Introduction
The response has been direct and unabashed, this publication was an absolutely necessary action. DIY or else… has given voice to many among us. Many heard the call to action and responded by doubling down and putting some of their own thoughts/manifestos/dreams in as well. Thank you. Rather than espouse further rambling as to the importance and necessity of incorporating DIY (do it yourself) into every aspect of your life, I thought it might be refreshing to take time to consider what the previous issue (also the first) created/inspired/elicited.
It was only a 2 week turn around from idea to realization for the first publication, and in the matter of just a month now, we have managed to wake people’s brains. We have 24 contributors for this issue (as compared to 9 in the 1st edition). That is 24 people who otherwise might not have flexed their heads, taken the initiative, and actioned to make something happen. These people should be applauded. They are living it. I contemplated being upset that there were certain people who didn’t react, didn’t move, didn’t action, didn’t do. Then I realized. The world is made up of two types of people. Those who create, and everyone else. While “those who create”‘s place and importance in the world is intuitively obvious, it is worth acknowledging that “everyone else” still has a roll in life. Right? There is no judgment being passed here. Just because someone wrote for this publication does not mean that they are elevated above those that didn’t. It simply means that those that submitted, chose to action, and by so doing, they chose to get involved, and in so doing, they chose to create. Something. Any thing.
It is working. There is action. The response to the first publication was overwhelming. My favorite comment as regarding the entire “thing” is: “DIY or else… woke everyone up and broke the whole thing open.”(K. Craven). I like that. I like the idea that it has opened people’s eyes to the potential in and around them. No longer should people read a magazine, or listen to a CD and think that they are mediums only for “professionals” or those “in the know.” No longer should people use the fact that they could never get published to be a crutch for not trying to get published.
In light of the idea that the walls are beginning to crumble (and in the hope to inspire more letters to editor/writers), I would like to share the fact that I had a letter to the editor published in GQ magazine this past issue (Bernie Mac on cover). I wrote the editor, and when I opened to page 62, my efforts were rewarded. I now recognize that that moment of exhilaration would not have been possible had I not taken the small step of writing/trying. Take this example as impetus to make things happen. At the very least, by answering that inner compulsion to speak, you are giving yourself your first reward. External validation will then be mere icing on the cake. So action… get published all over the place. When action and effort are put forth, results are resulted.
In the previous publication I took particular effort to include each writer’s email address, as well as a little bit about them, so as to further the reader’s connection with the writer, and their writings. The intention of this was that the reader should read the articles, and, in turn, take the small action of floating a few emails to those that contributed. Making particular effort to re-inforce the writings which made the reader feel something, whether it was disgust/happiness/laughter. Unfortunately (much to my amazement/disappointment) not but a handful actually reached out to our writers and commented on their articles. This is a problem. Perhaps now that more of our readers have become writers, more of you will come to realize how much it would mean to hear back from people that have read your article. Do the same for someone else. The fact that you don’t know the person shouldn’t be a factor (these will be the most savored of all emails). Also, email is safe, it is personless (which is also it’s problem). You have the power in your hands to make someone’s day with minimal effort. Do. Don’t think about it. Do it. Don’t provide yourself excuses. Also featured in this edition are the three (alive) people that each writer would like to have dinner with. As well, I have included ( ) to acknowledge the number of times the author has contributed to DIY…Read the articles. Like the articles. Write the authors. Like the authors. It is the farthest thing from my intention that this should be an apathetic experience for those involved.
Also in this light, thanks to everyone that let me know what they thought of the publication. Your feedback was much appreciated. I have published your emailed ‘letters to the editor’ in the later pages of the publication. To those of you who commented by not commenting, or those that commented with the pathetic: “yeah, that thing was cool,” -- well, you know who you are, and so do I. At least I hope you know who you are. I have a sneaking suspicion that, sadly, you don’t. That is why you are the way you are. I can’t imagine that anyone would be knowingly that mediocre.
New developments in the ‘DIY or else…’ community are as follows: There will very quickly/harshly and with little regard for mediocrity be released a spoken word CD contributed to by our writers and participants (that’s you). Interested? There are still a few slots open for you (and yes, that means you) to contribute your own voice to be heard. [Remember: It is easy to feel like no one is listening when you are not doing any talking]. This CD will be filled with original interviews, poems, spoken word slams, any and every thing. No longer will the CD be a medium for ‘famous’ or ‘popular’ people only. It is a medium to be conquered. Period.
Also developing (and definitely happening), be on the look out for a special event in early May (target is May 10) where we will be putting on an art/creative show that will involve original paintings, writings, designs, and performances, from our DIY community in San Francisco. It will be taking place at an independent art gallery in central SF, and we will be having it for an entire weekend to ourselves. Also of note, we will be showing movies outside on a projector under the stars. Your old way of life is over.
Now, to the fact that we have all been able to inspire in each other such ramblings as occasion these pages. There is some straight up righteousness in this particular. From Darcy P.’s poem (that is getting front-page treatment) to some sick brain foibles from newcomer cFunk and again from Andre’ Perry. Kelly Craven is once again showing off some intense writing skills, while Mr. Powers and B. Murphy give us some contrary backflashes to being young and insight into how some dreams are simply dreamt, while others are still being lived. Plenty of poetry for people to munch on as well (with SFS and DIY alum Rob Sz. poeting out). I would also draw attention to some repeat performers who are still getting it done, each in their own way, (namely, Griff B., Lil’ Lou, and the BBC). This edition is a little bit longer, but that just means that there is more salsa for your chips, as articles by newcomers Miss Hamm and Armand G. make you realize people are more interesting than they look on the bus. Jamie H. Cliff M., Michael B., and Matt A. have also flexed their heads. Even my mom, M.A. Kerr is dropping some crazy &^%$ in these pages. And finally, conspicuous by his absence, CLK is taking some time (as only he would put it) to let his brain: “begin to spread its roots into the fertile soil of the minds, books, and creations” around him.
The thing that should make us all feel like this is something that is working is the fact that we are even featuring a contribution from someone (J. Bishop) that didn’t even get sent the first edition, but rather, stole it from someone’s desk, read it, proclaimed he had to write something, and followed through to produce a worthy little piece. That, in and of itself, should reflect the fact that this publication is not just your mom saying “good job.” In the “if imitation is the greatest form of flattery” category, we are flattered that ‘DIY or else…’, has already spawned/inspired its first offspring. Cheryl R.O., after reading the first publication, was inspired enough to start her own publication for her neighborhood in S.F. which will feature local restaurants, schools, stores…
I also took particular joy, after publication in realizing the subliminal messaging that the back page was espousing, namely ‘SUBMIT CREATE Everything due by March 14’. In essence asking (or I liked to think of it as demanding) that you “submit” to the will of this publication and “create” something by “march 14”. I like that, for those that did, thank you for submitting to create. Please continue. For those that failed, I forgive you your lost intentions. Go forth and find them.
The action is starting.
To be continued…