Variance Blog

The Weekly MashUp (Oct. 22)

2010-10-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

Interesting week, this one. From baby news to scandalous photo shoots, the entertainment sector has been busy. And a cholera outbreak in Haiti has authorities and humanitarians concerned. But the week wouldn’t be complete without news from Apple, Starbucks, and Toyota. In case you didn’t have time to keep up, we’ve done the work for you. Here’s the weekly MashUp.

The Weekly MashUp (Oct 16)

2010-10-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

Follow us on Twitter!
Check out the NEW issue of Variance Magazine.

Across the globe, one story dominated headlines this week. After two long months trapped underground, the Chilean miners were finally rescued as millions watched live.

In the midst of a nasty U.S. election season, celebrity drama, and over-hyped tech battles, few people were complaining about the coverage for a historical rescue from 2,000 feet below.

In case you missed the happenings of the last seven days, here's your MashUp for the week ending October 16, 2010:

The Weekly MashUp (Oct 10)

2010-10-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

It's 10.10.10; do you know what happened this week?

As you've probably noticed, it's been a busy time! We released the second issue of Variance Magazine online and the response has been enormous! We've had over 100,000 hits just in the last week alone.

Because of the newly-unleashed Issue #2, there was no MashUp last week. However, if you've been out of the loop the past seven days or simply don't have time to keep up, you're in luck.

It was a very interesting week, with some staggering headlines. Here's the MashUp:

October Issue Goes LIVE

2010-10-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

The October issue of Variance Magazine is now live!

The latest edition includes the Goo Goo Dolls, Spill Canvas, Matthew Mayfield, Memphis May Fire, Underoath, and so much more!

Due to the release of Variance today, there will be no MashUp for the week ending October 1, 2010.

Check out Variance now!

The Weekly MashUp (Sept 24)

2010-09-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

Follow us on Twitter! And don't forget to check out the NEW issue of Variance next Friday, October 1, 2010!

Perhaps you were one of the five people surprised by American Idol's press announcement Thursday. Maybe you've had your fingers crossed for the Verizon iPhone.

In that case, this week's headlines may be of interest for you.

As Idol heads into its last guaranteed culturally-relevant season, Sesame Street yanks a Katy Perry appearance ahead of its season premiere, and Blockbuster (finally) files for bankruptcy, it was a week of few surprises. But in case you missed it, we've got the stories and headlines that dominated web searches and trending topics!

Here is your weekly MashUp for the week ending September 24, 2010!

The week ahead: SNL Season Premiere September 25 with Amy Poehler & Katy Perry, Banned Books Week September 25-October 2, and the new issue of Variance Magazine October 1.

The Weekly MashUp (Sept 18)

2010-09-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

Be sure to follow us on Twitter!

In case you were on a vacation from the Internet this week, we've got you covered.

It's the weekend, baby. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the recap of all the stories that made ripples and waves over the last seven days!

From Oprah's Australian Adventure to a week without Facebook, this is your MashUp for the week ending September 18, 2010:

Variance October Issue goes live in less than two weeks. Check it!

Goo Goo Dolls Talk Big Dreams, Facebook, and the Rest of Us

2010-09-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

Formed during a time when American youth were adamantly rejecting everything about pop culture, the Goo Goo Dolls started with hopes of killing time and perhaps getting a few free beers. Having 13 Top 10 singles—something they later achieved—was nowhere in sight.

For many, this is how they see the Goo Goo Dolls: top ten singles, global tours, 10 million albums sold, and a lengthy career. But as front man Johnny Rzeznik points out, “you have to look at the facts.”

“We had been working for eight years [before ‘Name’ charted],” says Rzeznik in the October issue of Variance Magazine. “We traveled around in a crappy van before we actually hit.”

Nearly 25 years later, the Goo Goo Dolls are still just "regular" people. “We still take the trash out on Wednesday nights. We try to have as normal lives as possible. And I think that’s one of the things that’s held us together."

Perhaps that’s the reason many fans relate to the band. And it’s also one of the elements behind the new album.

