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Every once in a while, I suffer what is generally termed writer's block. The problem with writer's block is that I can't seem to write because of it. Maybe that's why they call it writer's block.
Welcome to the twelfth issue of Open Mike. We made it to a dozen! That's quite an accomplishment, considering the trials and tribulations that I went through to get it this far. Here's a synopsis of what went on along the way:
January 1993 - Proposed a new monthly publication for MicroPhone users. Thought about calling it MegaPhone. Decided against the title.
February 1993 - First issue of Open Mike published. Several people immediately sign up for subscriptions. Other more wary types buy just the one issue.
March 1993 - Fought off hostile takeover by Ted Turner, though he offered over a zillion dollars for the rights to use the product as a promotional vehicle for his new satellite station, DDT.
April 1993 - Received phone call from Bill Clinton. Wanted to personally subscribe to Open Mike. Thought I was doing a grand job. Turned out to be an April Fool's prank.
May 1993 - Almost signed a bundle deal with Entertainment Magazine. Fell through when they found out that Open Mike had nothing to do with the entertainment world.
June 1993 - Launched Japanese version of Open Mike.
July 1993 - Retracted first and only Japanese issue of Open Mike after realizing that it was identical to the American version.
August 1993 - Offered free subscription of Open Mike to Bill Gates as a friendly gesture.
September 1993 - Bill Gates successfully buys out owners of Open Mike for a paltry ten million.
October 1993 - Microsoft Open Mike cancelled because it sounded too much like Open Access and Open Look.
November 1993 - Rights to Open Mike turned over by Microsoft to original owners.
December 1993 - Writer's block causes Open Mike editor to ramble on and on about nothing at all. This behavior continues throughout the following issues of the publication. No known cure in sight.
