Staffs & Starships closing

[Bill Ward]

Got word the other day that Staffs & Starships is closing up, either indefinitely or permanently. On the front page of the sheer spec site it says they are closed for all subs and publications, so I'm assuming Loki's Journal is kaput as well.

Given the delays and lack of site updates for the relaunch of S&S I wasn't surprised when I got the news, but Boone gave it the old college try and it was a nice little market while it lasted.

File under 'A' for 'Another One Bites the Dust.'

For fantasy, science fiction, and horror news, books reviews, opinion, and short fiction, check out: BillWardWriter.com</font>

[BarbT]

My eyes are just watering because of all that dust.


Honestly.


Really.

[Lyn]

I read your post from a few months ago on your blog, Bill, about the shrinking number of print zines. It's a shame, of course. There is a niche for small press SF/F publications, but turning a profit within that niche is the perennial issue. I know my zine is still a token market (which means many on this board won't submit to it because of an 'x-cent per word' minimum personal standard - which is fine) but my strategy (if you can call it that, lol) is to slowly transition it from a hobby blog (year one) to a token paying blogzine (year two) to a token paying zine (year three - current manifestation) to a token paying zine/print combination (& small press - year four) to a semi-pro zine/print combination (year five?). Thus I hope to avoid being one of the many quick flame quick sputter ventures (not that S&S was that, I'm not commenting on their success or failure, per se). So...we'll see. [img]/emoticons/smile.gif[/img]

Lyn from ResAliens Zine, Blog, & Reviews
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[Bill Ward]

I think that's a good idea Lyn -- too many zines seem like they are in a rush and just end up going nowhere. Anyone remember Noctem Aeternus? Darker Matter? Big paying markets that came and went so fast the only thing they could really offer their writers was a check. (not that anyone minds a check, but most writers would also prefer to be part of something that doesn't end up a forgotten one-issue curiosity or a never-visited website).

Tomorrow on my blog I'm posting a lengthy look at some of the ideas that are floating around out there about what a successful short fiction magazine might look like in the age of web 2.0. Check it out if you have the time, I think some of the ideas have real potential.

For fantasy, science fiction, and horror news, books reviews, opinion, and short fiction, check out: BillWardWriter.com</font>

[Lyn]

Nicely done, Bill. Your article covers the bases and provides some good food for thought. Hmm, let me think about this more! lgp

Lyn from ResAliens Zine, Blog, & Reviews
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[von Darkmoor]

Hmm, just learned of this from a brief mention in another post somewhere, confirmed it on the Sheer Spec site, then found this thread. Sad, sad day it is that I must say adios to the home of my first editing gig. I am proud of the handful of stories I helped see the light of day - and very happy with the authors I personally discovered. Thanks to those of you who submitted there and all my best on your publishing futures.

~~~~~~~~~~
Jason M. Waltz
Publisher, Rogue Blades Entertainment (RBE)

Facebook RBE Group, RBE Page
RBE Twitter

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Books Published:
Return of the Sword
Rage of the Behemoth

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Ever waltz with the Devil? Or devil with a Waltz?
von Darkmoor's thoughts