Reporter's Notebook: Taking On A New Role

When you were younger, what did you dream of?

If you are a car/truck/SUV person, you probably dreamed of driving in the vehicle you always wanted. That one special ride that speaks to your lifestyle, your pursuits, your goals, and your dreams. 

Sometimes, you may have found yourself having grandiose delusions. You find yourself in a fantasy that may be a bit too lofty to feign a sense of reality. Dreams, such as being a monarch of a fantasy land where you drive whatever you want, all of the money in the universe, and have the spouse of your dreams. 

It’s OK to dream. It is a healthy form of keeping you in check. Without dreams, we would succumb to the negative ends of our reality. 

I said to my brother recently that one can still dream at our age. Sometimes, they may come true sooner or later, even if time is short. 

One such dream has been realized. One that I thought would never happen. But, it did. 

That dream was to live a professional fully in the media. It would take being in a position of driving content to the audience. Granted, I am the publisher of this site, btu the dream that was fulfilled would be more than that. 

I always dreamed of returning back to an editor’s desk. I was there twice in my professional life, but it was either unpaid or unfulfilled. This time, my hope is that both issues would never arise. In fact, it was something that I wanted. A position of utter importance that would drive a publication towards creating deeper bonds with its readership and demographic. 

Therefore, I announce that I have become the Managing Editor at Lavender Magazine. 

It began on February 14. It is what I dreamed of – and more.

What made this new position worth accepting and diving into is familiarity. My byline first appeared around 2008 and became a permanent fixture since 2011. Knowing the people, the processes, and learning new ones help in guiding my work at the magazine. 

No job is without its challenges and nuances. Believe me, there had been plenty. However, I was up for the challenge and have been able to learn as I go along. I can’t divulge some of those challenges, as they relate to future issues of the magazine. 

So far, I have been blessed with a great group of writers and photographers. I will be looking for more voices to join the magazine. 

The first issue of the magazine that I will fully take on this role will be published on March 10.

That does not mean it is the end of the road for V&R. Far from it. I need a place where I can express my thoughts on everything automotive for the widest possible audience – you. George keeps on sending me messages on video ideas for V&R’s YouTube channel. I guess whenever our fellow Midwest Automotive Media Association members do something that inspires us, we consider it – maybe. 

As long as the publisher of the magazine understands that none of the content on here will interfere with my work, V&R will remain in publication! Besides, I need an outlet to tell you about the vehicles we’re still getting in for review. Plus, history pieces, commentaries, etc. 

This new opportunity is great and all. However, I can feel your response. You might be happy to see that I have taken the reigns of editorial content for a regional LGBTQ magazine while maintaining its automotive/motorsport column. Or, you might not be happy that I have taken such a role because of your personal beliefs and such. 

It is no surprise that I do care about my readers. However, this new role is an important one to undertake. There is a lot of work to be done. I also bring in my experience and expertise in ensuring that the magazine is published at its highest level. 

In the meantime, let me deliver this website at an equally high level. I know you will keep on reading as you have for the past 11 years! Believe me, we’re not going away any day soon! We’re here to stay! 

All photos by Randy Stern