The Write Stuff

THANKS TO AN ENTERPRISING DARTMOUTH student, talented college writers, artists and photographers from across the country have a new outlet to share their work with a national audience.

Chris Goodmacher '04 helps run Poindexter Online, a Web-based journal that features creative writing, artistry and photographs done exclusively by undergraduates. "Part of the point of this site is that contributors aren't competing against professionals," he explains. "We're looking for uniquely undergraduate work." According to Goodmacher, most other online literary journals are dominated by professional writers and artists.

The journal, first developed by Goodmacher and three friends in 2001, accepts submissions on a rolling basis. Nine college editors from across the country meet online in an Internet chat room once a week to review recent submissions.

The site currently features about 50 pieces, including several drawings and short stories by Goodmacher and a hightech photo collage by Alvin Black III '05.

For now, Poindexter's operating costs are low, with the only expense being a $ 10 per month charge for Web space (which the editors split among themselves). With unpaid submissions and no advertisers, the site has yet to turn a profit.

But Goodmacher hopes the journal will gain enough recognition to attract corporate sponsors and advertising revenue.

"The sky's the limit," says Goodmacher of the sites potential. "Much of the work that college students are producing right now is absolutely excellent." See foryourself at poindexteronline.com.