Distinctly Montana Magazine

Publishers A NOTE FROM THE A bird does not sing “ There are few “answers” to suc- cessful magazine publishing these days. The world is in a constant state of change when it comes to the ways and means of communication and con- nection. Gutenberg’s 600- year-old invention of mov- able type has been trounced at the speed of movable light, and the Internet is now a book-binder of unsurpassed might and production. The effect is overwhelming, a dizzy confusion of digital bytes nipping at every reader’s heels. What is a magazine to do? In a “niche” publication like Distinctly Montana, we make a point of creating each issue, offline and on, as seasonal tributes to that most elusive of modern senti- ments—the idea of “good news.” Good news? Montana has plenty and, honestly, we are completely overwhelmed with great ideas for stories, features, and events at every meet- ing of our editorial board. We have a backlog of things pleasant and celebratory, exciting and wild, heart-warm- ing, and inspirational. Only in DM can you meet experts in LEED architecture, appreciate Old West preservation in rustic furniture, read up on the geology and gemol- ogy of Yogo sapphires, enjoy a side-trip to the Bitterroot or the Bair Museum, or learn about the marvelous milieu WHAT OUR FRIENDS ARE SAYING “We like Distinctly Montana’s distribution model. It connects with just the right clients and prospects for our business.” MATT FAURE, Faure-Halvorsen Architects, Bozeman “The Veterans Fishing Park for disabled vets thanks Distinctly Montana and its staff for the fine work and sponsorship on our behalf.” BUD LILLY, fly fisherman, Three Forks “Distinctly Montana is a beautiful, quality magazine that presents our ads so well. We enjoy the relationship with the staff who are truly proactive business partners working for our success.” LESLIE BLAIR, Manager Marketing & Planning, Billings Clinic 10 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • SUMMER 2011 IT SINGS BECAUSE IT HAS A SONG” ~CHINESE PROVERB BECAUSE IT HAS AN ANSWER. of Montana music and the often grumpy mood of the moose.And that’s just in this issue. There is a reason that we focus on the positive, the optimis- tic, and even the joyful. As Montanans, we are proud of this state, a “treasure” in every sense of the word; as publishers, we have a real mission to tell the tales of a people and place that could serve as a model for our fellow-citizens; and, as human beings we come by our own optimism and (dare we say!) happiness naturally, without effort. We treat this magazine as our song to readers. No one’s life is untouched by tears or trial, but we find no reason to add to the blizzard of bad news we all encounter on a daily basis. The good news about Montana is here, at Distinctly Montana, and it is here to stay. We promise. Anthea George, Publisher anthea@distinctlymontana.com Bill Muhlenfeld, Publisher bill@distinctlymontana.com

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