Tell me about Irked Magazine.
Irked Magazine is committed to the basic idea that people improve when they know someone is paying attention. We believe that people everywhere can become less sad, or worried, or angry, or violent, or self-destructive simply by being given a forum to publish their work, and the dignity that comes with that sort of thing. We believe that in each of us lies an artist, and that in each of us lies a story that is dying to be told. We aim to provide a non-judgemental space in which people can explore matters of the heart.
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I have a story I am dying to tell. Who do I contact?
Great! We can’t wait to see your work! If it is a plain text submission, feel free to use our Contact Us form. Otherwise, please email your contributions to Irked’s Editor-in-Chief, at sacha@irkedmagazine.com.
Should I send a query before submitting my work?
You can, but you don’t have to. If you’ve written something already, no need to go back and try to summarize it. If you haven’t, if you just have an idea, why not drop us a line to confirm that it’s something we’d be interested in publishing?
How can I become a writer/photographer/graphic-designer/podcaster/filmmaker for Irked Magazine?
We are interested in all sorts of submissions, from all sorts of people. If you’ve created art that is brave and humane…we’re interested in your story! Drop us a line for more details.
Can I submit more than one experience?
Yes, absolutely! The more you submit the more chances you have of being published. Who knows, you might even become a regular contributor…?!
Will contributors be paid?
Not unless they insist! If you read our Contributors’ Guidelines page, we do offer something silly like “$0.02/word, $5 a pic, and something similar for a video.” However, we go on to ask those of our contributors who can afford it to forfeit their wages, as unprofessional as it sounds, just until we get off our feet. We ask that you re-donate your salary back to Irked. As soon as we start making some dough, we promise to lift this silly request…It is our long-term dream to be able to provide our contributors (not to mention ourselves) with a living wage.
Do my submissions have to be funny?
Not at all, though it’s great if they are. We love humour at Irked, and do think that people have an easier time digesting difficult subjects when they are presented with lightness and self-deprecation (in poetry it’s called “gilding the philosophic pill”). That being said, the only thing we require is that your work is honest and compassionate and interesting.
How long should my submissions be?
Typically, we'd like to publish short pieces. The reason for this is simple: short pieces get viewed more. Let’s say: Articles that are no more than 750-1000 words. Films that are under 10-15 minutes. Audio documentaries under 10 minutes. Photo essays that are 25 pictures or less. Etc…
I submitted my work and it was never published. Why?
Perhaps we are keeping it for a later “issue” or perhaps we’ve decided not to run it at all. We can’t guarantee that all your submissions will be published (but they will all be read). If you’ve submitted something and it hasn’t appeared on Irked, we encourage you to try submitting something else. Don’t give up! Just because we didn’t publish your work doesn’t mean you aren’t an incredibly talented, fascinating individual. Art is a completely subjective process, and don’t let anyone tell you that “you haven’t got it.” Remember: in each of us lies an artist…
How does Irked Magazine decide what articles to put in the magazine?
All articles/pieces submitted to Irked Magazine are initially reviewed by Irked’s editor-in-chief. Anything deemed hateful or slanderous/libelous will automatically be rejected. Work that is passed on to the next level is then voted on by the Irked staff. Submissions are judged on interest value and relatedness to Irked’s greater philosophy, as well as on literary merit. Within reason, articles will be edited for length and clarity, as well as grammatical and syntactical errors. Any articles that do not get published in an issue are kept on file for possible future publication.
I'm interested in conducting an interview for Irked Magazine. What’s your submission policy for interviews?
We are currently accepting all sorts of interviews (written, audio, video). If you have a great idea for an interview, send us an email describing who you want to interview, and your angle, and we’ll try to figure something out. Eventually, we hope to have a vast database where we’ll match people who want to conduct interviews with people who want to give them. (For more on this see our Interv…you? page.) Note: No hidden tape interviews allowed.
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What is Irked Magazine's letters to the editor email address?
Email all letters to the editor to sacha@irkedmagazine.com. Put “Letter to the Editor” in the subject heading. Irked Magazine reserves the right to publish any letter. We also reserve the right to edit letters for size, clarity, and accuracy.
How frequently is Irked Magazine updated?
We are a new magazine and, as such, are still finding our rhythm. We hope to change at least one thing on the site every few days (even if it’s just changing the Thought of the Week, or publishing a new editor’s update, or adding a new sponsor, or…) We will publish new submissions as often as we can (whatever that means!). We are a VERY small staff on a VERY limited budget doing the VERY best we can! Advanced thanks for your patience as we get this thing off the ground…
How old is Irked Magazine?
Irked was founded by Sacha Vais in early May of 2005. Judy Kovalski and Paul Aflalo came onboard very soon thereafter, and we launched a rough coming soon page by the end of that month.
Who owns Irked Magazine?
By the people, for the people!!!
How many people are on the Irked staff?
Officially, three (and counting!). But many more people help out behind the scenes.
Where does Irked’s money come from?
Hah, what money?!? Theoretically, our money will come primarily from donations and advertisers (we hope). For now, though, although we have gotten a few kind donations, things like registering our URL, and prizes for contests, and postage for prizes, and film for our cameras, and computer software have mostly come from our own pockets. Please refill our pockets here.
