The Rake Ceases Publication

In another sign of changing reader habits and disappearing print publications, the Minneapolis-based magazine The Rake is ceasing publication. As recently as two months ago, The Rake was featured in one of the e-zines of freelance writing markets I subscribe to. The March 2008 issue currently on the stands will be the magazine's last.

The Rake's web site will remain, however; out of 16 employees only one will stay on to oversee online operations. This is another sad aspect in the vastly changing world of writing and print publications. Editor Tom Bartel noted that declining ad revenues are the main culprit for The Rake's demise, but its small size also made it vulnerable.