VUE

I've started–and deleted–at least five different openings to this letter, including one where we go back to 1833 when a man named Benjamin Day started a newspaper. But I was rambling, and it had to go. Without spending our entire time here on the penny press (which is fascinating by the way), the one reason why Day was successful was that he was the first to realize that his "product" wasn't his newspaper or the news: it was his readers and their attention, which he could sell to advertisers. Authenticity has been the bedrock of our foundation since day one. I cringe at other publications that take shortcuts just to make a dollar. One of our biggest competitors has a celebrity figure on each of their covers. Of course, anyone with an internet connection has the same access to said article and images. ere is no shortage of websites with canned interviews and photos, all with public licensing agreements. Yes, that is an easier way to put a celebrity on the cover. I much prefer the long way. Nearly eight years ago to this day, I quit my job in Corporate America. I had zero reason, and everyone thought I had completely lost my mind. I was making nearly a quarter million dollars a year, living blocks from my office in Miami which I could see perfectly from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows in my condo. I needed to tilt my head a bit, as my direct view was overlooking the Biscayne Bay. And in the middle of the winter I le it all, booked a one-way flight to Newark, and helped launch VUE. Since landing, I've been going the same speed as the plane. With no rear mirror. It's been all forward movement, with no time for consideration or reflection. Well, lately that has changed. I start each day the same exact way, with visualizing the day ahead and manifesting my desired outcome. It takes a few minutes each morning. Of course, rarely (if ever) do things go as planned. What is that expression about "the best laid plans?" Which works out perfectly for me. When things get too comfortable, I tend to get uncomfortable. I've always treated this message like it's just you and me. I'm always honest here, D E A R R E A D E R S , sometimes to a fault. Honestly, as of late, I have been very comfortable. at is all about to change. If we choose to walk on the existing path, we can only get results based on the work of others. Even if we make some changes, they will always be limited by old ways. at doesn't work for me. My philosophy is and always will be simple. As Ralph Waldo Emerson perfectly put it, "Do not go where the path may lead. Instead, go where there is no path and leave a trail." e next ascent for VUE is about to begin. I can promise you this, it won't be boring. You can follow my journey on Instagram, my handle is here on the page. For you dog lovers, I've included Bishop's as well. You have always been and will continue to be the reason we do what we do. We will never take that for granted, as we know we would never be successful without you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. And we hope you enjoy this issue! A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHING DIRECTOR BRIAN KOVENER C o - P u b l i s h e r @ b ka u ze BISHOP Of f i c i a l M a s c ot @ j a xa n d b i s h o p 18 VUENJ.COM

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