“I think the Rest of Us is the most of us,” Rzeznik declares of their latest project, Something for the Rest of Us. “I think a lot of people are left out of the equation today. And we wanted to give them a voice. We're living in a tough time.”

In the latest issue of Variance, Rzeznik shares some heartfelt advice for other musicians who may be following in his footsteps, as well as the "biggest mistake" he ever made and his thoughts on the YouTube generation and changes in the music industry.

For the full story, check out the new issue of Variance Magazine when it goes LIVE October 1, 2010.

The Weekly MashUp (Sept 10)

2010-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting week!

Two weeks ago, tech news dominated the blogosphere. This past week, many of us have been overwhelmed by a host of current events that are continuing to shape our politics and faith--although Google managed to make a nice splash!

If you're like most of us, the short work-week flew by! But don't worry, your MashUp is here. The week's headlines and newsmakers are all at your fingertips. :)

[Read the latest issue of Variance Magazine, click here.]

Here's your MashUp for the week ending September 10, 2010:

The Week Ahead: 9th Anniversary of September 11th Attacks, MTV Video Music Awards Hosted by Chelsea Handler, Oprah Winfrey's Farewell Season Begins, American Idol Announcement Expected

The Weekly MashUp (Sept 3)

2010-09-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

Here's your dose of the week's standout headlines and newsmakers, and perhaps some things you may have missed. No need to scan the web for hours; save yourself some time and enjoy the extra-long weekend!

Please note: It was a big week for Apple, with its annual September music event. Headlines reflected that domination in media/tech buzz. (It was a big week for music in general.)

[Read the latest issue of Variance Magazine, click here.]

Here's your MashUp for the week ending September 3, 2010:

The Weekly MashUp (Aug 27)

2010-08-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

Last week, we introduced the MashUp to positive reception. And this week's edition really needs little introduction. So, save yourself some web search overload...It's as if you didn't miss a beat! And don't forget to check out the latest issue of Variance!

Here's your Friday MashUp for the week ending August 27, 2010:

View Last Week's MashUp, click here.

Check out the latest issue of Variance Magazine!

The Weekly MashUp (Aug 21)

2010-08-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed, the Internet is a crazy place that can be hard to keep up with at times.

Starting this week, Variance is going to help you out by presenting some of the week's headlines in music, film, books, media, and culture! The idea isn't to overwhelm you with information but to provide small bits you might be interested in and where to find more details.

Now that you know we'll posting this on our blog, you're more than welcome to tweet us or write us on Facebook if you come across something of interest that we should share! If we feature your recommendation, we'll credit you.

Don't forget to check out the latest issue of Variance!

Here's Your Weekly MashUp for August 21:

The latest of Variance Magazine is online! Click here.

Tyler Hilton Up Close: Interview

2010-08-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

by John Mouser

You have such a great, interesting sound. Who are some of your main influences?
I grew up on Elvis and the Beatles. Really everything I needed to know was there. From them I got into old folk, country, and blues pretty heavily.

Can you tell me a little about how you approach writing a song?
Unless I'm co-writing I have a hard time approaching a song at all. Its almost as if it chooses me. All the songs I've written on my own have just come to me. I'm too scared to question it!

Who are some songwriters that you really look up to?
Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, Jack White, Paul McCartney to name a few.

What was the inspiration behind your new EP "Ladies and Gentlemen"?
Everything going on in my life in the last four years: learning more about myself, lessons in relationships, over coming innumerable obstacles to get my new songs recorded and released, and travel.

Read the full interview on Page 24 of the latest Variance...
CLICK HERE

Important Update: JULY 30, 2010

2010-07-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, the Variance "iSpy an iPad" Giveaway will come to a close this weekend when we announce a winner!

Twitter has informed us that the entire site will be down for maintenance late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Because of the "time zone" issue, we would like to clarify things BEFORE there is any confusion.

