independent media

This is the final post in the series "Declare your independence" exploring why subscribing to Bitch is so important. This post is guest-written by Portland State media studies professor (and Bitch subscriber) Jil Freeman.

Most people feel overwhelmed when they hear that six major conglomerates own 80% of the world’s media products. And while I’m pretty certain that anyone of us could take Rupert Murdoch or Summer Redstone in a cage match, when it comes to besting them in the corporate marketplace it feels, well, like an unfair fight. Much of my work revolves around railing against the ills of big media. No matter how many shocking figures I can quote or how many examples of how corporate media products facilitate and sustain sexism, racism, homophobia, and classism, it always ends with the same question: "What can we do about it?"

As many of you Internet fans know, I’m the web editor here at Bitch Media, which means I concern myself mainly with what goes on in this series of tubes we’re working in right now. However, today I’d like to talk about Bitch: Feminist Response to Pop Culture, the best print magazine in the whole world. (OK, I’m biased, but it is seriously awesome.) And now you can get a subscription or renew your existing subscription to the magazine for the limited-time price of $19.96!

Portland's Julie Sabatier, in addition to producing Bitch Media's issue podcasts, has been producing her own stellar podcast, Destination DIY, for three years now, covering everything from self-publishing to DIY funerals to gender identity. Now syndicated on channels across the country, Julie is hosting an event to raise funds for the upcoming episodes.

This Friday in Portland, Julie is hosting a night of communal DIY at the Woods, with live demonstrations of making your own terrariams, bacon, and, of course, your own radio show. Live music will be provided by Leviethan and billygoat, who make incredible stop-motion animation, and guests are invited to bid in a silent auction and hit up the recording room to share their own DIY projects and a chance to hear themselves on the next episode! Portlanders should definitely come out and support independent radio and the DIY legacy in the digital age. (And yes, there will be snacks!)

PDX Salon and Destination DIY present: An Evening of DIY November 6th, 8-11pm at The Woods Tickets are $10-20 (sliding scale) and are available in advance.

Even though our sign got jacked a few days ago (we're gonna find you, s***bags!), Bitch Media's week has been pretty rosy. A successful subscription campaign, a new issue coming down the pipeline, and now a great write-up from the independent magazine for independent magazines, UTNE reader! Danielle Maestrettie couldn't have concluded her piece better: "Take a cue from Bitch and put your fate in your readers’ hands." Our readers have consistently supported us, and as Maestretti pointed out, it's you, not our advertisers, whose support (financial and emotional!) has allowed us to ride the shifting tide of newsprint.

Like our Save Bitch campaign, our readers exceeded our expectations to help sustain Bitch. Over five hundred people subscribed or renewed in two weeks, supporting the magazine AND saving some bucks before the subscription price increased (and for price-per-ounce cheapskates like me, that's a win!), proving once again not only how much you care, but that our readers are the real reason Bitch is just staying afloat. We really feel like the luckiest folks around for having the best readers, subscribers, Twitter followers, letter-writers, etc!

Maestretti got another thing right--we are back! While folks around the office have been anticipating (and editing, proofreading, and laying out) the Consumed issue, it's always fun when we get sent sample copies! We're really excited about the new layout, and it looks like you think so too! Check out sample layouts on our Facebook page!

Our super duper survey is still up and needs your input!

Don't forget to fill it out! This survey, which will stay up until December 31st, is our way of gathering feedback and actively incorporating responses and direction from our supporters for the future of Bitch. By filling out this survey, you are participating in that process--now is your chance to be heard!

I've been wondering how I and other women can together turn our national narrative around to one of peaceful cooperation, economic creativity and healing our environment so we can thrive. ... I think so many of us are tired of living in fear, tired of having our creative hopes marginalized, tired of war talk and war plans. We're ready to brainstorm together and build.

At long last, there's a place for y'all to start systematically giving us your thoughts and feedback about the future direction of B-Word/Bitch. Please go here to complete our survey! The survey will be up until December 31st. Please spread the word... Thanks!

The Grassroots Media Justice Tour is starting soon and might just be coming to your town. Check it out and spread the word! Bitch is proud to be a sponsor. In fact I was supposed to participate on the tour, but... well, as you all know, we need all hands on deck to sustain our beloved organization. I'm there in spirit...

Tour Highlights:

* Performances, multimedia, and interactive presentations from grassroots media makers.

* Workshops, trainings, and skill-shares.