Why, exactly, is this a good thing? I think we need as many feminist publications out there, but how is Bitch going to finance their next issue? Will they be asking us for another $40,000 next month? They say they want to expand the types of media they do--but what happens if they find the market is already saturated (there are a hell of a lot of feminist bloggers and websites)?

Gotta agree with you, newyorkred, and that's basically what I said in my comment on the original piece. They can offer reassurance but I hope they understand if some of us will believe it when we see it. When it's the third time you've been in the same mess and you say "we totes swear it won't happen again", it doesn't have a lot of meaning. Especially when they talk on their website about all these new avenues they want to go down - "we're in the process of evolving into a multimedia organization" but they should not be looking to build up and build up if they cannot afford what they've built so far. The economy is crap but you can only blame so much of your strife on outside forces - some of it has to be laid at your own feet.

I like Bitch and I hope they are able to examine their business model and make the changes necessary so that they don't get to the edge of the cliff again. I really hope that they're not thinking, in the back of their minds, that they can come back to this campaign again if they do.

Wow, I can't believe I'm posting here for the first time to defend Bitch...that's definitely a surprise.

But come on, you two. They're a non-profit organization, and they're putting out one hell of a magazine. I hardly think this is the time to be holding Bitch's financial troubles against them, especially since, generally speaking, non-profits are often supported by fundraisers like this. I'm sure they're looking into a sustainable business model, as I think they're probably just interested in keeping the magazine going as we are, if not more so--but until then I'm willing to dish out a little extra money (and trust me, it doesn't exactly come easy) for a magazine that goes so far towards expanding feminist dialogue and providing a forum for a collection of really unique voices.

Sustainable business plan or not, I love love love this magazine, and I would be totally heartbroken to see it go. (Congratulations, Bitch!)

I will admit that I did wonder that if Bitch raised the $40K this month, how they would continue to keep the presses pressing. But I'm so glad they reached their goal and in such a short time! I was planning on sending in my donation and I can't believe they've surpassed their goal before I even got the chance! But I will still be donating for the future. Can't wait for the next issue!

Walkin'Boots:

Trust me, I understand what they might be up against. I happen to work for a nonprofit magazine in the development (fundraising) department. I'm not calling for their heads or anything - I absolutely know how difficult it can be. And I appreciate the work Bitch has done over the years.

You said you are sure "they're looking into a sustainable business model". I hope so, but after 12 years, they shouldn't still be "looking" for the right business model. That, to me, says that they didn't start out on the right foot and never quite got on it. And the fact that this is the third time they've said "We need a lot of money now or we're over" just reinforces for me that something was not working right behind the scenes for a long time, and that's disappointing to hear.

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Only 1.875 million more fundraisers like this and they'll be as expensive as the AIG bailout.

Wow. I think you all are extremely harsh. Some even seem to be blaming them for failing during an economic crisis, or not failing soon enough. Of course they'll rethink their business plan NOW- This is the worst time for the economy since the mag's creation. The difference (which, I figured was rather clear) between the govn't's bail out of AIG and this is that AIG is a friggin' huge mega-corporation that makes tons of money and who knows what the hell happened to it, and Bitch is an eeny-weeny feminist publication that usually scraps by issue to issue anyway because it's indy and has political ideals that not a lot grants or institutions want to pay for. (Plus, I know I will personally benefit from Bitch's continuing whereas AIG, I think not.)

So, I feel proud to support this little-zine-that-could. It takes a long, long time for publications like this to become steady and respected (hello! Look at Ms.) and if they can't turn to the feminist community, then we're all kind of fucked.

WOOH!! SO EXCITED!
I was genuinely depressed when I read in the Willamette Week that they might not have enough money to put out another issue next month.
I'm so happy they reached their goal.
But I'm confused about why some of the commenters on here are being so harsh. They're a non-prof magazine, they get their money from donations and subscriptions. And now you're going to get pissed that they're getting money from more donations? I just don't see what other options they have.

So great to hear! It's truly affirming to see them reach that goal in such a short period of time. I've been reading Bitch since I was about 17, and having seen them come so close to going under was upsetting. However, it's amazing to see the word spread so quickly, and to see people respond swiftly and generously.

I'm so glad they are staying in business! I maxed my credit card out for them. I love Bitch as much as Feministing (I would max out for Feministing too). It's just sad that such great magazines go out of business because of economic hardship. I certainly don't want Bitch to be one of them and if it takes a donation in addition to my subscription so be it.

after 12 years, they shouldn't still be "looking" for the right business model. That, to me, says that they didn't start out on the right foot and never quite got on it. And the fact that this is the third time they've said "We need a lot of money now or we're over" just reinforces for me that something was not working right behind the scenes for a long time

I don't think that's fair. Bitch is not the only non-profit to need an emergency fundraiser. Lots of charities live hand to mouth. I receive "urgent" fundraising requests all the time - sometimes from big name charities like the ACLU or Planned Parenthood. My local homeless shelter is always on the verge of closing their doors, every month is a struggle to continue to provide services.

Obviously Bitch should try to make whatever changes are necessary to keep this from happening again. But to suggest that a non-profit needs to (or even can) have a business model that guarantees financial success or even stability is naive. If whatever they are doing had the potential to make money, they wouldn't have formed a charity to do it. Sadly there just doesn't seem to be a lot of money in independent feminist media criticism.