Our contest ends Saturday, July 31, at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). Although Twitter is warning that its site will be shut down from 11pm to 4am, they are citing Pacific Time, which is one full hour after the contest concludes (1:00am CST) and will therefore not affect your entry for the iPad Giveaway. Keep an eye on our Twitter account (@VARIANCEmag) for any updates.

As announced earlier today, we will be hosting a LIVE Tweet Chat on Sunday night at 8:00pm (CST). You all have really made these Chats into quite an event and we've got a lot to talk about! In the music industry alone, this has been a busy week--from copyright laws to American Idol drama (tons of it, which is expected to continue into next week). We'll be talking predictions, opinions, and taking your content suggestions for our next issue!

Along with lots of great conversation, we'll be announcing the iPad winner during the live Chat. So, we'll expect to see you there!

Good luck to everyone! Have a sno-cone! And continue spreading the word about your favorite online magazine! :)

[Note: Contest ends Saturday, July 31, at 11:59pm CST. The LIVE Tweet Chat will held Sunday, August 1, from 8:00pm to 9:00pm CST; winner of an iPad will be announced sometime during the live Chat.]

We Want YOU!

2010-07-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

Since before Variance launched, the goal has been to provide 1) content you want and 2) content directly from YOU.

As development is underway for our second issue, we're asking for your help. Tell us, who would you like us to feature? Who should we interview? Whose new album is constantly on repeat on your iTunes playlist? Who is a talented actor or writer or artist of any kind whose work deserves recognition? We can't promise we'll be able to feature everything suggested, but we'll definitely check everything out that you send our way.

Perhaps you don't have suggestions for content. Maybe you HAVE the content! If you're a writer, let us know! We want to feature your story! Have you interviewed an amazing local band? Is there a book that you feel changed your life but isn't on the New York Times Bestseller List? Perhaps you have incredible pictures from a recent concert you attended!

If we mentioned you above in any way (or maybe you'd like to suggest something "original"), we want to hear from you! Plain and simple. The next issue comes out early this fall, so don't wait too long!

If you have content to submit, send it to submit@variancemagazine.com with "CONTENT SUBMISSION" in the subject line. If you have a suggestion, leave a comment on our blog, Facebook, or Twitter. Make sure to provide some form of contact so that we can get in touch with you. (We would prefer an e-mail address, do not leave phone numbers on public forums.)

You all have been so enthusiastic and welcoming. We appreciate that. We look forward to providing you with more great content in the future--hopefully some of YOUR content!

Thanks again, from the team! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

A Few FAQ's

2010-07-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

10 days and 71,000 views later, you guys have blown us away by your reception to our first issue. As we've mentioned before, we're excited about this project. And as the conversation grows online, we understand that many of you have questions. We assure you, we're listening. Below we have provided answers to some of our most popular questions.

Once again, thank you so much for everything! Perhaps you'll even submit content or write an article for the next issue! We'd love that! :)

1. Is there a mobile version of Variance?
It depends. There is a mobile version available for Droid phones. However, we're patiently waiting on Apple for a mobile version to become available for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. You're welcome to tweet your wish and join the others who are asking for Apple to speed up the process as well. If you're logged into Twitter, Click here.

2. I really liked specific articles. How can I check out the band, author, or individual that was featured?
All of the articles should have a website, blog, or social network address provided. Click on it and you should be taken directly to their page! If you ever notice any kind of kinks or errors, definitely let us know so we can attend to it quickly.

3. If I have a comment, suggestion, or question, what should I do?
When you view Variance Issue #1 through the host site Issuu, there is a comment box. The best option right now, however, is to contact us via Twitter or Facebook. We have a very active social media staff that is likely to respond promptly to you. As you may have also noticed, we frequently host live "tweet chats" on Twitter. At those appointed times, there is definitely someone online responding to Twitter messages in real-time. Feel free to join the conversation! (Note: While our social media team tries to respond to all messages--and in a timely manner, sometimes we miss one or two. If it's been "a while", don't hesitate to message us again. Also, keep in mind that we receive hundreds of messages a day. Please be courteous and respectful; we thrive off of your feedback, so we promise it's important to us!)

