What’d you find at Quimbys?
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Intro to Journalism: Spring 2009
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When I was given the assignment to go Quimbly’s, I was kind-of dreading it. I didn’t want to go all the way to Bucktown just to find something that I have seen before. As soon as I walked into the store, I was overwhelmed by how much they had. I went straight for the magazine section. While scanning through the independent magazines here in Chicago, I came across “Punk Planet.” Previously being aware that you were the editor, I was familiar with the publication. I knew they were older copies however; the articles in them interested me along with the graphics.
I then came across a magazine titled, Venuszine. The image on the cover is what captured my attention. The word “Venus” is in hot pink while “Zine” is in white. And below it, it says emerging creativity. Evan Rachel Wood is on the cover wearing a yellow oversized t-shirt, posing with a blue bubble in her mouth. I found this photo shoot rather interesting and decided to look through the publication. I fell in love with it. I didn’t know that they were located in Chicago, but the articles were intriguing and inspiring. Venuszine kind of reminds me of the urban magazine, Nylon. There are ma y articles in Venuszine of vintage and DIY: Décor…articles that interested me. I plan on supporting this local publication in the future.
Kendra Callari
April 21, 2009 at 2:55 pm
When I entered Quimby’s I was immediately intrigued by the store. It was definetley no Borders or Barnes and Noble. They had all kind of books that you would probably not find in regular bookstores. I walked all around the store and looked around at everything they had. I saw some really cool notebooks and magazines that I have never seen before. So I decided to focus in that area. I bought the magazine called BUST and what attracted me to it was what the fine print above the title of the magazine said, “For Women With Something To Get Off Their Chest.” So I will be reading the articles in the magazine to see what these different women have to say.
Sonianne Lozada
April 21, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I picked up a magazine call The Believer (the 2009 film issue).
The Believer is published by McSweeney’s and mainly focuses on things of the literature variety (book reviews, interviews, articles by authors, and other things relating to pop culture and so on). It also came with a DVD of “virtually unseen short films” that i haven’t checked out yet.
What initially attracted me to this magazine was the cover art, and the fact that it is about literature.
Daniel Vlasaty
April 21, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Renee Vorac
Quimby’s Assignment
Until I had taken this class, I had never heard of Quimbys. Though I found it difficult to find, and it not being easily accessible since I live in the burbs, and the fact there was a cubs game at the same travel time I chose, I found it to be a hidden treasure and will have to make a point of going there again. It is unfortunate that bookstores such as these disappear with the infestation and domination of conglomerate bookstores such as borders and barnes and nobles. These bookstores are more personal and interesting and let your mind wander a lot more and inspire you more by reading “unknown” authors work than it would sitting and drinking a expensive coffee and reading the newest king or Danielle Steele novel. They also had a large selection of magazines that were interesting and not of the norm. it is here that I found the magazine that goes by the title Doorways.
Doorways, a journal of horror and the paranormal, caught my eye as soon as I walked in. I believe at another mainstream bookstore this would have been buried among the cosmos and rolling stone-esque magazines. It’s strange that with all the music magazines they have to offer, this magazine piqued my attention (especially when music is an enormous part of my major.) I suppose that it’s because the paranormal has always interested me. I must admit that I’m a bit disappointed because it’s a fictional compilation of experiences and theories, but it is very interesting all the same. It is filled with poems, short stories, and artwork that intrigue and amuse. One segment that amused me most is a cartoon that someone submitted is elderly “horror” characters; Dracula is putting his fang dentures in a glass and the Werewolf is using a walker and wearing adult diapers. There is also a section with “witchcraft recipes” like basil beef for prosperity (too bad I’m a vegetarian!) and passion shellfish (too bad I’m single!) and it correlates to the list of what herbs and vegetables do what in the world of magic or “magik.” The only thing that I didn’t like is that they used the same picture of a dark corridor for every story. Maybe a field trip to Bachelors Grove Cemetery or a creepy basement is in order!
