By Les Conklin
“New Day” by Kathy Mascaro
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
In today’s magazine publishing world, A Peek at the Peak is beyond mature. It was first published in 1983; that’s more than 30 years ago. Its founding editor, Liz Stapleton-Ogden, formatted and typed the six page newsletter using a typewriter and carbon paper at her kitchen table, copies were made at the nearest copy place in the Scottsdale Airpark, and it was distributed to about 150 people who lived in the Pinnacle Peak area. At the time, local news was in short supply; residents had to drive to Shea Boulevard to get a newspaper or other publication. In fact, GPPA considered it a major victory when the City of Scottsdale installed a bulletin board at the corner of Pinnacle Peak and Pima with announcements of upcoming meetings related to issues of interest to Pinnacle Peak residents.
Over the years, The Peak has changed many times. We thank the many editors, contributing writers, photographers, advertisers, members, donors, and readers who have helped our nonprofit organization and magazine keep pace with our rapidly changing community. Without the strong platform they’ve provided, we would not be able to take advantage of modern technology and extend The Peak‘s reach into the vast and ever-expanding universe of online readers.
The new publication includes all the types of articles that have been published in The Peak, with the following added benefits:
- Improved timeliness. The online magazine will be published monthly with bi-weekly updates. That means local readers will be able to get the latest news about quality of life and environmental issues related to north Scottsdale and environs.
- More Content. There will be more and longer articles.
- Interesting Graphics and Videos. The new site will feature attention-grabbing photographs and videos submitted by local readers.
“Sunrise and Ocotillo at Pinnacle Peak” by Kathy Mascaro
- Interactive Readership. Magazine readers can comment on articles and add their own content.
- Integrated Content. Magazine content will include links to related websites and documents so readers can easily learn more about a topic that interests them.
- Reader Convenience. The magazine is easy to read on a PC, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone, automatically adjusting to the device.
- Broader Audience. The Peak magazine has always been popular with long-time residents. It was here when most of them arrived. Now, the magazine’s content will be available to both seniors and all those younger new arrivals who prefer getting information online.
- Boundless Exposure. Advertisements and articles in the online magazine can be read by anybody, anywhere, anytime. Visitors to our three current websites, including the popular Scenic Drive site, will automatically be routed to the new magazine. In addition, our popular email newsletter, e-Peak Newsletter, which has been renamed A Peek at the Peak Newsletter, and social media will be used bring readers to the online magazine.
“Hiker at Daybreak” by Kathy Mascao
Deadlines for Sponsoring Articles or Advertisements
The new online magazine is designed to offer a limited amount of affordable site-wide advertising. Individuals, organizations, and businesses can sponsor an advertisement for three months, six months, or a year, for as little as $18 a month. Articles or a campaign (series) of articles can also be sponsored at very affordable rates. The deadline for article and advertisement submission is the 15th of the month, preceding the publication month, e.g., the deadline for the October issue of the A Peek at the Peak online magazine is the 15th of September and the deadline for the November issue is October 15th, etc.
More Readers, Greater Focus
www.apeekatthepeak.org is much more than a printed magazine that can be read online. In addition to offering a completely new format, it also combines the online drawing power of Friends of the Scenic Drive and the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association. Established in 1995, the Scenic Drive site was one of Arizona’s first websites. The Greater Pinnacle Peak Association’s website went online in 1983 and is popular for its community events and information about local quality of life and environmental issues. It’s popular with residents, part-time residents, local nonprofits, and individuals interested in how our community develops. Finally, our members, residents, and visitors can enjoy all the benefits of the 2005 merger of Friends of the Scenic Drive and the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association in one place.
“Pinnacle Peak Park Trailhead Sunrise” by Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park
All Things in Time
In 1995, I began creating a website to promote the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive. About that time, I also created an email discussion group so residents could comment on local affairs and the Scenic Drive. Great idea, but there was a problem: there were only a few Scottsdale residents who were using email and the resulting discussion was between me and two City of Scottsdale staffers. A bit premature, that idea.
Now, an instant later — it really seems that way — we have an online magazine that facilitates comments and high-quality content, can “change on a dime,” and can take advantage of the reach of the Internet, social media, and email to provide a more valuable, complimentary service to our community. So please check out the new magazine and please, please make a comment.
For Additional Information
If you’re interested in sponsoring an advertisement or article, contact me at (480) 361-6498 or lesconklin@gppaaz.org.
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