If you know me well, you will know I teeter constantly on the edge of despair and ruin with GKM. It is genuinely a labour of love, and if I dared to work out the number of hours I spend on it divided by the income it generates, I would – no joke – get a proper job tomorrow.
Which is the reason I don't work it out.
When people email me to say how much they have enjoyed the latest issue or how they have bought the mag from day one, it can change my outlook completely: from planning when to fold the magazine to planning content for the next issue.
But occasionally I enjoy a moment of clarity and allow myself a tiny bit of self-congratulation: usually when I'm perusing one of the 'proper' magazines you can buy on the newsstand. I suddenly realise how good – really good – many of us independents are compared to the dross that's fed to the public by the big publishers.
It's a joy every time
DicE or
Sideburn comes through the door: the invention, creativity and production quality have not been stifled and undermined by accountants and fuckwit editors. What you get is unadulterated, undiluted content direct from the minds of the creators of these titles; no compromise, just their message in photos and words, directly to you with love and the sweat of their brows.
I don't want to create any 'poor me' impression: people buy what is good and what they want and like, and I don't expect any special attention or favours because GKM is a kitchen table publication. And as such, GKM and its sister indie publications have to earn their readers' loyalty like any other magazine.
But next time you pick up a bike magazine at the newsagent, feel the quality; count the ads; look at the articles; ask yourself whether what it's offering you is what you deserve or really want? And if there is any doubt in your mind, try one of the indies. I absolutely guarantee you will not be disappointed.
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