Even though it was not what I expected, I really enjoyed my experience, not just with the magazine but also with the book store.
renee vorac
April 21, 2009 at 7:41 pm
I walked into Quimbys to escape the cold and rain. The rain felt like a mist that was sprayed off a block of ice. When I entered the store, I felt a little lost. For some reason I immediately walked to the back of the store. Walking, observing, inquiring each and every bookshelf and the rows of books. By the time I shimmied my way to the front of the store, I came across the music magazine section. There was a vast array of selections but what caught my eye was “Black Velvet.” Black Velvet is an independently published rock magazine from the UK. Under the title of the magazine is a catchy line that I must admit sparked my curiosity, “READ IT: BREATHE IT: BELIEVE IT.” I wanted to find out what exactly I must read in order to breathe and have a belief in. The cover also was a picture of an American band. On the cover featured, a picture of the American band, Metro Station. Which I found interesting because they don’t exactly scream “Rock.” Black Velvet refers to the band as, “electro pop rock.” Truth be told that I have heard of this band because of their slightly annoying hit, “Shake It.” Two of the members of Metro Station have direct ties to Hannah Montana the Disney television show. The lead vocalist, Mason Musso, brother plays Oliver in the television show. Trace Cyrus, is the half-brother to Hannah Montana herself Miley Cyrus. They share a famous father, “Achy Breaky Heart” crooner Billy Ray Cyrus. In the article there is a brief mention to Billy Ray Cyrus and the “M” word was not written. Trace smartly doesn’t say her name directly but refers to his pop tart sister as “family.” He speaks on how harsh and “fucked up” the music industry can be. Though out the magazine are interviews with bands that I’m familiar with. Towards the end of the magazine are cd reviews and concert reviews. The six dollars I paid for this magazine was worth the price. I like that the publisher/editor/feature editor/art editor/on line editor is a woman named Shari Black Velvet. Also, I liked that the magazine is dedicated to promoting music that they like. Although the featured bands are not ones that I would typically listen to I was open to reading about them. Via this magazine I took a brake from the kind of music that I think is cool and informed myself on bands I would otherwise ignore. Going to Quimbys was a pleasant experience and I plan on returning in the near future.
Crissy
April 21, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Either my sense of direction is just terrible, or that intersection before Quimby’s is confusing, because it took me 3 times going the wrong way to figure out which street Quimby’s was on. There were a little too many “Comixxx”, and not enough comics. I wanted to pick up some comics along with a magazine, but the selection wasn’t so great, so I left disappointed with a magazine entitled “Paranoia”in hand.
“Paranoia” is a magazine about conspiracy theories and the paranormal. I’m not particularly supportive of either conspiracy theories or the paranormal, but I like reading about them, so I picked up this magazine. Unfortunately, the writing in the magazine is a bit sub par, and I expected more from a magazine that I paid $6 for. I’m surprised that they have made it to 50 issues. I didn’t really feel like I gained any knowledge or new opinions from reading this publication.
Jessica Colabufo
April 21, 2009 at 9:57 pm
When I walked into Quimby’s, I was not really sure what to expect. I was a little disturbed at first by the graphic sexual content that lined many of the racks and walls but kept on my quest to find a magazine anyway. After receiving a quick run-down of the store by the friendly cashier, I decided to start in the back.
I was hit by a wall of poetry, political opinions, and much more. It was interesting to see how many of these visibly homemade zines were so dedicated to whatever message they were hoping to spread, no matter their printing budget.
From there, I headed back towards the front to where many of the music zines were there. I first noticed Dan’s Punk Planet and thought it was interesting to see they still had copies there. After flipping through a few pages, my eyes were drawn to another magazine. It was called VenusZine.
Although I’m ashamed to admit that I am a marketing/PR major who can be quickly be swayed by a great ad or in this case cover, my attention immediately flipped. I saw Evan Rachel Wood on the cover of VenusZine and was sold. Its design looked like that of a magazine owned by a big media company. Also, not to mention, I am a fan of Wood’s work so I thought it was worth a flip-through.
What I found was a delightfully female targeted magazine that did not hide the fact it was a chick magazine at all. From an article on yoga, to the fact that it appears all of the contributing writers are women, it was no secret I was reading a magazine for those of the fairer sex.
As I continued to flip through, I found many of the DIY articles interesting. I also enjoyed their “25 under 25″ feature which included one of my new favorite singers, Adele. I also enjoyed their brief fashion and makeup features. I thought it was interesting because it didn’t hit me over the head like many female targeted magazines tend to do.
I am glad I discovered this magazine. It seems like it would be a great magazine to try and get a few clips from for my portfolio (although it appears that this would be a difficult task due to its higher quality.)
