Independent Life
Every town has one if not more freebie magazines. These are nearly always rubbish, an appalling waste of trees. Viva Brighton is a rare exception. And far too often these freebie magazines are shoved through the letterbox as unsolicited junk mail to be thrown away unread.
On a recent trip to York, I picked up a copy of Independent Life from Brew & Brownie then leafed through whilst waiting for my lunch at Burr. Like Viva Brighton, another rare exception, worth picking up.
I was though baffled, why Leeds and York, nowhere near each other.
I learnt later at Kiosk it used to cover Leeds, only recently Leeds and York. Still odd though.
Maybe follow the example of Viva Brighton (which has a sister magazine Viva Lewes), Independent Leeds and Independent York.
Kiosk would be an excellent location from which to distribute.
Not on glossy paper. Another plus.
I thought the title Independent came from the fact it was an independent publication, maybe, but actually comes from the focus on indie businesses, which is yet another plus.
It is the indie businesses, quirky, of character, that make the old part of York, Hull Old Town or North Laine in Brighton worth a visit.
Why visit a town for the same crap corporate chains to be found in any town?
A huge mistake Guildford tourist information has made. A short video clip to promote Guildford, featuring er coffee chains, two grotty shopping centres. Reasons not to visit methinks.
Independent Life also publishes The Little Black Book Leeds, now vol 3, a guide to the independent businesses in Leeds. If one does not exist, I assume in the pipeline a similar guide for indie businesses in York.
Independent Life local indie businesses, local culture, art, poetry, well worth grabbing a copy.
Independent Life and The Little Black Book Leeds, are both available on-line to browse.
