Starlog, a magazine which has been covering the world of science-fiction and fantasy for 33 years, has announced the "temporary cessation" of its print edition and a shift to an Internet-only presence, at least for a while. I have no inside info here but I would imagine that its many contributors and fans are taking "temporary cessation" to mean what it usually means in the publishing world: "Cancelled, probably forever." I can't think of too many publications that ever left the newsstands and returned, at least under the same ownership. Issue #374 is the last in the paper format and from here on, they'll try and make a go of it online.
I wish them luck. I only followed the magazine intermittently but whenever I picked up a copy, I was struck by generally smart, well-researched reporting that didn't pander. When you're writing about current fantasy movies and TV shows, there's a temptation to cater to the geeky element that such enterprises usually attract…to focus, as one of my friends once put it, on the Spock ears and not on the actor wearing them. Starlog sold to that crowd without, I'd like to think, insulting or losing those who like their journalism with a few more ounces of dignity. I always especially liked their habit of focusing on the so-called "little people" on a film or program — behind-the-scenes folks and supporting players who have much to offer even if they haven't the marquee value.
Presumably, this approach will continue so you might want to keep an eye on their website. And my buddy Lee Goldberg, who pretty much launched his career writing for Starlog, has some thoughts. I fear we're going to be saying goodbye to a lot of hard copy before '09 is out.