4. How do I get to the first issue from the Variance home page?
As of July 10, there is a button near the bottom of the page that says "Issue #1". Click on it and you will be redirected immediately to the magazine. We are in the process of changing the homepage, though. Check back over the next few days for updates and announcements. We'll be making it easier to navigate for you.

5. May I submit content for Variance?
We're glad you asked! The answer is, yes. Certainly! In fact, that's part of the idea behind Variance! If there's an article you'd like to see in Variance, maybe YOU are the one to write it! Did you read the first issue and think, "I could totally see an article I write being in Variance?" We encourage you to submit your writing to us! If you've got pictures for the "OH SNAP!" feature, send them over! Even if all you have is an idea for future content, let us know! You can e-mail us at submit@variancemagazine.com or--as always--you can reach us on Twitter or Facebook.

6. What if I'm not a great writer? Can I still submit?
Of course! Actually, if you don't feel comfortable writing, as we mentioned above, you can certainly submit an idea and we can take it from there. Perhaps you have an article written (from start to finish), but you feel it needs editing, don't worry about it. If we select it for an upcoming issue, it is going to be screened by our editors anyway! So, you have nothing to worry about.

7. How can I (or my band, team, etc.) be featured in an upcoming issue of Variance?
If you are an author, musician, actor, or artist of any kind, we invite you to contact us via e-mail with your request. Send your message to submit@variancemagazine.com with "I want to be featured!" in the subject line. Please be sure to include as much relevant content as possible--including links to your website and/or social network sites, music, video, biography information, etc. If possible, please limit your message to 500 words until we begin further correspondence. Once again, you can also initiate correspondence via Twitter and Facebook--as some of you have already done.

8. I'm interested in submitting content or being featured in Variance. I'm curious, though, are topics/content limited to that which is included in the first issue?
The short answer is, no. For example, our next issue will feature a section devoted to young actors, their craft, and their lifestyle. Just because you didn't see it in Issue #1, doesn't mean we aren't open to including it in upcoming issues.

9. I noticed a few ads in Variance. Is it possible to purchase ad space in a future issue?
Yes. If you are interested in advertising with Variance, you can contact us at (you guessed it!) submit@variancemagazine.com. Be sure to include "AD SPACE" in the subject line so that it is directed to the appropriate personnel. Please note that ads should be relevant to our audience and we reserve the right of discretion. All ads are subject to approval.

10. Is it possible to download Variance or order copies in print?
Yes, and yes. If you're interested in downloading a .PDF version of Variance, just go here and click on the "Download" button near the top . If you're interested in getting a print version of the magazine, contact us through any one of our communication channels. While Variance is primarily an online publication, we've designed it to be "printable" if necessary.

Open publication

Day 1: iSpy an iPad

2010-07-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

30,000 views later, we're wrapping up the first official day since Variance Magazine went live!First of all, we want to say, THANK YOU. Thank you to everyone who has checked out the first issue, worked behind the scenes, and spread the word to all of their friends and family. We're excited about this little "venture" and it's great to have everyone here along for the ride!

As you know, to celebrate our launch we gave away an Apple iPad. Now we're starting a new contest. And since iPads seem to be pretty popular with our audience, why fix something that ain't broke?

The new "iSpy an iPad" Giveaway begins at Midnight, July 2, 2010, and concludes at 11:59 (CST), July 31, 2010.

Throughout the month of July, we will post daily clue and/or questions. The clue/questions that day will lead you to some form of content within the new issue of Variance--where you will find the answer we're seeking. Upon finding it, tweet your answer to us @VarianceMag tagging it with (you guessed it!) "#iSpyaniPad"! There may be multiple tweets per day, as there may be multiple clues per day--that means more chances of winning! (You never know when a new clue might be posted, so watch carefully each day!)

EXAMPLE TWEET - "@VarianceMag: The article is called OH SNAP! #iSpyaniPad http://bit.ly/VM0710" (Make sure you include answer & hashtag - tweeting the original clue is optional but encouraged!)

