Announcing the MySQL Journal

[Sam Flywheel]

Hello, all:

I am pleased to announce that the MySQL Journal is moving forward.  
During the past two weeks, I've been discussing the journal with  
MySQL AB, and the plan that's been devised benefits all involved,  
including authors, readers, the community, and MySQL AB.

Let me outline how the journal will operate:

* The name of the magazine is Tabula: The Journal of MySQL  
Development. The domain name of the magazine will be  
themysqljournal.com. The trademark "MySQL" is being used with the  
permission of MySQL AB.

* The magazine will be published monthly and will be distributed  
solely as a personalized, password-protected, watermarked PDF.

* Each issue of the magazine will include three feature stories, six  
or so columns (TBD), and other content to support the community, such  
as calendars, news, puzzles, profiles, interviews, press releases,  
software releases, etc.

* Each author must warrant that the material submitted to the journal  
is original, unencumbered by copyright restrictions, and has not been  
published previously.

* Any previously-published material (whether published online or in  
print) used in a contribution to the journal must be used with  
written permission or in strict accordance with the material's  
governing license.

* Each author retains his or her copyright in the original material  
contributed to the journal. Except for the conditions listed below  
(points 6-8), the author is free to reuse the material without  
limitation.

* Each author grants the journal first serial rights and perpetual  
use rights in all forms of media.

* Each author agrees to not publish his or her contribution online or  
in another periodical (magazine, technical journal) for sixty (60)  
days after the contribution is published and made available to the  
public.

* However, authors may repurpose the material freely and at any time  
for conferences, books, courses, and lectures, and for use within his  
or her organization.

* Thirty (30) days after first publication, MySQL AB has the right to  
post each article on its own MySQL Network.

* Subscribers will have early access to all draft articles and will  
have the opportunity to comment and contribute. This is a form of  
peer review and a perk for subscribers.

* Each author will be compensated for the rights granted above.  
Features earn $750 for 3,500-4000 words. Columns earn $500 for 2,500  
words. Fees for shorter content, such as Lightning Articles, puzzles,  
and tips and tricks will be determined shortly, but would likely be  
$50-$100 for 1,000 words or less.

* Annual subscriptions to Tabula will be $72.00.

* Individual issues and back issues will be available for sale from  
the web site for $9.00 each.

* Advertising is accepted and encouraged. A full-page ad is $2,000;  
other sizes include half-page (either vertical or horizontal), one- 
third page (vertical only), and quarter-page, each priced  
proportionally. A text-only ad in the "Marketplace" section, ideal  
for classifieds, job postings, jobs wanted, contract services, and  
other consulting services is $100 for 200 words + logo.

* All bylines and advertisements may include links and email  
addresses. The PDF will be "clickable" to jump to previous material,  
other sites, code downloads, and authors' and vendors' web sites.


One caveat: some minimum number of subscribers -- probably above  
1,000 -- is needed to warrant the launch of the magazine. If that  
minimum is not met, the magazine may be cancelled and all monies will  
be refunded to subscribers.

I think this is the big stuff. Again, the MySQL AB connection is a  
pleasant addition to the publishing plan. The company would like the  
journal to succeed and has been very supportive. For clarity, MySQL  
AB is not obligated to fund, participate, subsidize, advertise, or  
contribute to the journal. The journal is an independent endeavor,  
using the MySQL mark with permission.


What's next?

1. Accept proposals for columns and features and other content.  
(Propose something now!)

2. Identify each regular column and its author.

3. Identify at least nine features.

4. Describe the format(s) for lightning articles.

5. Publish the writer's kit.

6. Get the web site up and running.

7. Collect community information.

8. Contact vendors to encourage contributions and advertising.

9. Set deadlines for issue #1 and set a launch date.

10. Get the word out!


The permanent staff of the magazine has considerable experience  
editing and producing technical articles. The magazine has already  
been designed and looks great onscreen and on paper.

If you want to receive email when subscriptions are available, please  
send email to sam.flywheel@stripped.

I know this email is long, but I wanted to try and answer the most  
pressing questions that authors and advertisers tend to have. If you  
have any questions, please send me email or send me an instant  
message on AIM at samflywheel.

You are welcome to forward this to others.

Thanks!

Sam
Publisher, Tabula

email: sam.flywheel@stripped
aim: samflywheel