Herbivore magazine: 2003-2008
Posted by Josh on March 6th, 2008 in General.
Hello friends and fellow herbivores. We have a big announcement and I’ve been laboring over how to say it without much luck so I’m just going to put it out there: after an absolutely amazing 5 years we’ve decided it’s time to close down the magazine. We’re going to complete 2008 and then move on to other projects. This decision was really hard to make, but it’s the right thing for us to do.
The fact is, we’ve had a lot of great help over the years and a lot of talented people have made huge contributions to the magazine. The gratitude I feel for these people is endless. But the day-to-day goings-on of the magazine are something I’ve always done solo. It’s a daunting amount of work, but work I’ve always been happy to do. Yet, as there are only so many hours in the day, a lot of projects I’ve wanted to take on, both personal and Herbivorous have sat on the backburner for a long time. It seems like a good time for me to step back and focus my creativity on those other projects�mainly book publishing, and other media related stuff. (One thing that hasn’t changed, sadly, in the five years we’ve been doing this, is the painful lack of vegan, vegetarian, and animal rights media. We are still dedicated to changing this!) A lot of the issues and topics we want to focus on require a format different than the magazine, but we simply can’t do it all. As our focus has shifted to those other formats, we’ve come to realize the magazine has run its course.
While this realization comes with a certain amount of sadness for me, it feels more like our future plans are built on 5 years of publishing the magazine and the experiences that has provided us. Our goal is the same, we’re just growing into a new direction and form and it’s hard for me to feel too sad about that. Hopefully, as we get some of these new projects off the ground, you’ll agree.
I can’t thank enough the countless people who have pitched in either with writing, design, art, editing, and all the rest over the years. The magazine would have never even begun without the generous help of others. I also can’t thank enough all the great support we’ve gotten from readers. Those kind emails and chats we’ve had in person were a great boost, and a huge inspiration.
Everything has a lifespan, and while I think Herbivore magazine has run it’s course, the ideas and community that make it up will certainly continue on in what we do next. Thank you all for this!
We have three really awesome issues planned for 2008 so watch your mailbox this spring, fall, and winter! We are not taking any new subscriptions, but we will fulfill all existing subs.
Thanks again for all your support and I hope you all keep up with us as we move into new directions. Please feel free to get in touch, I will try and respond to everybody as best I can.
-Josh Hooten, Editor, Herbivore magazine
Says Billy on March 6th, 2008 at 2:05 pm: #
Hi Josh,
I won’t lie - I am saddened by the news but understand where you are coming from. My fiance and I have really enjoyed Herbivore over the years. It was a welcome addition to the lack of available vegan media, as you pointed out. We do need to continue to spread our message through various media outlets, be that Herbivore Magazine, Veg News, blogs, or something else.
My big question: is the Herbivore Clothing store going to remain open? I really hope so. Beside the fact that we all love purchasing from there, I’d miss be able to drive down to Portland and just talk with you in the store. What’s happening with it?
I wish you the best in whatever you do next. I know you’ll continue to do a lot for the animal rights movement.
For the animals,
Billy
Says Eric on March 6th, 2008 at 9:32 pm: #
Wow. *sad*
Says Eric on March 6th, 2008 at 9:32 pm: #
Oh, PS - looking forward to the book publishing, though.
Says Mindy on March 7th, 2008 at 2:25 am: #
What he said. both of them
Says chris on March 7th, 2008 at 2:52 pm: #
Awww, that’s sad . . . I’m newly vegan and was looking forward to subscribing to your magazine. But I’m glad you’ll be publishing books — if Yellow Rose Recipes is any indication, it’ll be a great success!
Says Hannah on March 8th, 2008 at 3:02 am: #
too sad but understandable…. can’t wait to see what new projects you have up your sleeveses!
Says Isa on March 10th, 2008 at 2:09 am: #
Wow, I once made a post about the corns on my feet that got more responses than this.
