Florida’s Void Makes The Case For The Print Mag As Local Cultural Catalyst

There are still true believers who cling dogmatically to the idea that the Print Magazine is not only a vital form that should be celebrated and enthusiastically patronized, but that the Print Magazine’s DNC can be the catalyst for cultural richness. 

Florida’s Void, run by Surfer Editor at Large and thoroughly loved Jacksonville local Matt Shaw, is one of those magazines, and the palpable effect they’ve had since the magazine’s overhaul a few years back is something we find quite impressive, sentimental fuckers as we are. 

Voied Editor in Chief Matt Shaw conducting his Jacksonville orchestra. Photo: Montez

So when Matt reached out about their IndieGoGo campaign to keep the magazine afloat during the pandemic, we were more than enthused to lend him our platform. 

Here’s Matt in all his handsome earnestness. 

Every month for nearly a decade, Void Magazine has been using its pages as a platform to showcase the best of Northeast Florida. From profiles of artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and small business owners, to surf and skate stories, images from the region’s most talented lens-people, and much more, we’ve kept our finger on Northeast Florida’s cultural pulse, and offered up our mag to the community we love for FREE. 

“Void Magazine has been using its pages as a platform to showcase the best of Northeast Florida. From profiles of artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and small business owners, to surf and skate stories, images from the region’s most talented lens-people, and much more.” Photo: Montez

We’ve been able to do that consistently 12 times per year, over the course of 115 issues, because of support from our advertising partners. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, however, the businesses that support our endeavors are hurting.

“So we’re reaching out to our readership. In lieu of advertiser support, we need the community to help us carry out our mission.” Photo: Brantman

Thus, we have been unable to cover the costs associated with making a print magazine. To date, we’ve tried it all. We’ve applied for every kind of government help on offer; So far, to no avail.

So we’re reaching out to our readership. In lieu of advertiser support, we need the community to help us carry out our mission. We’re hoping to raise $30,000 to cover a baseline portion of the production costs associated with creating, printing, and distributing our July issue. If we don’t reach or come close to our goal, we will not be able to get back to print.

Here’s where you come in: Become a subscriber and we’ll deliver July’s issue to your door. Or, if you have the means, consider becoming a contributor, or joining our club. In return, we’re offering up exclusive care packages of Void merch and swag. 

Together, we can ensure that this virus doesn’t kill print. 

Viva La Void.

-Matt Shaw.