Gargoyle plans to start up after shutting down last year

The Michigan Gargoyle, the campus' humor magazine, is planning its return after shutting down last spring.

The Gargoyle, overseen by the Board for Student Publications along with The Michigan Daily and The Michagensian, ceased publication after a disagreement during a meeting last spring between the Board for Student Publications and Gargoyle staff members.

Since then, the board has hired a new editor in chief, John Wambaugh, and encouraged the return and revitalization of the magazine through a special committee.

"I'm an old fan of the Gargoyle," Wambaugh said, adding that he was sad to see the magazine shut down last year.

Previously, the Gargoyle cultivated a loyal following, but lacked appeal to the rest of the campus, he said.

The board wanted to change that by reforming the magazine.

"The old staff members disagreed with a lot of the (new) policies," and previous staff members refused to work under the new guidelines, Wambaugh said.

One of the new guidelines is charging for issues of the magazine.

By selling the Gargoyle, editors will be able to know who is and who is not reading their magazine, Wambaugh said. Sales will serve as a form of feedback.

If it sells, then it shows people like the content; if it does not sell, editors will try to make changes, Wambaugh said.

Although a price has not been set yet, it is expected to be less than a dollar per issue.

"Keeping it funny to the University public" is very important, said Sam Lawrence, business manager of the Gargoyle.

Another policy that did not appeal to previous staff members was the creation of set positions, such as art director and science editor, among the staff, Wambaugh said.

"We have positions so we know that things will get done" he said, adding that although there will be people managing specific departments, they will not be limited to writing just for that one section.

The Gargoyle staff is working to make the magazine's appearance more stable.

"It will always look the same" Lawrence said.

In previous years the magazine was constantly changing its format.

Lawrence said the magazine will also "look more like a magazine" with a more appealing cover, including a glossy finish and bright colors instead of the newsprint cover of the past.

Another change the magazine wants to make is creating a more open and comfortable atmosphere in the office for new writers.

Wambaugh, who has never been a staff member of the Gargoyle before this year, said he tried to join for two years but "it was very hard to get into the group."

The magazine still is looking for staff members.

The magazine hopes to publish its first issue since its re-establishment in the beginning of the winter semester.

"We're very concerned with doing a decent job," Wambaugh said.

11-11-98