I write this note surrounded by my junk, piled on the floor outside cupboards and drawers, and wedged into moving boxes — delicates and glassware wrapped in back-issues of Discorder. So much stuff. So much baggage. It’s difficult not to slip into comparisons about how backwards society is, or to use chaos to justify hiding in Netflix. Discorder always drags me back to reality. Deadlines that I set for myself and writers are as relentless as the press emails I filter through every day. I know that across town, Ricky, Discorder’s Art Director, is meticulously laying out the magazine, combing through a dozen photo shoots and illustrations, adjusting ads and reformatting text. It’s sunny outside, but he’s indoors at his computer to make the beautiful magazine you hold in your hands. It has been 34 years of editors and art directors, writers and artists giving their weekends to Discorder — to you — with intention and adoration.
You see, Discorder isn’t just a promotional tool for the content we cover, and it doesn’t just exist for your enjoyment, either. The act of contributing to Discorder, of seeing one’s work in print, is just as important.
CiTR 101.9FM and Discorder are launching our annual Fundrive fundraiser this month, themed “Shape Your Media.” This year’s fundraising goals are focused on providing access to media, and enhancing the experience for people wanting to make radio and publish content. We are a campus community media organization and as such, we are community-driven. The Fundrive telethon dates are March 9-17, but we are accepting donations all month. Click this link for more information about how to donate, and to see what your money gets you. Puppyteeth designed us a pin, and the Spoken Word department has collected some of CiTR’s most memorable and relevant on-air moments for a new compilation.
Abstractly, the March issue of Discorder explores what independent media means to us. Can’t Lit is a podcast that gives a platform for the new wave of Can Lit; Anya Zoledziowski dissects ‘fake news’ from the perspective of a journalism student; Holy Hum and Angela of Xiu Xiu question their roles in resistance; Pitchfork’s “Does College Radio Even Matter Anymore?” gets called out; and Hot Head submissions tackle covert sexism and overt fascism. Our sections are also expanding, with Real Live Action now reviewing comedy, and Under Review reviewing its first podcast.
Please keep reading.
A+
BB