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Alan

I became aware of The Big Issue in 1998 when I returned from America, where I had been working for The Age.  I remember thinking what a brilliantly simple and practical idea - a magazine that directly benefits the people selling it.  Not only does it give the vendors, like Paul, some money, it gives them a sense of purpose, and it’s a job, they are not begging, or asking for charity. 

I did a couple of stories about the magazine.  Over time I became more and more involved, until I began writing a column for them and when the editor’s job was offered I decided I would take the knowledge of nearly 30 years in mainstream media and see what I could do applying that to something like The Big Issue which is not exactly mainstream.

I like the people, I like the magazine, I like the vibe about the place, and have found a real sense of people being there largely because they want to be, in spite of the fact that the magazine has to perform a ‘loaves and fishes ’act every two weeks, and staff could probably earn more elsewhere.

It is a good place to be!