Also: Beginning with this new contest, we will also be giving away prizes throughout the week as well! So there will be plenty of winners this month! GOOD LUCK!

The Basics

One entry will be given for following the Variance Magazine Twitter Page. (You must be following @VarianceMag on Twitter at 12:00am CST on August 1, 2010.)
One entry will be given for each "re-tweet" of clues provided between July 2, 2010, and July 31, 2010--you are welcome to tweet about the contest as much as you like.
One entry will be given for each "answer" to clues provided between July 2, 2010, and July 31, 2010.
You must include the Twitter hashtag #iSpyaniPad for your tweet to be eligible for entry.

The Details

Open to US & Canada residents only.
Your Twitter account must be public in order to be eligible for the contest.
Participants MUST be 18 years of age or older to enter. It is open to adults only.
Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and may lead to your account being blocked. Let's keep it friendly! This is supposed to be fun!
Contest closes at 11:59 CST on July 31, 2010.
Winners will be responsible for any related taxes or restrictions according to their state laws.
Once contacted, winners will be responsible for providing the correct mailing address and personal information within 5 calendar days.
One winner will be selected for the Apple iPad.
Usage of automated scripts of any kind for our contests will automatically disqualify you from the contest.
Creating multiple accounts on Twitter to enter multiple times will automatically disqualify you from the contest.
No purchase necessary to enter.
Please allow at least 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize to winners.
Winners will receive an Apple giftcard in the amount of $629, the retail price of the Apple iPad 16GB Wi-fi/3G.
Variance Magazine and its affiliates reserve the right to select winner at their discretion. This includes but is not limited to the ability to award a prize to an alternate winner if necessary.
Tate Publishing & Enterprises and Variance Magazine employees/staff are not eligible to win. (This does not include non-staff content contributors of Variance.)

IMPORTANT: @VarianceMag Twitter Update

2010-06-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

As many of you had noticed, the @VarianceMag Twitter account was out of commission today. Sunday afternoon, we became aware that our account is showing as "suspended". We have taken the appropriate steps to have this issue rectified and we are pleased to say, we are back up and running! We apologize for any confusion this has caused--we are just as surprised as you were!

The timing of this could not have been more inconvenient, considering we are days away from the launch of Variance Magazine and the Apple iPad giveaway!

Moving forward, here's what you need to know:

1. Variance Magazine will still go LIVE on Thursday, July 1! We still ask that you continue to spread the word and direct your friends to sign up at VarianceMagazine.com!

2. We are still giving away the Apple iPad! If you have tweeted about the contest anytime since the Contest started on June 1, 2010, we have all of your entries tucked away in a safe place and each of you is still eligible to win!

3. We will continue to keep you updated on the Variance Facebook page. (We understand the value of this social community and the live communication we have come to rely on.) CONTEST WILL STILL CLOSE AT 11:59 CST ON JUNE 30, 2010. In order to substitute for confusion, all tweets between now and then directing people to VarianceMagazine.com will count as entry for the iPad!

4. We realize that many of you have come to appreciate being connected with Variance on Twitter. So, ultimately, this outage affected you. We value this connection. That being said, if you ever have any questions at all, feel free to contact us on Facebook. You can also tweet @TMGofficial or @jonathanrobles ("copy" @VarianceMag).

AND DON'T FORGET: Variance will be here on July 1--and that means tons of great content! Music, tech, books, media, surf, college, life...Interviews and content from Regie Hamm, These United States, The Civil Wars, Wakey! Wakey!, Dave Barnes, Don't Wake Aislin, Blogger Adam Smith, Apollo Quad, and TONS of others!

Thanks for your support!!

Sincerely,
Your Variance Team

FREE Toy Story 3 Tickets, Anyone?

2010-06-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Update: 10:15am. No "distinct" winner yet, you still have a shot! Go sign up at Variancemagazine.com, folks!

OK, so you probably couldn't help but notice the buzz on Twitter today about the premiere of Toy Story 3 this weekend! Well, we want to send you and a friend to go check it out--completely ON US! 100% Free.

