One Year Anniversary… Some Thoughts

A year ago we started with an idea, a few staff members, and a heightened curiosity on where we could take this. At the risk of sounding like damn-near every other company under this scenario, ie, “It’s been an incredible year” (irrelevant of what they’ve done) I’m going to have to say………..It’s been an incredible year. I guess you’ll just have to trust me on that, but I’ll also back that up with what I feel substantiates that position. A few staff members has turned into 37 staff members… the 200 or so Myspace friends has turned into over 9000… and the one or two companies that we’re involved with has turned into multiple companies. In the business world, numbers, or ranking has always been the standard for proving legitimacy. It’s not that I’m arguing that point, but let me share what I feel also provides “legitimacy.”Between the interviews I’ve been blessed, for lack of a better word, to have conducted over this year, and the insightful information from the magazine’s unparalleled staff, I have no hesitation in stating that BMM is unquestionably “making a difference” for the bass community. Now, back to my point. I don’t believe “making a difference” is exactly at the top of the page in the corporate worlds list of priorities for maintaining a successful business, and I’d be willing to argue that point. But not acknowledging that this philosophy of making a difference is an absolute as far as proving the legitimacy of a company would be nothing less than a breakdown in common sense. No matter where the numbers may lie, any publication out there deserves acknowledgement and recognition for their efforts when trying to provide an honest alternative for the public to consider. Knowledge is power… considering the thoughts of your peers while immersed in creating a musical path for yourself is just plain smart… involvement in diversity of opinion is very healthy… and “honest” and “experienced” assessments from the pros within the industry you’re involved in, or about to be involved in, is invaluable.I appreciate, and thank everyone that has devoted their time in one way or another to this project, and I hope the growth of this magazine’s impact upon players out there continues to thrive.Speaking of our staff members, I’m happy to announce the addition of yet another round of members coming on board to the BMM family. Joining us in this issue, or our next issue in October will be Jimmy Haslip, Esperanza Spaulding, Reggie Washington, and Tom Kennedy. These are all outstanding players, and my appreciation for them joining on to an already outstanding staff is immeasurable. Also joining us this issue is staff member Dale Woolum, who will be doing vintage gear reviews for us.