Hello dearest readers,
It’s been nearly two months since we launched the Unusual Efforts website, and I’d like to take this opportunity to give you an update on how we’re progressing. As we are only here thanks to an incredible community fundraising effort, it’s only fair that we keep our community in the loop!
The website
As you can clearly see, we’ve been posting amazing stories, accompanied by incredible artwork. While we’re still hard at work designing an editorial calendar that regularly involves a variety of articles from across the globe, we’re proud to have published stories not often promoted on other outlets. We’re also thrilled to have featured work from Effortistas on six continents (perhaps Antartica is next)?
And of course, we’re the only website to have provided a scientific analysis of how Fernando Torres’ hair affects his (football) game.
Every once in awhile, we do miss a day. All we ask is that you be patient. Our philosophy is that health comes first – be it mental, spiritual, physical, or emotional.
In the future, we hope to have regular columns, weekly features, stand-alone art, and short daily pieces (which should help satisfy your cravings if one of our longer pieces gets delayed!). We’ve also got a podcast in the works, so stay tuned – it should be coming shortly.
Unusual Efforts Vol. 1
Is coming! We’ve put half the magazine into layout and the last few stories should pull together quickly.
Still hoping to pre-order your copy? You have just a few days left. Alas, our store still isn’t up and running – we’re a small operation and still learning how to juggle everything; just imagine how incredible we’ll be with a couple more months under our belt – but if you use the “Support Us” button to contribute $15 USD or more, we’ll send you a hard copy. We’ll also make sure you receive the digital copy the day it’s released.
Need more incentive? Check out our Facebook page and our Instagram account to see glimpses of the magazine’s creation!
Financing the site and magazine
We’ve been so busy creating excellent virtual and print pieces that we’ve neglected to fully pursue advertising and sponsorships.
However, we are 100% committed to paying Effortistas – and increasing that pay as we find those sponsors and advertisers. Without financing, we simply won’t continue.
So if you’re a business or organization who believes in our work and wants to draw eyes to your own company, please contact us at inquiry@wh738007.ispot.cc – we’ll pass along details and price points.
If you’re an individual who simply wants to support us as we continue to grow, by all means, use the “Support Us” button in the right-hand corner.
And if you’re an individual who wants to post an ad on our site … well, we won’t turn you down. Feel free to send such a proposal!
Becoming an Effortista
So you want to create something that celebrates soccer? You feel the need to write passionately about a subject no one is suggestion? You just want to know more about what it takes to be an Effortista? We hope to hear from you soon! More details here.
We don’t have specifics posted, but we’re especially looking for those who want to pay homage to China ’91, who want to write creative post-tournament pieces for Copa América or Euro 2016, who are itching to add to the Rio conversation, or who wish to ruminate on a specific player’s hair. Yes, hair.
So….that’s where we are as we enter our third month. For me, it’s been an absolute joy to work with these incredibly talented Effortistas. I only hope you feel the same.
Much love,
Kirsten* (founder and editor-in-chief)
*and there’s no way I could do this without the help of our executive committee