Here's what you have to do:

If you've already signed up to be notified when Variance Magazine (www.variancemagazine.com) goes LIVE next month, tell your friends to sign up too! Make sure they mention your Twitter name when they sign up, because the person whose Twitter name is mentioned the most is going to see Toy Story 3 for FREE! Pretty simple.

Contest open now and closes Friday, June 18, at 4:00 p.m. (CST) - a Winner will be announced shortly thereafter! Make sure you are following @VarianceMag on Twitter so we can message you details & award your prize immediately. Good luck!

You can repost this on your Twitter: Sign up for @VarianceMag & mention MY Twitter name so I can win FREE Toy Story 3 Tickets! http://bit.ly/dsLMrO (RT!)

Click here for Variance Magazine website

we're all in this together

2010-05-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

by jonathan robles

Note: Variance Magazine debuts July 2010.

Maybe it's the recent "Lost" series finale and its themes of togetherness and unity. Maybe it's the fact that "American Idol" is wrapping up another season (and pretty much ending as well). Or maybe it's the fact that we're just over a month away from the launch of Variance Magazine--on the brink of a new era in music, arts, and media.

When I was growing up, Britney Spears was an unknown-turned-star; Celine Dion and R. Kelly were on Top 40 radio; names like Hanson, Spice Girls, Notorious B.I.G., "Puff Daddy", and Toni Braxton--those were the familiar radio hit-makers. Today, Britney Spears is still the queen but slowly losing to Taylor and GaGa; "Puff Daddy" is now--hold on, let me Google it--"Diddy a.k.a. Sean Combs"; and Toni Braxton is re-introducing herself to a world that vaguely remembers her (or anything that happened more than a week ago).

Many people--maybe everyone, at some point--dream about being famous. Oh, what it would be like! Thanks to reality television and the "American Idol" fanaticism of the 21st century, many boys and girls go to bed dreaming of their faces on billboards. They aspire to be the next David Cook, or Sandra Bullock, or Dan Brown.

Take a look around, though. Things are changing--and not slowly, either. iPads and Kindles are must-have items re-inventing how we view books--literally (a new generation is discovering a thing called "reading"). Filmmakers are creating world-class features with their laptops. More and more people are paying for music that they will never physically touch now that mp3s are available from just about every artist imaginable. And stars are being "discovered" via YouTube and Twitter. Ten years ago, they would have called us crazy!

The world is different now. Dreams are not plastered far, far away in the sky. Bands are gaining thousands of fans without ever having a radio single--thanks to the Internet. High school kids are auditioning for "Glee" from their living rooms--thanks to social media networks. Betty White hosted "Saturday Night Live" because 500,000 Facebook fans demanded it. And "The Shack" is still on the New York Times Bestseller List--for the 104th week in a row--because of e-mails and word of mouth. With a little elbow grease and some of the endless resources available to us nowadays, little guys are making big names for themselves.

The new era of music, arts, and media is a collaborative effort. It's a display of the power of many hands coming together, the power of networking. This new era isn't any more about me than it is about you. The world--with all six billion of its residents--is a smaller place today. The generation at hand realizes that we all have a unique role in this. And moving forward, we're going to see something different happening. We're going to see an explosion of creativity and, therefore, an explosion within the arts community--community being the key word.

I believe this is where Variance comes into play. Now, while we don't claim to have it all figured out (this thing is changing by the millisecond), Variance is an online magazine providing you with content from people who have been there and people who ARE there--in the trenches with you. If you have a story, share it. If you have a question, ask it. If you have an opinion, voice it. We don't want this to simply be "an online magazine"--we want it to be a resource. A conversation. A community.

So whether your dream is to be the next Carrie Underwood, the one who writes her biography, the one who produces her next music video, the one who designs her next album cover, the one who portrays her some day in a feature film, or the one who gets front-row seats at her next concert, we hope you'll be a part of this.

Welcome to Variance. And as cheesy as it might sound, welcome to the future. We're all in this together.