Okay, okay, so it's a little different . . . there's going to be some confusion, a bit of pouting, perhaps even an angry letter. But the question remains, do you like it?

Since you're reading this, you've learned about the new structure of the magazine, which was developed to mimic the magazine's tag line: "Voices. Visions. Veritas. Are you ready for the journey?" Why? Because TPR has come into its own. What this issue represents is the beginning of my true vision for the review. It's undergone changes in philosophy, content, and design and has emerged stronger for the crucible. This is the beginning of something great.

Due largely to word-of-mouth, The Paumanok Review is read in more than thirty countries. The young and the old visit this site, as do the beginner and the established artisan. They bring to it their opinions and experiences, and hopefully go away -- back to Israel, India, and Indonesia -- better informed about a life that differs. They make that difference. You make that difference.

Diversity isn't an aim onto itself, but glancing through this issue, you won't help but notice that the stories told here are better for their independence. So many voices and so much talent make TPR's international flair an admirable goal, if not a near-impossible dream. Each of the authors and artisans herein has laid something of themselves on the line, either emotionally or intellectually. None speaks of arrogance or perfection, but all achieve a crystallic beauty born of their visions of humanity. After all, that may not be the only thing we share, but it is the most important.

I would like to say that TPR is the future of web publishing, but the truth is that the future is here. It's being created by the contributors who have studied their craft for years -- decades, in some cases -- and from their lives drawn forth the sacred and profound and noble ideas they deem most worthwhile. It's a safe assumption that what is said here has been said before. That nothing is new, nor can be made so, is a quiet veritas artists must understand before they can grow. Contributors to TPR don't strive to be "unique" at the cost of their dignity, as so many do. They do what has been done before . . . better. The Paumanok Review is a vessel for what already exists, a medium for expression, and not a creation onto itself. So if you like what you see and read, take a moment to write a note to one of the contributors. They deserve your laud.

The new design of TPR is relevant to its reborn dedication to, as the mission statement says, "publish and promote the best in world art and literature." The achievements of its contributors are highlighted in a manner that embraces the newest ideas in web publishing and design. The unreadable fonts are gone, as is the overly-large index page. I hope you find the site easier to navigate and more enjoyable to read. Keep advising me of my errors and your fresh ideas. Improvement is a continual process, without which life loses its color. This isn't the easiest path, but I firmly believe it to be the most rewarding.

Thanks for your time, your wealth of knowledge, and your patience. I'm glad we've made a go of it.

 

Best wishes,

Katherine