Sarah Bonkowski
April 21, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Alexandra Laman
I chose Mysteries Magazine. The header reads, “Exploring Mysteries from Modern Times to Yesteryear.” The cover story is titled, “The Reality Behind the Garden of Eden.” This story explores major reasons for a change in human evolutionary lifestyles- particularly our transition from hunter-gatherers to our current methods of agriculture. The article also posits that women were equals and deemed equally as important in ancient societies as the males. It makes references to the Garden of Eden, as the title suggests, but this is not the focus. Instead, the focus is more evolutionary and involving the group societies from an anthropological standpoint. It was very interesting, and I learned quite a bit.
To demonstrate the scope of the magazine, sections of the publication include; ‘Noteworthy’, ‘Mysteries on View’, ‘Archaeological Anomalies’, ‘Treasures of the Deep’, ‘Haunted Heritage’, ‘Arcane Cults’, ‘From the Skies’, ‘Letters to the Editor’, book and music reviews, among others. In my initial look at some article titles, I felt as if I were perusing a sensationalized conspiracy theorist publication or a satire, such the The Onion. One article in particular, ‘Albino Killings in Tanzania Worry Officials’, made me even more skeptical. However, as I began to delve more into the articles, I realized they were serious and rooted in legitimacy.
The magazine definitely made me even more interested in world phenomena and the unknown or unexplained. I am naturally curious about these things, and that is of course why I chose the magazine. It is released four times per year. I have a feeling if one read it more often than this, they would become hyperaware of subjects related to its contents. I plan to buy the magazine again, and also definitely explore some of its topics further.
Quimby’s was a great place! I hope to take more time and explore the shop again. I loved the red devil (?) woman in the back of the store! It was interesting to finally see Punk Planet, and I was surprised at how many back issues they house. It is about a fifteen minute walk from my house, so I will go back soon!
Alexandra Laman
April 22, 2009 at 12:14 am
Just like others on the way to Quimby’s I got a little lost and had to call the store three times and I passed it by at least twice trying to find it and I am very sure that the lady that worked in the store was thinking that I had a very bad sense of direction. When I walked in the door The first thing that I saw was a sign that said that you must be 18 to enter which was interesting. When I actually made it inside of the door I noticed why they had magazines with provocative pictures on the front and unlike other book stores they did not try to hide them, instead they displayed them on the floor along with all of the rest of the magazines. Also they had a magazine called Punk Planet which was very interesting I picked it up and kind of skimmed through a couple of pages it looked pretty interesting but I just looked at the pictures to be honest and then I saw this jazz magazine and also skimmed through it. I noticed that they had so many different types of magazines not only were they different but they also looked different I noticed that some of them looked like little pamphelets. And all of the magazines that they carried I had never heard of before. Then as I was browsing through the store a little longer I noticed these books about growing marijuana (weed as some like to call). This was very interesting to me because it is a illegal drug and they not only have a magazine about it but they have pictures of it and everything which kind of stood out to me a little. So this is the magazine that I decided to buy. Inside the book they give names of different types and how to create your own. I am kind of surprised but not really because they have books on how to kill people so this is definitely not such a big deal. I guess this is freedom of speech at its best.
Sherri Williams
April 22, 2009 at 7:16 am
I had imagined a simple, ordinary bookstore. I had the preconceived idea of an average bookstore, with a few shelves and books lined up against the wall and a magazine section. Walking around browsing the various sections and various publications offered, I realized Quimbys was not your Barnes and Noble. I’d never seen a store carry zines and independent publications, nevertheless in such a large collection. It was interesting to see the wide range of topics of the publications.
I had come across dwell magazine, a modern architecture and interior design magazine. This particular issue had drawn my attention for it’s special eco-friendly issue. I specifically was in search of a magazine that would have more to offer than just articles. I was interested to see not only the independent writing and style of the magazine, but also what designs they were featuring in their magazines.
I wanted to see if I could significantly notice any difference in quality from an independent design magazine against any normal magazine as I had with the other publications in Quimbys. After reading through dwell, I couldn’t tell a difference. I didn’t see any difference between dwell and a magazine sold in a Borders or Barnes and Noble. I guess it just makes me wonder what makes and break a publication.
Kevin
April 22, 2009 at 7:46 am
I didnt have a chance to actually go into Quimby because of my busy schedule, but I did go on their website and I was impressed with all the stuff that they had on their. You can find the most random things in that store, and their were also different magazines and whatnot that I never even seen let alone heard before. I also looked at the onion which was also very interesting.
Erica Elleby
April 22, 2009 at 7:48 am