Says maddie on March 10th, 2008 at 1:55 pm: #
while i don’t have anything to say about Isa’s corns, it’s been a pleasure reading and being a part of Herbivore. Where will we find a substantial replacement? I don’t see how reading People Magaz…– i mean Vegnews will fill the void, but I look forward to seeing what you tricksters have to pull out of your hats. Or pleather boots. Or I guess they call it Vegetan nowadays though.
Whatever. Just make it good. Luf you guys.
Says Josh on March 10th, 2008 at 2:56 pm: #
hey gang (and billy, say hi to nicky for me!) the store and clothing company are for sure NOT closing down, they are doing great and all is well in that regard. this change up only affects the magazine.
thanks for all the kind words. except for isa.
Says leigh on March 11th, 2008 at 9:07 pm: #
oh no! this is sad
but i am glad you will keep the clothing line!!
Says Katie Cord on March 12th, 2008 at 7:15 pm: #
Nooooooooooooooo……I’m so sad. Awwww, man. That’s sad news. Thamks for doing it the last five years, guys…I’ve always been loyal. You’ll do other fabulous things, I’m sure. But, I’m still sad. Sad, sad, sad. Sad.
Says Sarah on March 13th, 2008 at 8:14 am: #
Boo. Understandable, but still boo.
I’m glad that the clothing is still going to be around, I’ve been eyeing some stuff.
Says Katie on March 13th, 2008 at 10:30 pm: #
I’m sad about this because, and I will deny it if you ever bring it up, I think you’re funny. A tubby old jerk, but funny. I guess i’ll have to dry my tears on the stale writings of Vegetarian Times.
Says Colin on March 14th, 2008 at 5:08 pm: #
Dude, Josh, you rule and can do little wrong in my eyes. We trust your decision and look forward to more enticing and forward-thinking ventures in the future, which I’m not shy about begging include a vegan parenting book and more freaking Naked Vaygun podcasts.
Says Me'chelle Bump on March 16th, 2008 at 9:37 am: #
Well I am very sad and unhappy about it. So many other magazines have bit the dust and now you guys are as well, I am very worried about the future for animals if all these voices become/remain silent.
Being out in Kansas makes it big drag to be vegan sometimes and your magazine was like a little life boat reminding me that their ARE people out there who trying to make things better…
I am gonna miss ya and pout for a very long time.
Says newcomb on March 16th, 2008 at 10:26 am: #
First a joke:
Q: What’s Josh Hooten, the famous book publisher’s, blood type?
A: typo
HA!
for Isa:
Was the corns on my feet recipe in VWAV or Veganomicon? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
Wow I’m on a roll.
but seriously folks:
Congrats on such a great run with the magazine. Good luck on your future projects.
word
Says shawna on March 17th, 2008 at 7:10 am: #
This is potentially sad news but I have a feeling even better things are coming (cue Bouncing Souls’ song, “Better Things” here). You guys have done amazing work all of these years and I know this will make room for beautiful new ideas.
Your friends holding it down in the south,
Shawna & Rich
Says Joselle on March 18th, 2008 at 3:51 pm: #
I’m very sorry to hear about the folding of the magazine. My boyfriend and I have been so inspired by the publication and I was just about to finally subscribe. Furthermore, as a magazine junkie and someone who works in publishing, I have found Herbivore to be incredibly impressive and high-quality in comparison to any magazine in any subject matter. You’ve built something to be very proud of.
Best of luck with your future endeavors. I look forward to more books and visiting the store in person when my boyfriend and I travel to Portland this June!
Says Jim on March 18th, 2008 at 7:58 pm: #
I was vegetarian for about nine years before I picked up the first issue of “Herbivore.” I went vegan by the time I put it down. I can’t say exactly what it was in that issue that made me make that change, but I’ve been a loyal devotee since. Sad to hear that it’s coming to an end. And, yeah, what that other person said… do a vegan parenting book. I would really, really like an Herbivore vegan parenting book.