What happened to the last issue of ETS!?

Although we compiled an issue two weeks ago, posted it on our website (eatthestate.org), and emailed it to our electronic subscribers, we never sent it to the printer. Our print subscribers found their mailboxes a little bit emptier; all who pick it up for free on the streets searched in vain for a copy.

We're sorry. We wanted to print it--really, we did. But we just didn't have the money. These days ETS! is in a precarious position: we need to bring in $700-800 every two-week period in order to cover production, printing, and mailing expenses. In the past we've had a bit of cushion, a little slack. Not now.

We might have only ourselves to blame for the shortfall. Historically, subscriptions and advertising have covered 50-60% of our expenses; the generosity of our supporters covered the rest. During the first few months of this year, our subscription and advertising revenue gained strength, but donations were way down, apparently because we haven't done enough to remind our community of supporters how much we depend on their support. This note is part of our effort to fix that.

We want to give a big thanks to all those who have donated in the past two weeks since we put out the call for support. After an especially bad two-week period, we've had an especially good one. It's good to know that when our readers know we need help, they step up to help us out.

That is why, beginning with our next issue, we will be launching a pledge drive in the manner of community-supported radio. We'll set a specific fundraising goal and keep reminding our readers of our need until that goal is met.

But there's no reason to wait until then. Though we haven't yet set our specific fundraising goal, or developed any spiffy graphics or catchy slogans, or figured out what nifty trinkets we can offer to reward our bigger donors, please feel free to donate today. We'll reserve an ETS! commemorative tableware set for you. Or something.