Fantastic Metropolis

Note: Because this editorial is from the very early days of Fantastic Metropolis, its content may no longer accurately describe the structure of the site as it is now.

---

Once upon a time, my pal Jeff VanderMeer off-handedly mentioned in an email that I should put out a webzine. I brushed him off, saying “I don’t know enough about web design to manage a webzine!” And that was it. I thought.

But the idea took root, lodged in my brain, spread its pernicious tendrils deep into my cerebral cortex. That loathesome—yet undeniably alluring—phrase kept coming back, repeated over and over in my mind. Why not start a webzine?

The realities were stark. Ugly. I have no money to do this. Websites are high-maintenance, with no return. I have no money to do this. Webzines aren’t “real” publishing. I have no money to do this. None of the authors I liked would write for a webzine! I have no money to do this…

On and on it went, all the reasons for not doing a webzine.

I don’t recall exactly when the reasons started to switch over. Like British turncoats, the reasons started changing from why I shouldn’t do a ‘zine, to why I should do a ‘zine. After that, the questions were moot. It was now a question of how?

Along comes Luis Rodrigues, primo webdesigner, master of his cyberdomain. Offering to help out. For free.

And the ball started to roll.

Now, ten days and over 7000 hits after the “official” launch, I would like to think that we (Luís and I) have not done so badly.

Already, Fantastic Metropolis is changing, mutant funk, evolving at the speed of thought and turning into Something Else. Changes are a-comin’, and they’re exciting changes—a direct outgrowth of the Free Alliance concept that makes this site work as it does. This site is designed to work outside of established conventions, to blast through traditions in order to promote the industry as a whole, with a renewed focus on quality, literary work and individualist creation.

I actually probably shouldn’t be telling you this, as I haven’t asked permission from the companies involved… but I don’t follow protocols. Screw that. I’m much more interested in the excitement surrounding these changes!

Beginning soon, FM will be partnered with several publishers, small independents and large conglomerates alike, to provide you with exclusive excerpts of upcoming works from next wave authors. We’ll have giveaways, promotional goodies, incentives, and all sorts of nifty swag for our readers.

And that, friends, is just the tip of the iceberg. A mere hint of all that is going on.

Ah, but it’s good to be making some real changes…

Another change that you’ll see is the art that accompanies the articles and stories. Rather than using art that fits the stories, I’ve decided to run feature galleries on a rotating basis. Artwork from single featured artists will now accompany all updates. Each piece is clickable for full viewing as well.

Our first artist is Ben Smith, a sort of digital illustrator. Except he works from hand-drawn stuff. Check out his dark, brooding work. And tell him how awesome he is.

So those are just some of the goodies that you have to look forward to in coming days. Stay tuned. We’ve barely begun, you know…