Managing Editor's Notes -- by Melissa Steiger, Managing Editor

Throughout the past decade, the Internet has impacted the way business is conducted on a daily basis. Now we can shop, learn, and even read books on the World Wide Web. As journalists, we too have adjusted to the rapidly changing technological world that has thrown the media industry into a tailspin. With the development of unbound, The College of New Jersey's first and only student produced online magazine, the community both inside and outside of Ewing, NJ is able to access the culmination of student interests, ideas, and opinions on a daily basis. Although the content changes only twice a year, it is The College's step into the new era of journalism.

As managing editor this past semester (basically a grant writer for our publication), my exposure to the future of journalism was heightened. I began my involvement with unbound in the fall semester of 2000 thinking it would be neat to see my name in the byline of an article on the Web for anyone and everyone to see. After almost four full semesters of involvement with unbound and increased responsibilities, I have come to realize that online magazines are the future of journalism. More importantly, I realized that unbound is truly unique. Where else can you find opinions, arts, health, and business articles right at the tip of your fingers with access to links for more information conveniently provided for you? No where other than on the World Wide Web. And no where other than unbound.

Since its establishment in 1996, the unbound staff has expanded along with the variety of interests held by writers, editors, and production members. It is not uncommon in this issue to find an article in the health section written by an editor of the business section. Although the two sections seem completely unrelated, they represent the wide variety of expertise held by staff members and contributing writers as well. Other stories range in content from snowboarding, to thyroid cancer, to my own reaction to the media's coverage of the event of September 11th. There's something available for audiences including the recreation fanatics, the health conscious, and grieving Americans. The College's unbound truly represents "Your life. Your voice. Your world." But it also gives a glimpse into what journalism will become- a well-constructed Web of news and information. As new technological developments are implemented, check back to see our rendition of what newsmaking has become in the 21st century.

Production Manager's Notes -- by Jeff Esposito, Production Manager

Before this issue of unbound, I had no idea of the enormous responsibility that a production manager would have thrust on his/her back. I simply told Melissa Steiger and Kim Pearson that I'd be happy to help in any way possible. On the Spring 2001 issue, I had done layout (and throughly enjoyed the experience), so I wanted to help out again. Ah, how I didn't know what I'd be getting in to. But, despite that, it was completely worth it.

I believe Melissa has said (very eloquently) all that needs to be said about the importance of unbound to the community, as well as it being a glimpse at the future of journalism. So, let's look at unbound from a technical standpoint.

Frankly, it's incredible.

Since 1996, unbound has gone through so many layout changes, code tweaks, server movements and production managers that's it hard to believe that it still exists. A look at the archives shows how many versions and visions of unbound have been presented to the public. And as I production managed this issue, I added my own vision to the mix.

The melting pot of people who work on unbound are all volunteers. We aren't paid, and the only satisfication we receive is the completed issue. So, the incredible devotion shown by unbound's staff is even more impressive. When I showed one of my professors (a web designer) the work I was doing, he asked how much I was being paid. When I said nothing, he was shocked. How could I do all this work and not get paid?

It's very simple -- many have come before me, and they have given their time and effort in exchange for the satisfaction of seeing a new issue, as well as the satisfaction of those reading it. The work I have done has been for myself as well as unbound. And the satisfaction I have received is more than enough to compensate me.

I hope in the coming years, more production managers will say the same.