A few weeks ago, I blogged about how TILT is put together, and how DeeAnna and I complement each other as co-Managing Editors in producing such an accessible and visually pleasing magazine. “Pride and joy” is a phrase we use a lot in relation to it, but another one we use is “labour of love”!
When we first discussed the possibility of creating a publication of benefit to those not only in our field of working online professionally, but also to those approaching the idea of fitting technology into practice, we talked at length about a journal. We even had a name for it, JOT, the Journal of Online Therapy. We approached publishers, wrote proposals, started seeking an Editorial Board and started making lists of potential peer reviewers. In short, we started by going down the academic road to getting information about technology in our work to the field of counselling and therapy.
Why didn’t we continue down that road?
Well, firstly we knew that the work we do, and the work our colleagues worldwide do, need not be straight-jacketed into the phrase “therapy” in its traditional sense. We wanted a publication that spoke to other members of the helping profession – the coaches, the alternative practitioners, the befrienders and peer-supporters (to name but a few). Essentially, we wanted to reach an audience that encompassed every type of change-agent using technology – and I include the client in that group as self-facilitator of their improved mental health.
Secondly, it became clear that journals need to make money to attract publishers. Making money from professional journals involves a large financial commitment by readers, and how could we square that with reaching as many people as possible to educate and entertain them about online work? We needed a platform where we could offer the magazine free to our students, free generally for archived issues, and at minimal cost to everybody else for the current issue.
Finally, we wanted a publication that could keep readers as up-to-date on developments in the field as possible, and this meant that we had to trust our own skills and judgement in what we let get through the editorial process to the page. I contribute articles to journals, I peer-review papers (sometimes three times over), and I work with editors all over the world. I know what a long process that can be first hand (and applaud those who stick with it!).
But here’s the bottom line – TILT costs money to produce to meet those three targets above: wide audience; open access; quick production. Our baby has grown up, and we need help to continue guiding it on the journey to maintaining the reputation it has as a great resource. Our pride and joy is also a labour of love, and we need to reach out to those who appreciate it now for help to keep it going.
As DeeAnna outlines on her blog – “We have started a Kickstarter campaign to help with the production costs of TILT Magazine, anticipating that as our student body continues to grow, we will not require supplemental monetary aid by 2016. In the meantime, we pay for the production and distribution of TILT, including graphic layout and the time to edit and compile.”
By contributing to the Kickstarter campaign, you can help us keep TILT on the virtual stands. Please help our Labour of Love remain our Pride and Joy! It can cost as little as 60p, $1, or 70 Eurocents!