www.talkcyprus.org

[CY]

I had an idea-I know that there are problems like cost, resources etc....- but the idea is a magazine which would be:

-published every month/3 months (not sure)
-written in Greek, Turkish and English
-distributed in RofCy and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (maybe even London?)
-would contain various political and non-political articles
-be all modern looking with nice glossy images
-and could be written by members on the forum and other people who would want to get involved

I realise that cost is one of the major issues, as well as getting people who could dedicate enough time to it....but tell me what you think....

[magikthrill]

sounds very exciting, but even a 3 month magazine ( i think a monthly would be out of the question) would take ALOT of time. if sponsors can be found the cost need not be too high though.

[moonskin]

Hey CY,

Did you consider an internet-based magazine? I do not mean one within this website but an entirely different website dedicated for the magazine.

There is such a magazine on the internet but it is mostly directed to the Turkish Cypriot community. I think they have a couple of Greek Cypriot authors there too. Also, it is almost only political and I guess you have something more general in your mind?

But at least, you need not to worry about printing & distribution problems, which are really serious I'd say.

Cheers.

[CY]

Although an internet based magazine is much more cost-effective, the whole idea of the magazine is that it would be targetted at everyday Cypriots and seeing as many still don't have access to the Internet, I think that a proper printed magazine would be much more effective.

But yeah, I do recognise all the various issues that it would entail unfortunately...

[Xenos 2Fan]

I think it's a wonderful idea. One of the best I've seen so far. What better format to convey ideas and possible solutions. I agree with magic that it would take alot of time. I would also like to add to magic's idea that if the right sponsors could be found the magazine should be able to sustain itself financially in terms of staff as a non-profit magazine.

NPR (National Public Radio) is radio entity that is supported by humanitarian organizations, the public and through government funds. They have funding drives 4 times a year. I must say that this medium is one of the finest that Americans have produced.

Are there any funds set aside by the governments of the island. I do not know. Perhaps it's worth looking into. Belinda and Bill Gates foundation could be a good place to start.

[magikthrill]

here are some things to consider:
1) while all of us can contribue (those who want to) via email, it will be hard to make sure that everyone meets deadlines
2) we need someone who can handle layouts
3) translations (if necessary) will need editors to ensure the meanings translates accordingly and that no profanity is entered (!) so for start english could be the only language
4) again reiterating point 1 most of us who can contribue are not in cyprus so the burden will end up falling on those who live on the island in terms of printing and distributing

also as far as funds are concerned we could set up some kind of paypal donation on the website

[brother]

I love the idea, is there not any EU funds that would be applicable for helping this sort of venture if it was non-profit.

[100%cypriot]

brother wrote: I love the idea, is there not any EU funds that would be applicable for helping this sort of venture if it was non-profit.

Probably not as it seems the cyprus problem has become just a topic to them to chat about when having their late lunches

[Khan]

I think an internet website would be far more viable. It could provide news, colums and perhaps have this forum as its discussion board. Sorry to have gotten away from the original idea, but i think a bicommunal website committed to a solution would be something quite unique.

[100%cypriot]

Khan wrote: I think an internet website would be far more viable. It could provide news, colums and perhaps have this forum as its discussion board. Sorry to have gotten away from the original idea, but i think a bicommunal website committed to a solution would be something quite unique.

I was thinking on the same lines but just a mag to be viewed on the net.

It would reach a lot more people than a paper one,

i.e how would you circulate a paper one around the world.
Logistics a nightmare.

Lets put one on the forum so that people visiting can read about the situation and not the bickerins that sometimes goes on between members

[cypezokyli]

Quote: I had an idea-I know that there are problems like cost, resources etc....- but the idea is a magazine which would be:

-published every month/3 months (not sure)
-written in Greek, Turkish and English
-distributed in RofCy and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (maybe even London?)
-would contain various political and non-political articles
-be all modern looking with nice glossy images
-and could be written by members on the forum and other people who would want to get involved

I realise that cost is one of the major issues, as well as getting people who could dedicate enough time to it....but tell me what you think....

CY it is a beautiful idea.
i would like to add to magiks points the following :

- what is the purpose of such a magazine ? in business they call it the "mission statement". promote dialogue ? or promote re-approachement ? or both ? would it include statements from all opinions , or would it exclude (lets call them) provoking articles ? would it promote peace or cypriotism or both ?
(thats the first obstacle that has to be overcomed imo )

- what themes are we talking about ? : politics ? proposed solution on the cyppro (if yes, then by who? us or scientists ? ) ?

- if it is going to be once every three months (sensible time) then it cannot be an "up to date"magazine . a first suggestion would be to choose themes that are not necessarily time-related. i.e. trying to collect personal stories from old people, interviews of people involved in biccomunal meetings groups etc , culture, music, etc etc..
ofcource if it stays as strictly internet based , then it can be up to date. :wink:

[The Cypriot]

It's an excellent idea but don't under-estimate the time and effort and - if you publish a hard copy - the cost.

It may be worth approaching the EU/UN for funding altough you'd need to be properly constitued so it might be worth collaborating with existing publication(s) on the island

If you published in the UK you might also get money from Lottery Awards for All and Heritage Lottery Fund - if you focused on the island's joint heritage. This would probably mean working in collaboration with existing Cypriot newspapers, eg. Parikiaki/Londra Gazete or an organisation called the Cypriot Diaspora project...

http://www.cypriotdiaspora.com/

(a 'Greek' Cypriot organisation)

A good person to talk to from the 'Greek' side is Mike Yiakoumi, 'Cypriot Who's Who' as he has a lot of contacts and would be able to get interviews with prominent Cypriots like Lord Adonis and Stelios (Easyjet). His email is:

cypriotwhoswho@aol.com

He might also be able to help with sponsorship if he put his weight behind it - which he might do - but bear in mind as soon as you mention it's for both comunities you might get the cold shoulder from advertisers/sponsors. It might be better just to publish in the English language to avoid this issue.

[Khan]

I dont understand organisations such as the 'Cypriot Diaspora' - its entirely Greek Cypriot. The people they interview, the people on its committee, even its logo, all Greek Cypriot. Did not one of them think maybe to interview a couple of Turkish Cypriots in London or dont they count?

[The Cypriot]

Khan wrote: I dont understand organisations such as the 'Cypriot Diaspora' - its entirely Greek Cypriot. The people they interview, the people on its committee, even its logo, all Greek Cypriot. Did not one of them think maybe to interview a couple of Turkish Cypriots in London or dont they count? You and me both, Khan. It's what you might term 'polical incorrectness gone mad'.

[Khan]

Well i emailed them, lets see if we get a reply.