Print media is engaged in the fight of its life, having already suffered major casualties like the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Rocky Mountain News. Unfortunately for music fans, venerable alt-rock monthly Paste may be next.
Advertisers have tightened their belts, and in turn Paste has tightened theirs, instituting salary cuts across the board, elimination of all non-essential travel, and a creative new "pay-what-you-want" subscription model. Still, a cash shortage is requiring the mag to call on readers for help. They sent this plea to their readers earlier in the week:
As the global recession has continued, many of you have written us (especially as ad pages shrunk) to say, "If you ever need help, let us know." That day has come. Today, we are launching the "Campaign to Save Paste" to raise money to keep Paste coming to your mailboxes and computer screens. If you are in a position to give even a little, please consider donating. As thanks for your generosity, over 70 amazing artists (including The Decemberists, Neko Case, Bob Mould, Cowboy Junkies, Indigo Girls, The Jayhawks, Brandi Carlile, John Roderick of The Long Winters, Patterson Hood, The Avett Brothers and Josh Ritter - with more to come) have gathered and donated rare & exclusive MP3s for all who join us in the campaign.
If you'd like to help give Paste a boost so that they can continue to do the same for up-and-coming alternative artists, as they have done since 2002, please click here.