Seeking a more creative means of expression, veteran Orient writers Sean Turley '05 and Ann Smith '05 made a decision last year to resurrect the freedom of the writings they had enjoyed earlier in their Bowdoin careers. Ritalin, The Disorient, and The Patriot had previously served the Bowdoin public as less conventional news forums. In the spirit of these more open, opinionated, and topical publications, the two conceived the idea of what is now No Reply, a magazine that Turley describes as an "alternative avenue in news in order to access different venues of interest to which Bowdoin students otherwise wouldn't have access."
A staff of 20, including current Bowdoin students as well as alumni, contributes to the magazine's second and most recent issue, available in Smith Union. It explores an eclectic range, covering everything from various music reviews and analyses to social commentaries and advice for post-Bowdoin survival. Particularly interesting in the most recent issue are Turley's insightful examination of the evolution of the modern country movement and the alternative-country band Wilco's apparent departure from said movement, and Chris Lajoie's ('04) humorous ponderings upon the job market and political views outside the small college environment.
This diversity reflects Turley and Smith's wishes that the magazine be a "canvas for writing with no expectations or limitations" that is not news oriented and not necessarily serious. They stress that No Reply is "everything but political." While there are no guidelines or suggested structure, Turley explains that a theme is usually suggested in order to tie the issue together but there is never a "unifying theme." Their emphasis is on creative authority and the varied subject matter of featured pieces make it all the more appealing to readers.
Essentially, No Reply is about expression. It was founded, Smith said, as an "open forum where people can write about what they're interested in." In addition, No Reply features various works of student art, from photography to drawing.
Adrienne Heflich '05 helps with layout and works toward the magazine's goal of creativity. "We want to make it look interesting," she said.
Smith said that the magazine itself was very easy to publish because of the great emotional support of its advisor, music professor Vineet Shende. The hardest obstacle that Smith and Turley faced was deciding who to invite to collaborate with them. "We wanted a true creative essence," Turley said.
In lieu of their primarily upper-class staff, Smith and Turley seek to recruit younger writers for this year and for the future. They stress that No Reply is open to anything and everything, and that they are "friendly, and do not bite." Anyone interested in joining the effort can contact either of them, as they are eager to gain new writers. Current staff member Kate Johnston '06 is slated to take over next year.
Things to watch for in future issues (issue three comes out this Saturday), Turley said, include "a creative piece on how your mom tells you to pick up chicks," and a continuation of Johnson's "Lunchtime Poll" that explores the "non-important questions" in life. After interviewing visiting comedian Mo Rocca for the last issue's query, Turley said he hopes to include President Barry Mills in a future interview.
While its editors joke that their subject matter is rather self-indulgent, No Reply provides a fun, provocative, and interesting alternative to more standard campus publications. As a medium for free expression, exploration of interests, and an escape from the usual banter of the "Bowdoin bubble," it is a refreshing step away from the norm.