Redemption of the Journal
11 07 2006OK, a while back I wrote about several youth zines and I was especially discouraged by the first run of the Journal of Student Ministries. Actually this is an old magazine that has just undergone a buyout by Zondervan, so it isn’t really a startup. My big issue with it was it’s look. It was very hard to read and just looked less professional than I thought a publication of this caliber ought to be.
Today in my in box was the new issue and I was very pleasantly surprised. Though I wouldn’t say that the look is what pleases my eye (I am a minimalist), but it looks tons better and is very readable. I haven’t had a chance yet to actually read it for content but it looks like they are really improving their look and trying to make this a quality resource for youth guys. Way to go Journal.
Thanks for your remarks offering redemption. I agree that our first issue was not the “best foot forward” I’d have liked it to be. We had a tough deadline with a new group of people doing something brand new–all of whom are freelancers rather than regular staff members, including me–not an excuse, just an explanation. Also, for the record, this isn’t published by a giant company like Zondervan; it’s published by my little company out of the basement of my house as I try to juggle being a volunteer youth pastor, freelance writer, speaker, and consultant (in order to pay the bills and fund my passion, which is publishing The Journal).
That said, we are firmly committed to providing quality editorial (and compelling design!) that will encourage, equip, and challenge youth workers to be more reflective in their thinking and practice. Keep offering us feedback, because we’re going to make this the best journal possible for adults in ministry with young people.
- Will Penner, Executive Editor
The Journal of Student Ministries