Taking A Look Back At 2018
Wow. What a year 2018 was for Martial Journal. It really is hard to believe that we are back in December already, but multiple calendar checks have verified it for me so I guess it must be true.
As I take a look back at this year, I am pretty awe-struck at how much has changed. When we began in January 2018, Martial Journal was just starting to find its footing and its voice. We had some dedicated contributors working hard to create content, as well as find their own individual styles along the way (myself included). I am so happy to say that most of those contributors are still with us today.
Of course, if we wanted Martial Journal to grow, we would have to find more contributors. We most definitely did that! Over the course of 2018, we more than doubled the number of contributors that we started the year with. I am, again, happy to say that the vast majority who joined in 2018 are still with us. There are too many to name in this space, but if you are one of those contributors reading this, then know that your efforts are appreciated whether you have written one article or twenty.
However, with all of this wonderful growth, there have also been growing pains. We have encountered challenges that gave us opportunities to improve our processes and procedures. I am very proud to say that we have had very few errors that made it into publication. When they did, the editorial team corrected them quickly and was able to learn from them going forward.
One of the problems that became obvious as we started to grow was that we were going to need to add an editor. While Jeremy Lesniak, Jaredd Wilson, and I were doing our best, it became apparent that we needed another editor. I cannot say how much I appreciate Rob Domaschuk answering the call. He has been an invaluable addition to the editorial team and gives great feedback on the articles he edits. Thank you, sir!
The most important aspect to our growth over the past year, however, was reaching new readers. We made changes and adjustments to our approach to find new avenues to share our content. You, the readers, responded in a big way. We couldn’t be what we are, or do what we do, without you. Thank you!
Looking Ahead To 2019
As we move into 2019, we are already planning on pushing the envelope further by continuing to grow and move into new arenas. This is a given. We will continue to find new avenues and expand our content offerings to continue to reach new readers. This is not a passive endeavor, however. We will need your help. If you will humor us, we have two requests from you, the readers:
- Share and share some more! Please continue to share the articles that you enjoy reading on the site. Additionally, please continue to invite your friends to like our Facebook page. Your positive word-of-mouth is very much appreciated.
- Please continue to give us your feedback on the content published on the site. We are always looking to hear what your thoughts are about any of the great articles on our site.
Along with the plans we have for 2019, we are always interested in talking with individuals who want to become a contributor. If you are interested in becoming a contributor, or know someone who is, please just reach out to us via email at editors@martialjournal.com. It’s a straight-forward process. All you have to do is submit a potential article of at least 800 words and tell us a little bit about yourself. Nothing will be published unless we agree to move forward.
As I look ahead to 2019, I see another positive year of growth for Martial Journal. That is due in no small part to your continued readership.
Yours in the Martial Arts,
Scott Bolon
Martial Journal, Editor in Chief
- Martial Journal Is Growing and Expanding! - August 21, 2019
- The Grandmaster Movie Review - August 3, 2019
- “Big Brother” Movie Review - July 19, 2019
Great review, Scott! It’s been a pleasure and honor to be a part of this august group of people. I’ve long believed that we grow at exponential rates when we open ourselves to other opinions and thoughts. And that’s especially true in the martial arts when we step out of the comfort zone of our own systems. I’ve learned so much and have evaluated (and often re-evaluated) a lot of my own positions based on the writings of all the contributors.
I can’t wait to see what 2019 brings to Martial Journal!
Agreed sir! 2019, here we come!