Where are the Irked offices?
Irked’s offices are wherever people are working on Irked around the world — in home offices, in apartments, in dorm rooms, on computers at work, in the streets, in hospitals, in classrooms. Irked’s main offices are in Montreal, Québec and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Where can I mail things to Irked (my projects, CDs for review, blank checks)?
Send all mail to our P.O. Box [Note: please consult our Donate Page for information on sending cheques or money orders by mail]:
Irked Magazine
P.O. Box 9224
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 5M8
Canada
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Can I work for Irked?
Yes yes yes! Absolutely. See our Contributors’ Guidelines and Job Opportunities pages for details.
How can I find out about employment opportunities?
Once again we turn your attention to our Contributors’ Guidelines and Job Opportunities pages for details. Send your CVs to sacha@irkedmagazine.com.
Do you have internships?
From your mouth to god-or-darwin’s ears…! We dream of someday being a “real magazine” – with things like interns, and Xerox machines, and copy editors, and Lexis-Nexis, and an office building, and letterhead. "Heck, for now we'd settle for the money to afford our high-speed internet bills and a decent fax machine!!! Stay tuned, this is just the beginning…"
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Can I link to irkedmagazine.com from my web site?
Yes, absolutely, we’re flattered, thanks for asking! If you don’t mind, just drop us a line to let us know you have.
What are the system requirements to view irkedmagazine.com?
Not very much. Most of our pages are simple, and can be viewed with steam engine dialup. If you’ve bought your computer in the last 7 or 8 years, and if you’re able to view most other websites, you shouldn’t have a problem. If you need things like Adobe Reader or Quicktime or Real Player, they can be downloaded here.
Who can I contact at Irked if I am having trouble visiting your website?
Contact Paul Aflalo, who’s our “Technological Potentate,” here.
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How can I contact the columnists?
The columnists who wish to be contacted usually include their email addresses at the end of their columns. If an email address doesn’t appear for the writer you want to contact – and if there is something you really, really, really want to say to him or her – email the editor at sacha@irkedmagazine.com, and he will do his best to pass your correspondences along.
How do I request permission to post Irked material on my site, or to reprint articles from the magazine?
Articles, photos, art, audio files and video files are the sole property of the original artists. All rights reserved. Email Irked’s editor at sacha@irkedmagazine.com for permission to post or reprint any material from Irked Magazine. If permission is granted, any material reprinted from Irked Magazine must be credited to the original artist.
I'm looking for an article I can't find on your web page. Can you help?
Have you checked our archives? If you have, and you still can’t find it, email us and we’ll see what we can do.
How do I book an Irked staff member to give a speech/lecture?
Seriously? Is this a prank call? C’mon, level with me…mom, is that you? If you’re really interested in booking one of us to speak at your event, email us here. No guarantees.
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Where can I buy Irked products (books, posters, DVDs, etc.)?
Glad you asked! Check out our marketplace here.
I have a product that would be perfect as Irked merchandise. Can I sell it in your online store?
Hmm, we must admit we’re intrigued! What is this perfect item you speak of? Email us and make your case here.
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How can I advertise on Irked Magazine?
By contacting our ads department at ads@irkedmagazine.com. We are currently selling banner ads for our sponsors page. For a bit extra, you can cement a spot on our homepage. Whatever your budget and whatever your vision, contact us – we’ll try to work something out. Also, stay tuned, we are working on an advertising model that will blow your mind!!!
What are the rates and specifications for advertising in Irked magazine?
Details available upon legitimate request. Contact us at ads@irkedmagazine.com.
I’d like to advertise, but I want to wait and do it in the same issue you review my CD/book/magazine. Can you tell me when that will be?
We’d love to have you advertise, but we’re not interested in guaranteeing reviews in exchange for an ad. If you like what we’re doing and want our readers to check out your product, advertise.
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Is there a print version of Irked Magazine?
Not yet. Currently Irked Magazine exists solely as an online magazine. Who knows what the future holds…?
Where can I buy copies of your magazine?
Err, nowhere. Currently Irked Magazine exists solely as an online magazine. And besides, we’re free to read.
Do you sell subscriptions to your magazine?
NO! CURRENTLY IRKED IS A F-R-E-E O-N-L-I-N-E M-A-G-A-Z-I-N-E. Sheesh.
Help! I have changed addresses, what about my subscription...?
This is getting ridiculous. Please see above.
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Will there be release parties?
The fact that we’re an online magazine, coupled with the fact that we’re poor, coupled with the fact that Irked’s founder and editor-in-chief is a big ol’ agoraphobe means: highly unlikely. But y’never know…
What’s Irked’s readership like?
Irked’s readers come from all walks of life. We have readers from countries all over the globe.
I have a question that wasn't answered here. Who do I ask?
Magazine questions: Sacha Vais, Editor-in-Chief – sacha@irkedmagazine.com
Technical questions: Paul Aflalo, Technological Potentate – paul@irkedmagazine.com
Sensitive questions: Judith Kovalski, In-House Counselor – inhousecounselor@irkedmagazine.com
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