Keep the Boston Compass Alive

For $2 a month, you can help keep the Boston Compass alive.

The relatively viral and low cost nature of the internets may have snuffed out the Zine Era, but in true Boston underdog fashion, independent music newspaper, The Boston Compass (a monthly newspaper navigating you to underground, above ground and all around awesome happenings in the Greater Boston area), continues to supply the masses with local music news and events. However, tied to a shoestring budget, the Compass needs your help.

“Since March of 2010, we have been self-funded by the volunteers who produce the paper,” says Hassler, Dan McMahon. However what is tangible is not free to make, and advertising revenue typically only covers a third of the printing costs for a given month.

In order to sustain the print publication, the zine’s parent company, Boston Hassle (who has brought you such events as Boston Hassle Fest, Guerilla Toss record release show and the upcoming Speedy Ortiz record release show) has developed a Patron21 campaign to ensure the existence of the Boston Compass in 2014 and beyond.

Branded as a start-up, grassroots organization, Patron21 is a consistent monthly giving platform. (Kind of like Kickstarter, but instead of a one-time donation, your contribution to the arts is monthly). “Readers can donate any amount they feel comfortable with, even as little as $2 a month, and make a significant contribution to their community,” explains McMahon.

With a DIY plan, built on a community-oriented foundation, Boston Hassle believes, “[it’s] revolutionary for a free, independent newspaper to fund itself on reader donations in an age where print media is hurting so badly.”

Help our your local music scene. Donate to the Boston Compass today.

Follow the Compass on Facebook, read it online at Boston Hassle, and pick up a free copy of the indie paper at these fine businesses (not a complete list. That shh be cray long):

O'Brien's
Silhouette
Blue State Coffee
Guitar Center
Nuggets Records
Little Steve's Pizza
Fuel
Imperial Pizza
Coolidge Corner Theater
Brookline Booksmith
New England Comics
JJ Foley's
Urban College/ABCD
Rockin' Bob's Guitars
Bike Boom
Brattle Theater
Planet Records
Tasty Burger
Purple Cactus
City Feed (Centre St.)
Cambridge Brewing Co.
Friendly Toast
Kendall theater
JP Licks
Soul Fire
Strerojack's
Cafe Arpeggio
Somerville Grooves