A Note from the Editor-in-Chief

Pattee Brown

What makes us different?

You know, it never ceases to amaze me when I hear of the variety of people who read the Frederick Gorilla cover-to-cover. It’s one thing to simply thumb through a local publication just to see if you know anyone in it, and then have it decorate your desk or coffee table until the next issue arrives. But it’s another thing entirely to cherish a magazine, carrying it with you until you’ve read every article.

Young people—from hipsters to college students—have told me this magazine speaks directly to them. At the same time, I have had CEO’s, business professionals, hip moms and grandparents likewise tell me they find the magazine’s content particularly engaging and relevant to their concerns.

So, what makes the Frederick Gorilla different? I think that’s a multiple-answer question.

First, I believe we are different because our content is primarily determined by our readers. That’s a huge reason so many people read the Gorilla. Every time we decide to cover a story, the first and last question we ask is why would our readers care? In answering that question we check both for the topic’s relevance to Frederick residents and to its uniqueness as a local story. I can’t tell you how many people have a hand in determining what stories we cover and how we cover them. There are just too many to name. I use social media, emailing, networking, and conversations at local eateries and bars, etcetera—all with an eye and an ear for determining what matters to you.

Secondly, we don’t pull punches. To put this as directly as I can, we don’t allow sensational- ism to infiltrate our stories; nor do we cater to pressure—official or commercial. Our stories are told unflinchingly with community interests and perspectives in mind. Bullies are not allowed.

Thirdly, we speak (write, actually) plainly and simply. Our stories are written in a way that appeals to many because they are written by many in the community. Each writer is encouraged to use his or her own voice and to tell the story in their own way—but in plain, easy-to-comprehend English.

Fourthly, we don’t assume anything. Not all women want to read about cosmetics and cooking and not all men want to read about sports and business—and we don’t assume that people under the age of 30 don’t care about their com- munity. In short, we don’t insult our readers by pandering to them. We tell all kinds of stories, and let you decide which ones are interesting— and then we react to your feedback 

Lastly, we have fun with the Gorilla. Yep, that’s probably the main ingredient. The Gorilla is a great magazine because the people who create it have fun doing so. We love and respect the journalism we’re engaged, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously in the process.

So there you have it. If you are a new read- er, this may help you understand why people scramble to get a copy of the new issue when it comes out.

What do YOU think makes the Gorilla different? Why do YOU read it cover-to-cover? Or, if not, why not? What don’t you like about us? Tell me at #PatteeGorilla, or send a note on Facebook—or email me at Editor@Frederick- gorilla.com.

That’s one of the ways our baby Gorilla can grow.