A new football culture magazine is set to kick off in August following a crowdsourcing campaign reaching out to future subscribers.
A limited edition of Thin White Line has been circulated among potnetial sponsors and the media, while the campaign video featuring TV presenter George Donikian calls on football fans to pledge their support. The campaign has so far raised $4,766 worth of subscriptions so far and aims to reach a target of $7,500 by August 20 to go to press.
Editor Ian Kerr, who is based in Melbourne, said the monthly publication will feature interesting and unusual stories behind the game ranging from academic studies to frivolous travelogues. Content will be produced by emerging writers and photographers in Australia and around the world who have a passion for the sport.
The 100-page matt-paper publication was designed by art director Cameron Colson of Microcosm Design.
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“Colson has created a magazine that is visually engaging without sacrificing the importance of the written word,” Kerr said. “Our goal is for the magazine to feature the best football writing and photography. Lofty aims perhaps, but what point is there in aiming low?”
While the magazine will only be available in hard copy initially, Kerr believes in the prospect of expanding into the online publishing space.
“We’re big believers in the beauty of print, but pragmatic enough to understand that digital delivery may be the only way for us to reach some subscribers,” he said.
In addition to the crowdfunding campaign, Thin White Line is seeking contributors and sponsors for future issues. All proceeds will help pay the magazine’s writers, photographers and illustrators as well as their printing and postage costs, Kerr said.
Kerr said the magazine was founded as a labour of love by a small group of people and he has so far funded the publication. His day job is at a business association where he produces an in-house trade magazine, however Kerr declined to disclose any further details.