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The future looks bright but selective for pitches to The Futurist, a magazine that covers trends and ideas about the future. However, editors plead "look at the publication first," before sending press releases. They don't have time to sift through inappropriate messages because the staff is composed of only four full-time editors. Published by the World Future Society, the monthly magazine (except for two combined summer issues) discusses serious future issues such as solving drug abuse problems, but is not academic. (Circulation, 30,000; demographics: 79% male; median age, 47; median HHI, $76,000)
SECTIONS: TECHNOLOGY - This section covers innovative products or ideas for the next century. For example, a new Web browser is not appropriate for the section because it's too common. However, a computer screen that's 1/4 inch thick and can hang on a wall makes the cut.
EDITORS/LEAD TIME: Staff Editor, Dan Johnson, Phone: 301/656-8274, Lead Time: as much as possible
METHODS: Johnson is the main contact for all sections. He prefers snail mail and says attach graphics and visuals to press kits. He reads all material sent to him, so don't call to follow-up.
COMMENTS: Johnson wants ideas that "impact people's thinking about the future," he says. Get product coverage in the Technology section by sending lots of visuals. "We always perk up when we see pictures."
An article in the August-September issue, "Getting Robots to Work in Teams," describes robots that work in teams to complete tasks, otherwise life-threatening to humans, such as hazardous waste disposal or nuclear arms deployment.
SECTIONS: SOCIETY - Covers many topics such as education, family and government. This section gives readers quick, concise information on breaking news like new treatments for drug abuse or the future of "distance learning" in education.
EDITORS/LEAD TIME: Staff Editor, Dan Johnson, Phone: 301/656-8274 Lead Time: as much as possible
METHODS: Again, Johnson should be contacted by snail mail for this section. He also warns that if a PR exec wants to speak with Managing Editor Cynthia Wagner, they should call him first. "She'll just transfer you to me anyway," he says.
COMMENTS: Johnson says the best way to pitch this section is to send him a book that writes "seriously about the future" (no sci-fi, please), and highlight chapters or pages appropriate for the Society section.
An article in the August-September issue entitled, "Less Common Ground in Tomorrow's America," looks at the conflict between ethnic pride and national identity.
The Futurist
Main Number: 301/656-8274
Note: All editors should be contacted through main number
- Robert M. Schley, Staff Editor
- Andy Hines, Contributing Editor, Emerging Technologies
- Rashmi Mayur, Contributing Editor, Developing Nations
- David P. Snyder, Contributing Editor, Lifestyles
- Clement Bezold, Contributing Editor, Government
- Cynthia Wagner, Managing Editor
Recent Stories
(August-September 1998 issue)
"Small Arms Become Big Problem," by Jeffrey Epstein. A piece about how used military weapons are infiltrating society and sustaining the violence in our cities.
"Reinventing Labor Unions," by Jeffrey Epstein. A story about the reorganization of unions for the new millennium because of decreased membership.
"Alternative Energy Sources Gain Worldwide," by Dan Johnson. A feature on the increased use of wind and solar power and its success in reducing the greenhouse effect.