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New Quills on the Hill

February 29, 2008

By Jacob Gerber

It is not an easy endeavor to start a publication at Tufts. The scene is dominated by established heavyweights such as the Daily, the Primary Source, and this magazine. It is reasonable to assume that the campus population can only support a limited number of newspapers and magazines. An unscientific survey yields surprising results: few Jumbos seem to read the Daily regularly, fewer read the Observer, and the Primary Source appears to have a reputation based mostly on notoriety. Perhaps it is unwise to extrapolate too much from this data; after all, Tufts is a top-notch university with a wealth of intellectual capital. However, it is safe to say that the process of starting anew is laced with difficulties, logistical and otherwise.


In spite of such difficulties, a number of students are often willing to tackle the challenges of starting from scratch, who believe enough in what they have to offer that they will strive to bring a new product to a broad audience. This year, Nate Grubman and Sam DuPont, editors-in-chief respectively of the Forum and Discourse accept this challenge. Both new publications fill voids on campus, and their founders hope to add to the intellectual and political discussions that have come to form an integral part of Tufts.

The Forum Many students have likely already seen the Forum on campus. The magazine has already published two issues: the first was introduced last semester, and the second arrived in December. According to Grubman, the Forum’s mission is “to promote and inform the dialogue of Democratic politics on campus.” The addition of a Democrat-sponsored publication at Tufts is seen by many students as a counter to the Primary Source. The Forum, explains Grubman, “add[s] to the discussion of politics on this campus by publishing a variety of opinions related to the Democratic Party,” while investigating various stories at Tufts that the Forum feels could add to the political discussions that are omnipresent on what is a very active campus. When asked to provide a preview of the Forum’s next issue, Grubman says, “We’re going to run an article making sense of this convoluted process…by which the Democrats will decide their nominee…We would also like to explore what it would mean to have the first mixed race or female president.”

Discourse Unlike the Forum, Discourse aims to cover a massive variety of topics without an overarching theme. According to DuPont, Discourse is “intended as an interdisciplinary journal that brings together some of the best student writing and scholarship from across the academic spectrum into a single publication.” Discourse will publish a wide-ranging selection of articles with a focus on “illustrating new ideas or unique insight into a subject of social, cultural or political importance, whether nationally or internationally.” With such a widespread focus, Discourse seems likely to present a wide variety of topics worth exploring. For example, DuPont notes that Discourse is planning on publishing “submissions on Microfinance in China, and energy policy in the United States.”

Challenges

The business of managing a publication is complex, fraught with numerous difficulties and unforeseen developments. To start their new publications, DuPont and Grubman had to find writers, draft a budget, and secure facilities from which to operate. “Financing this publication has already proven to be a challenge” explains DuPont. “Funding sources are scarce, especially considering the number of student publications already in existence.” Discourse also faces the challenge of making complicated subjects easily understandable. As DuPont notes, “we hope to make subjects that may seem out of reach accessible to a broader audience.” When asked to identify the greatest challenge in maintaining the Forum, Grubman described the difficulties of “establishing an efficient organization that is capable of putting out a quality publication without compromising timeliness.”

Chances for Success

Throughout the university’s history, a number of student publications have tried and failed to become permanent additions to the campus reading list. The Forum and Discourse will face difficult challenges in maintaining a high number of readers and writers. When asked to evaluate the long-term chances of the Forum, freshman Chase Rose seemed intrigued by a Democratic magazine, saying that, especially in an election season, the Forum plays a role keeping students informed about Democratic news and ideology. When told about Discourse, many students found the idea of a journal for intellectual thought novel and stimulating. “I’m always looking for good reading material,” says sophomore Adam Frank, who is keeping his fingers crossed for thought-provoking pieces.

How Can You Get Involved?

Like all publications, both the Forum and Discourse are always looking for contributors. To write for the Forum, contact Nate Grubman at Nathan.Grubman@tufts.edu, and if you are interested in submitting to Discourse, send an email to tuftsdiscourse@gmail.com as soon as possible.