Editors Journal by Noelle Backer

Photo by Tim Deimler

It seems to be a new year all around -- a new millennium (for real this time), a new president ... and, of course, a new editor at TCR. What can I say? I have big shoes to fill. Coming in on the heels of Bernadette Finnerty, editor for the past five years, I have learned a lot. I have also learned a lot from five years of talking with you at craft shows and over the phone, and covering issues that face you in your lives and careers as professional artisans.

One of the issues that has been weighing heavily on many of your minds, and mine as well, is the Internet. Is it worthwhile for you or not? Are crafts selling? We have all been asking these questions for years, and had no answer -- until now. The results of the first-ever survey of craft sales on the Internet are in.

While the survey results compare artists' online income levels against Internet promotion methods and budgets, among other variables, no survey can really explore the complete value of the Internet as a business tool. The Internet has been a major passion of mine for this reason. For reporters, especially, it brings the world literally to your desktop. It saves hours upon hours, and sometimes even weeks of research time.

I remember when my Internet fanaticism first truly began. I saw a listing for the Army Arts and Crafts Program in a craft guild's newsletter, and didn't know anything about it. After a quick search on the Internet, I was speaking with Jim Pollock, an artist who was flown into North Vietnam during the war to sketch, and later recreate in works of art, what was taking place there. Minutes later, I was speaking with Wayne Williams, who had picked up woodworking through the Army program and is now making a living selling his hand-carved carousel horses for thousands of dollars each.

In fact, I think it's fair to say that a third of the craftspeople I've interviewed over the last five years I have found through the Internet. Most of them would be unknown to me otherwise. In this sense, contrary to a common criticism, the Internet increases personal contact rather than abolishes it. And, it proves the value of the Web for artists in gaining publicity.

While many craftspeople have steered clear of this technology as they would a mass-production labor camp in China, it has gradually worn down even its most stubborn opponents. After all, artists can sit in their studios and search for the lowest prices on bulk orders of clay, packaging supplies, postcard printing, and even on airfare to their next show. Regardless of sales, the Internet has its merit to craft artists. The Public Opinion column this month stands as testimonial. As for its merit as a sales venue, check out the survey results and see for yourself.

Looking ahead to the new year ... with many thanks
As we start the new year, and the wholesale season approaches, it seems like a good time to take a deep breath and take stock of life and what we are thankful for.

I am thankful for being able to work at a magazine where the people I write about inspire me daily to follow my own inspirations. I am thankful for working with such wonderful writers as Bruce Baker, Tol Broome, Grace Butland, Paula Chaffee Scardamalia, Amy Feinstein, Diana Lambdin Meyer, Steve Meltzer (who has been with TCR since its earliest days), and Mary Strope, among our other valued contributors. We could not create such an informative magazine without them. I am also thankful for the support of the TCR staff in my taking on the role of editor.

And, finally, I am thankful for working at a magazine that really means something to its readers. As your editor, I cannot tell you how seriously I take this.

I hope that all of you take stock of your own lives as craft artists, and realize the admiration you instill in so many.

Happy New Year!

Noelle Backer is editor of The Crafts Report.

Copyright© 2001

JANUARY 2001: TABLE OF CONTENTS