax Magazine. I really dug working with them but there was some staff turnovers and I kind of got left out in the cold once things settled down. I’m not bitter though. Reax does Florida music a great service and it would be a real shame to see them go the way of the Dodo so when I saw this email hit my inbox last night I knew I’d need to make mention of it here on ninebullets:

Now, I’m supposed to write a press release that asks for donations without sounding like we’re in trouble. That inspires the scene to rally around REAX without making it seem like we think the scene owes us something. That lets the bands and fans and readers know that we really need their help without scaring advertisers.

Well, you know what? We are in trouble. We do need your help. And if some of our advertisers paid what they owe us, we wouldn’t have to play the “incredibly handsome free magazine asks its readers to give a little back” card.

Rest assured, REAX isn’t going anywhere. We’re still committed to providing local, regional and national music and lifestyle news. But we’re having a really tough time paying the bills right now. So we’re asking every fan, band, artist and writer to help us out a little bit. If you’ve ever gotten something out of REAX, or support the idea of independent media in an increasingly conglomerated industry, throw us a few bucks for toner or printing costs or gas. Donors will automatically be entered into a series of special drawings for swag like clothes, event tickets, gift certificates, maybe even a bar tab or two. We’ll print your name in the mag’s masthead as a thank you, too, if you want. Many of you have asked over the years what you can do to help REAX and how you can get involved. Well, this is your chance. We’ll be eternally grateful.

Thanks,
Scott Harrell
Editor

So, if you’re so inclined to help out another magazine Reax could certainly use it and who knows, you might win some cool shit from them.