Editorial

The Mississippi Rag is still settling into its new, free, web-based format, but I'm happy to say that all systems are "Go" at this time, with even more visitors to our website than we had anticipated.

According to an online service which counts visitors to the RAG's website, we averaged at least 1,500 visitors in just the first 36 hours after releasing each new edition of the RAG. By week's end, an average of 2,800 visitors had checked out each issue. In all, the service counted nearly 6,000 visits to the RAG's website after the January issue was released. The total number of visits to the February RAG is not yet known, but it already tops 6,800. These numbers are encouraging, to say the least!

In terms of stated response, we've received only three negative e-mails regarding the format change. In contrast, there have been scores of laudatory and congratulatory e-mails, for which we thank you. (We are always glad to have suggestions for improvement, too.)

We especially appreciate Jimmy and Billie Green's letter, published in this month's "Rag Bag," wherein they say they plan to support our advertisers, making sure the advertisers know that the Greens' patronage is a direct result of seeing their ads in the RAG. This is very helpful, essentially "paying it forward" now that the RAG is free and dependent upon advertiser revenue for its survival. If you purchase a CD or book or attend a festival or event based on seeing it advertised in the RAG, please let advertisers know their dollars are well spent. We have a solid base of loyal advertisers, and we know they would love to hear from you.

Your input could also be valuable to former advertisers who might be intimidated by advertising online or who just don't trust its efficacy. We know we offer good value for the money. Even after the RAG's conversion to online in 2007, circulation matched or exceeded competitive markets, ensuring that ads were seen by a substantial readership. Now, our circulation is zooming upwards, and, because the new format specifically devotes the right-hand column of each page to ads, we're able to offer multiple exposures in each issue at very reasonable rates.

We understand, of course, that jazz enterprises are facing budget crunches during these unsteady financial times. That's why we encourage you to support their activities when you can afford to do so, and why we hope you will share your enthusiasm for the RAG when it has played a part in your decision-making.

With warm regards,

Editor/Publisher

Viewpoints

Editorial