Jamie Stark, Editor-In-Chief of Curb Magazine
Grade: Senior
Hometown: Green Bay, Wiscaansin
Major: Journalism and Political Science
How did Curb magazine get started?
This is Curb’s tenth year. Prof. Katy Culver started the class, Journalism 417, and the magazine. She still teaches the class every fall. Each new year gets to pick the magazine philosophy. This year we picked a Wisconsin lifestyle magazine that tells surprising, unique, unexpected stories about our state and people.
How often is it published?
Every year in December. We have a bomb launch party with appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, the works. We print out 10,000 copies, most of which are mailed to UW alumni across the state. We’ll have plenty available in Madison, too.
How did you get involved?
I heard about the class from Lavilla Capener, who was managing editor in ’09, then I applied when Katy Culver e-mailed the journalism school about it last spring, pretty straightforward. Katy picks 20 students for the class based off of their applications then decides who fills what role on staff.
On your site, I noticed Curb magazine targets “smart, bold women throughout Wisconsin.” As a male, is it hard to relate to the audience you’re trying to target?
Each year we pick a new philosophy, and this year we decided to write a lifestyle magazine for both men and women. Last year was a women’s magazine (the website has yet to be updated for the new edition) and the year before was a men’s magazine. The men’s mag was edited by a woman, funnily enough, and she encouraged all future years to write for a male audience. Apparently we’re fun and easy to write about it. Generally we’re fun and easy. However, I am the first dude editor in Curb’s ten years. There’s a lot of pressure there, actually. I’m one of only three guys in the class, so I feel outnumbered. Not that I’m complaining.
Where can you pick up a printed copy of Curb?
We’ve got copies of last year’s women’s magazine, anyone can make a request at curbonline@gmail.com. When our 2011 issue is printed in December we’ll have it on newsstands around town and at Vilas Hall. And of course at our bomb launch party. You can check out the website anytime, curbonline.com. We’re on Facebook, Twitter (@curbmag) and we have a forthcoming iPad app.
How can people get involved with Curb magazine?
If you’re a journalism student, watch your Wiscmail this spring for an email from Katy Culver. It’s a higher level course so most students who get in are seniors, but a few grad students have been involved in the past, maybe a few juniors. If you’re thinking about the class: do it! Definitely the best class I’ve taken in college. Although ask me again in December. And enjoy reading Curb!