The need for "Y2K Movement" Media
3/13/1999
Dear friends,
I just received a request from the new, very good Y2K SOLUTIONS magazine
to help them spread the word about their publication. I'll do that in a
moment, but I noticed something about my response to them that I want to
share.
I noticed I didn't have a lot of enthusiasm for the magazine. In fact,
I've noticed I don't have enthusiasm for the vast majority of publications
(including books) on Y2K. Even when they're good. Even when they espouse
the things I believe in. Even when they publish my articles!
I decided it is because I'm addicted to -- and infoglutted by -- the online
world, the world of email and the Web. The speed, volume and up-to-date-ness
of the online world makes the print world seem uninteresting to me -- ESPECIALLY
when it has to do with Y2K.
If any of the rest of you are like that, we've got a problem. The vast
majority of people are not on line. They need to be reached by print media
and radio. (Video and books are good for basics, but can't keep up with
the unfolding Y2K scene. And we don't have access to much mass-audience
TV.) If we Y2K leaders and organizers are entrained to the online world
and neglect the magazine and radio worlds, we effectively abandon those
who aren't on line, the very people we are supposed to be organizing and
informing.
I think we need to create and support our own print media and radio programs,
which can support our work in the world. In the case of Y2K SOLUTIONS,
this would mean subscribing to it ($2/mo), making sure it is there at every
Y2K meeting (bulk $1 each, for 25+), encouraging people to subscribe to
it, promoting it when we speak in public forums, AND supporting it with
articles, suggestions and news of our activities. We could even order gift
subscriptions for public figures and journalists (brainstorming THIS would
be interesting!).
Below are some of the notes that the publishers sent to me. I think their
perspective is great, and I'm going to break my online addiction and subscribe
(their address is below).
Coheartedly,
Tom
As with most people who have delved into Y2K and realized the "bigger
picture," we came to a realization that the national media is giving
mostly "lollipop" coverage to Y2K and therefore, a majority of
people are not receiving accurate information. Approximately 85% of the
adult population do not actively use the Internet, where the bulk of the
information on Y2K currently is found. The trend in the media now is to
ridicule those who attempt to prepare for Y2K, referring to them as "hoarders"
and/or "survivalists." The media, in our opinion, also fails to
grasp the underlying spiritual essence and "call for community"
that Y2K seems to be flagging in so many people. We also have been disheartened
by such massive fear and doomsday reporting. Personally, we believe Y2K
presents an opportunity for people to come together, build community, find
stronger inner peace, and create a more sustainable world.
We have gone out on a limb by launching a new, national magazine called
"Y2K Solutions." Happily, it seems to have accomplished in a very
short time much of what we intended -- primarily, to bring an awareness
and a positive focus regarding Y2K to those who are either in fear or are
"denial constricted." We want to inspire them to move through
the fear, break out of the denial, and climb to a level of action and understanding
through a positive, hopeful, inner-preparedness and community-spirit focus.
We are journalists who also have a 7-year track record in publishing two
small newspapers in Arizona.
The response from many who have read Y2K Solutions and used it for their
Y2K "awareness" efforts since January is encouraging. The magazine
seems to be a powerful tool for people, especially those who want to educate
people who are not on the Internet. Y2K Solutions magazine has a "people
orientation" and reports on what individuals and communities around
the country are doing and how they feel and think about Y2K. Our core intent
is to inspire people to move into a larger perspective regarding lifestyle
and cultural changes being driven by Y2K. You might have already seen a
copy of the the first issue with an exclusive interview with Paloma O'Riley.
OUR REQUEST OF YOU IS SIMPLE. We are asking your help in getting our magazine
known to more people -- citizens, your neighbors, the community leaders
you meet, members of the press and media, and those individual "heros"
out there -- to encourage others to wake up and work together. The number
of people we ALL need to reach is massive. Our staff is very small (2 people)
compared to our project. Our goal is to have the magazine on national news
stands by May -- national distribution for a new magazine is a long process.
In the interim, we need to depend on high visibility, bulk sales, and individual
subscriptions.
In exchange for your help, please let us know how we can be of assistance
to you in your efforts and work.
We would like to send you a packet of our premiere issues to peruse and
also to hand out, but need to have your mailing address. We have a companion
web site: www.y2k-solutions.net which is still under construction and will
be finished about March 20th and you can get a flavor for the magazine there.
But our primary goal, as we said, is to reach the many people who are not
on the Net.
Some specific areas where we need help today, because we are so understaffed
(as you probably are, also):
* Community Leaders: reaching local community leaders who symbolize the
nuts and bolts of important grassroots efforts is important-- we would be
grateful for contact names, addresses, e-mails, phone numbers, literature,
brochures, stories, etc. -- we want to know what's happening out there so
we can report it in the magazine. Remember, the majority of the people in
this country have NO idea what's going on regarding Y2K and it is our mission
and goal to tap them on the shoulder and at the very least get information
into their hands.
* Newsstand Placement: although we have accomplished some direct mail contact
with national distributors, this is a high maintenance and drawn-out process,
typically requiring substantial venture capital (which we do not have).
We are doing our best to drive this area quickly, but any referrals would
be of immense help.
* Media Coverage: with constraints on our start-up resources, we have had
to delay many effective public relations activity until later. The value
of media coverage, as you know, cannot be overstated. The personal/individual/communities-working-together
approach we use in the magazine may even be helpful in bringing the media
up to speed with a greater understanding of what is needed.
* Internet Page Links: an interactive link between our web site and yours
would be most appreciated, and would enhance the efforts of all of us.
We strive to join the network of information-givers such as yourself who
will help our nation better prepare at many levels for the several years
ahead. Your work continues to be a part of that information flow. We hope
the work we do today is a platform for a better, more sustainable world
at the other end of Y2K.
Thank you for taking time to read this and for your support in any way you
can.
Sincerely,
Mikaela Rierson and Jim Ricker
Y2K Solutions magazine
aware@azstarnet.com
9121 E. Tanque Verde Road, #105-313, Tucson, AZ 85749
phone: 520-749-7790 fax: 520-749-4479
http://www.y2k-solutions.net