VOLUME TWENTY-FOUR
Words by Ben Giese | Photo by John Ryan Hebert
Lately, my eyes have been buried behind old books, fixed on the compelling words of the great Jack Kerouac as they effortlessly spill out onto the page with colorful texture and a refreshing lack of regard for the rules. He says things in strange ways, combining random words and nonsensical punctuation, but somehow it all works beautifully. He does it all wrong, and that’s what makes it so right.
We’ve never really been interested in following the rules, either. And we’re not all that interested in doing things the way they’re supposed to be done. That’s why we started a print publication at a time when the world was going digital, and it’s why we chose to pursue real-world experiences and create a tangible product when the rest of the world was moving online. It’s why we tell these stories about such unique people and places, and work with photographers and writers who choose to see the world through a different lens.
Kerouac’s voice was a rejection of things like authority and materialism in favor of virtues like freedom, rebellion and fearless individualism – the same virtues we founded META on over eight years ago. We value our individuality above all else, so when the news broke that a corporate Goliath was changing its name to Meta, it felt like a punch to the gut. With the flip of a switch our identity was suddenly watered down, and we watched our name circle the drain and wash away with something we had no control over.
Cover photo by Tyler Ravelle
But our brand is much more than just a name. We represent a way of living. We speak to inspire and encourage the rare breed of humans out there bold enough to chase their dreams and never look back. The ones who live with passion and enthusiasm and share an obsession with all things fast and fun. I think Kerouac said it best:
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles...”
That fire is still burning inside of us, and the death of our name isn’t going to prevent us from keeping this dream alive. We will continue to publish this magazine and create the same content you’ve grown to know and love, but this will be our final issue with the title META. We’ve embraced this moment of change as an exciting opportunity to revitalize the brand, rethink our approach and further improve on the work we love so much. It’s blessed us with a fresh outlook and a jolt of renewed creative energy we can use to burn and crackle with excitement for what’s next. The future is glimmering gold, and the possibilities for the road ahead are endless, so like Kerouac says, “just keep on rolling under the stars.”
