VIBE wrapped. So did KING. So who's next? If you haven't noticed by now you will soon enough, that sadly (very sadly) the world of print is becoming a dying breed. I recently read the editor's note to the latest XXL Magazine (Fabulous and The Dream don the cover) and not to knock Vanessa Satten's hustle, but it was rather weak. While she did accomplish the basics of introducing an issue, the silver lining was missing behind these printed words. The element that makes any medium (or business) flourish; passion.

Yet, she hit an important note when she stated, "What matters is that I know my hip-hop, and so does my staff, and you be assured none of that is a problem. My staff beat yours. And I don't even know who you are anymore, because there are like, no more magazines left." (Like I said this editor's note killed me. Not professional, off topic...Ok I won't hate.......too much.)

But doesn't it just stink when you come to a realization that you didn't want to? Well with the way we're evolving technology-wise this is the growing reality. The economy plays a major role as well. But is print really going to cease to exist? Can you imagine the world without magazines? Without books?! A library-less society may be a stretch however with the way the internet's taking over it may just happen. Im not anti-web or anything (clearly) but I always do my best to support print, magazines, periodicals, newsletters and books. As well as making a regular appearance in the library from time to time.

The simple pleasure of having a tangible reading item must not cease.(Cue the picket signs and sit-ins....cue Al Sharpton as well!)

I won't preach or get political but I don't look forward to reading to my kids from an e-book reader or walking in the library to see everyone glued to screens instead of books. The time, energy and pure creative hard work that goes into a magazine or book is so appreciated,

by me anyway.