fsm.'s next step.

by Cristian Andersson

Hey, hi. It is 12:56am, production night. In a few hours, I’ll send this issue off to the printer. But in the meantime, I’ll try to make it through a few paragraphs to write what has been weighing on my mind for the last six months. fsm. needs a change. Or, perhaps, I do.

Let me be clear by stating that I am extremely fond of this journal. Last I counted, we had published nearly 120 different voices, and that was at the end of 2024. I’ve witnessed the paper evolve over time. As we expand in distribution, new authors join those that have been sending in work for years for us to publish. It is gratifying to see someone casually pick up and read an issue at a coffee shop, or to get an email or (physical!) letter from an individual who wants to comment, or to see people listing this publication in their social media profiles and bios as a writer.

We also now have a physical location, which has brought on new opportunities for us as an organization. We have hosted poetry and music nights. Drawing classes, critique sessions, workshops, and camps. There was even a beautiful evening where a dinner was shared over a long table, followed by spoken word. Upstairs, people paint, draw, and write. A dream back in 2019 is materializing. It is exciting. And, exhausting. I’m really tired. And, in all of the growth of the paper and the non-profit, I lost myself.

fsm. is a volunteer run organization. The board provides insightful guidance. Three volunteers, Emily Rose, Theresa, and Jeff, graciously give their time, every month, in very meaningful ways. We have recently started an internship program through UWGB. Still, in the end, way too much has fallen on me to do. And now I’m asking for help. And not only for where fsm. is right now, but for where I feel it should be heading into 2026.

The journal. I would like to build up the content, especially in editorials and criticism. This not only means more writers, but having a team of editors that are interested in crafting the scope of the journal and helping develop new ideas for ongoing columns.

Compensation. We pay our writers what we can afford, but we have a goal of paying our writers equal to what our other costs are to operate. As an artist run organization, that only seems fair. Additionally, we need to start finding ways to transition from a volunteer run org to employing staff. Personally, I am good with giving my time freely for fsm., but that is my own brand of insanity. What that probably means is that the editorial help I mentioned above, working to build up the journal, would be on a volunteer basis at least to start. Until...

Financial growth. fsm. is not going anywhere for lack of funds, but there
does need to be some changes implemented—especially if we want to begin to employ individuals. We run on an incredibly tight budget right now, funded by a combination of subscriptions, donations, grants, and advertising. It is that first funding source, subscriptions, that I would love to see developed. Currently, we have individuals who send us money on a monthly or annual basis. This is money that is coming directly from people to support the creatives that live and work in their same community. Right now, our subscribers are receiving a very grateful “thank you” for their indispensable support. But, we can do more. I’d like to find someone who is interested in helping develop what we can do to grow our subscriber/supporter base. And, through that, make the goals of increased content, increased contributor pay, and employment opportunities through our org a reality.

There is a vision and a love for what this journal/organization does for the
community. There is a desire for what is next, but help is needed. If you are
willing to give time and energy to make the above three things a reality... reach out. I’m at cristian@fsm.ink. I need help. Let’s talk.

In art and action,
Cristian

Cristian Andersson is an artist, curator of the Lawton Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and co-founder of fsm.