COLUMBIA — Ever since I took this job in July, people have asked me to "make Free Times edgy again."
And by that, I'm not sure what they mean. Snarky commentary? Taco Bell culinary reviews? The redundant chatter Rant & Rave has become?
Or maybe they mean Free Times' past at offering a public soapbox for guest writers, how we kept tabs on Columbia City Council or platformed homegrown artists before they ever made it big?
Whatever it is you miss (or don't) about Free Times, I'm here to tell you we're changing some things around here.
We're not shifting missions — we're still dedicated to reporting on the arts, culture and food scenes in the Midlands — but we are evolving how we tell those stories.
Incisive reporting on the food and dining industry, cultural analyses of emerging communities and features on well- and unknown creatives will anchor the Free Times from here on out. We are building a freelance team who is as dedicated to this work as we are, but it won't be all dour council meetings and uncomfortable conversations. There's so much fun in store.
None of this is meant to take aim at past iterations of this publication. For almost 40 years, Free Times has been a beacon for the arts and outcasts in Columbia, and we are only able to keep doing so because of the countless hours past and present staff members have dedicated to the paper.
But if you don't grow, you die.
Which brings us to our latest initiative: the Pride Issue.
Next week, Oct. 18, Free Times will publish stories focusing on the queer community in Columbia. We'll look at issues, we'll talk to creatives, we'll preview the Famously Hot Pride Fest.
But more than hitching our wagon to the city's biggest cultural event (besides football), Free Times is launching this as a dedicated commitment to covering LGBTQ+ issues and topics in a raw, transparent way. As many queer folks have told me (and I myself believe), we are here. We've always been here. It's time you start paying attention. (Or don't, the issue will still be stellar without your eyes.)
The Pride Issue also launches a new Free Times initiative. Every quarter, Free Times will publish a themed issue. The fourth quarter of 2023 will be the Pride Issue. Early next year, we'll launch The Identity Issue.
But more than previewing the issue we've all been working so hard on, I wanted to take this time to catch up. Y'all like what we're doing here? Hate it? Couldn't care less? Let me know. We can no longer exists in our bubbles of existence, reach out and connect.
You can reach me at znicholson@postandcourier.com or on X (a.k.a. Twitter) @zoenicholson_
