A Message from the RAIN Editor Well, RAIN has, so to speak, weathered its most recent change. We've received both applause and criticism. One reviewer went so far as to say "RAIN dries up." Another person thought that RAIN no longer looked like a comic book, and "felt like a real magazine." The "Northwest Information Economy" article generated several responses, including one person who felt it didn't go far enough in defining the next economic period, and another, representing a post-industrial company, who ironically, couldn't earn a living. Steve McCurle}^s article was welcomed as good, solid, and timely, advice. A national church organization may reprint it for distribution to its membership. Because the last issue was delayed, and because we were frank about RAIN's economic situation, the rumor mill generated some exaggerated stories. A woman arrived from Boston studying the state of the environmental movment, and immediately voiced her sympathy for our "plight"—^making me feel as though I had not noticed the death of a close friend. A book distributor had heard from someone in Eugene that RAIN was no longer published. I suppose we spread some of this ourselves by an editorial that said the old RAIN had not enough supporters to continue, but it always amazes me how quickly people spread a rumor, and what the rumor becomes from fairly humble origins. What is normal? RAIN has never been a rich enterprise. Nobody, considering the number of hours logged, has received above minimum wage for doing it—ever! The circulation has always been small. Probably most people would be shocked by the working conditions and the circulation of well known and supposedly well supported periodicals. There are two secrets behind the successful ones: (1) one or more fanatic true believers who live and breathe the magazine, and (2) inherited wealth or other form of outside subsidy. Maybe I'm just jaded but I can't remember an easy time for RAIN (or for most anything I've chosen to work on). There have been dull and exciting times, but never easy. Some things are not meant to be easy—if art were easy it would probably be worthless. Our own attitute toward the new RAIN is that the first issue was a dress rehearsal. If we had had more time we would have worked out more small details of design and sought a better balance of material that would reflect our perspective. But the show must go on. We hope you will give us a couple of issues to find ourselves and our niche. This issue grew out of a series of activities of the last couple of years. Rob Baird, formerly a RAIN employee, became interested in ethical investment issues and has developed the interest into a career. RAIN has always tried to provide its readers with ways to act on their values. Socially responsible investing fits the bill perfectly, helping you to put your money where your mouth is. For librarians: this is Volume XIII, Number 1. Volume XII, Number 4 was a combined Fall/Winter issue. This issue has no seasonal indication, and the next issue Volume XIII, Number 2 will be the spring issue. It will be a late spring, just as spring usually arrives late in the maritime northwest—after a false spring such as this issue. Steve Johnson RAIN Volume XIII, Number 1 Special Issue, 1987 Editor Steve Johnson Designer Susan Applegate Circulation Manager Alan Lockler Intern Andris Wollam Printing Argus Printing RAIN is published quarterly by the Center for Urban Education. RAIN subscription and editorial offices are at 1135 S.E. Salmon, Portland, OR 97214, 503-231-1285. Subscriptions are $18 per year. Writers' guidelines are available for a SASE. RAIN is listed in the Alternative Press Index. Copyright © 1987 by the Center for Urban Education. No part may be reprinted without written permission. ISSN 0739-621X.
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