Corruption of foundation-supported "reform" publications proves independence has to be rooted in grass roots financing
With this edition of the Substance Web edition (November 2007), we have completed the transition to our new Web side (www.substancenews.net).
As we've noted for more than one year, the Web edition of Substance's content is not put on the Substance Web site until 60 days after the material is published in our print edition. The print edition of Substance is mailed to all readers during the first two weeks of each month during the year (except July and August). Print subscribers pay $16 for one year of Substance. Back issues are now available for $5 per copy.
The Substance business model requires that our operations be sustained by subscriptions to our print edition. By 2005, when the last data were collected by the Independent Press Association of America, Substance already had a paid print circulation greater than the paid circulation of Catalyst Chicago and Chicago Reporter combined. Like most "reform" publications in the 21st Century, these periodicals were based on the outmoded assumption that charity would not demand a price, that "foundation grants" and the generosity of the wealthy would not require editorial content that was consistent with the "reform" programs of those providing the money.
The record at this point clearly reflects that sad reality. Groups that once provided a critical look at Chicago (and the nation's) "school reform" activities have either been starved to death for opposing the corporate party line (Cross City Campaign for Urban School Reform; Neighborhood Capital Budget Group) or forced to become more and more the propaganda organs apologizing for every predation of corporate "school reform" (Catalyst Chicago).
A few groups that once depended upon foundation grants for their funding continues to eke out an existence in straitened circumstances. Locally in Chicago, PURE and Designs for Change have paid the price of their independence and their critical reports on corporate "school reform" in Richard M. Daley's Chicago.
The staff of Substance has decided to continue publishing on a model that requires that we market our print edition and sell subscriptions to the print edition without relying on corporate charity for our survival. This has proven stressful at times, but has yielded a sustainability and independence that we don't see elsewhere, at least in Chicago. And we suspect that a close look at the national scene would show the same corruption of supposedly "independent" research, advocacy, and narrative entities.
During the coming months, and with no rush on our part, we will slowly load the content of back issues of Substance (September 2006 through August 2007) on this website. We will maintain both our domain name and server space for our old Web site (www.substancenews.com) as well so that people can continue to find back issues of items of importance going back to March 2002, when we launched the Substance Internet presence by exposing the lies being told by Paul Vallas during the 2002 primary campaign, when he ran for the Democratic Party nomination for Governor of Illinois.
We expect to post what we will call "Web Extras" (based on the old "Extra" editions of the famous 19th Century tabloids and broadsheets) as we see fit during the month between print editions.
Those who wish particular content in digital form can always contact Substance at Csubstance@aol.com.
If you are a paid subscriber we will work out how to provide you with content prior to the publication of the Web edition.
In our February 2008 print edition, Substance will announce the appointment of new associate editors to work with the Editor-In-Chief on our Web and Internet reporting and analysis. We also expect to being taking revenue via Visa and Master Card to make some of our e-commerce easier for our clients.
As the most recent January 7, 2008 Web Extra of Substance (the reports — print, pictures, and video — ) shows, we will continue to experiment how to bring news and analysis to our growing number of readers by means of the various media that are now available to the people thanks to the Internet, personal computers, and digital technology.
Those who have criticisms and suggestions should contact the editors by e-mail at Csubstance@aol. com. A large number of our readers are still contacting us using 19th and 20th Century technologies. We receive mail at Substance, 5132 W. Berteau, Chicago, IL 60641. Our phone number is 773-725-7502. Our fax number is 773-725-7503.
Happy New Year!
