Who owns Reason?
Reason is owned by the Reason Foundation, a nonprofit research and educational organization that also has a think tank arm. Reason Foundation researchers occasionally contribute to Reason, but the magazine operates as an independent publication whose editorial content is determined solely by its editor. For more on the Foundation's policy research, visit the Reason Foundation site.
Is Reason affiliated with the Libertarian Party?
No. Reason is a nonpartisan magazine whose staff represents a range of political affiliations.
Does Reason endorse candidates?
No. Individual writers for the magazine may take positions on candidates or other political issues, but they represent only themselves, not the magazine as an institution. Reason takes an analytical, educational approach. It does not tell its readers how to vote.
Where does Reason's money come from?
More than half our funds come from operations--subscriptions, list rentals, and advertising (in that order). The rest of our budget comes mostly from individual patrons who want to make sure Reason continues to operate and to grow. We also get some money from foundations and a very little bit from corporations. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to Reason at 3415 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90034. They may be earmarked for specific projects, such as support of our Web page, or for general support so we can keep paying the rent, our editors and authors, our printer, the U.S. Postal Service, and so on.
Why doesn't Reason make money?
General interest magazines dedicated to advancing ideas have very rarely been profitable--going back to the abolitionist journals--because they cannot attract the advertising base that supports commercial publications (most of whom lose much more money on circulation than Reason does). Advertisers shy away from politically charged editorial copy, and they also tend to look for very targeted audiences. Reason readers, for instance, buy a lot of computers, but it makes more sense for computer advertisers to place ads in computer magazines. Like a university or a symphony orchestra, Reason charges "admission" to cover much of its cost but it also relies on generous patrons who believe in it and want to see it thrive.
How can I submit an article to Reason?
Unsolicited manuscripts should be sent to Associate Editor Jesse Walker at 3415 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90034. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you want us to return your manuscript. Manuscripts may also be submitted electronically to Brian Doherty. We don't accept very many, but we do give them all consideration. If you prefer, you may send a proposal first, accompanied by samples of your published writing.
What is Reason Magazine's letters to the editor e-mail address?
letters@reason.com
Do you have internships?
Reason offers a paid editorial internship each summer, the Burton Gray Memorial Internship, which is endowed in memory of our late trustee and enthusiastic supporter. The internship is advertised in the magazine and under "Reason News" on the Web page. The deadline is usually in early March. We also accept volunteer interns in editorial (during the school year), circulation, and public affairs.
How old is Reason?
Reason was founded in 1968, as a student publication based at Boston University. Early in its history, Bob Poole, Tibor Machan, and Manny Klausner became involved, first as contributors and in 1971 as owners, based in Santa Barbara, California. They ran the magazine as a volunteer enterprise until 1978, when the Reason Foundation was formed to publish the magazine and research the then-new and radical concept of privatization. In 1986, the Foundation moved to Los Angeles.
I'm looking for an article I can't find on your Web page. Can you help?
Call our office at 310-391-2245 during business hours (8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific time), and our editorial assistants will try to track it down for you.
Reason is also indexed in Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature, InfoTrac, Historical Abstracts, Political Science Abstracts, America: History and Life, Book Review Index, and P.A.I.S. Bulletin. Available on microfilm from University Microfilms International, 300 North Zeeb Rd., Dept. P.R., Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Why isn't the most recent issue on the Web page?
Subscribers and newsstand buyers, who pay for their copies, get something for their money: Reason subscribers receive their issue the first week of the month before the cover date (e.g., the April issue comes the first week of March). The issue goes on most newsstands three to four weeks later. At that point, selected articles are available on the Web page. The full issue becomes available a month later. If you want to read Reason when it's most current, we encourage you to subscribe.
How do I book a Reason editor or writer to give a speech?
Contact Mike Alissi (malissi@reason.com) at 203-407-0114.
I have a subscription problem. What should I do?
Click here for information on subscribing, renewing, changing your address, or resolving subscription issues.
How do I find out about advertising in Reason?
Click here for advertising information.
How do I order back issues?
We try to keep back issues for the past two years in stock; each copy is $5.00 including postage. If you have a credit card, you can place an order electronically (subscribe@reason.com) by indicating which issues you want, giving us your snail mail address, and leaving your credit card number and expiration date; or by phone, 1-888-REASON8 (toll free). If you don't want to use a credit card you can mail a check to our editorial offices, 3415 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90034. It's a good idea to call (310-391-2245) or e-mail (subscribe@reason.com) first to see if we have the issue you want on hand. Supplies are limited, and once an issue sells out, it is no longer available.
If you have other questions, send them to us at malissi@reason.com