Global Comment was founded over 22 years ago for one reason and one reason only: to give voice to the voiceless.
When we launched, there were brilliant new commentators who found it impossible to get published in the leading newspapers and magazines of the day. And the founders wanted to provide a platform for excellent writers all over the world, for them to publish their work and be heard. Today, new writers still find it difficult to break through, and we remain just as committed to publishing excellent writers.
Not only has Global Comment succeeded in that mission, we are proud today to say that Global Comment continues to pay for the work of these independent writers. Something that some of the most famous papers and magazines cannot claim, often publishing writers for the mere honour of being published by their platforms!! Well, we will always treat writers with great respect.
This is what the front page of our website looked like in February 2001.
We could not be more proud of the amazing articles we have published over the last 22 years, and of the new writers we broke to the world. Many of those published for the first time with us have gone on to massive success as journalists, editors and authors.
One major aspect of our vision is right up there in our name. Global. We understand more than anyone else that you are as likely to find a writer who writes brilliant pieces in Hanoi, Amman, or Paris as you are in London or New York. That is why we are as likely to commission writers from Venezuela, the Philippines and Iran as we are from the US, Canada or the UK.
We want to spread the conversation to all corners of the world. We know that readers hunger for a new perspective, a different way to look at things in a world that is increasingly ravaged by the prejudiced and tired views of those in power.
We talk about the issues of the day. We review films, books and TV. We give you explainers of the stories in the news. We share some of the best podcasts out there. Our writers and our team are our most valuable assets and we are proud to share our work with you, our readers.
As we relaunch our magazine with a brand and fresh new look, we urge you to join in this global conversation. Write for us, tell your friends to write for us, read us, tell your friends to read us, and share our website with your followers.
The world is desperate for new insights and a renewed sense of universal values. Global Comment is dedicated to being part of this shift. So make yourself comfortable, have a look around, and help us to spread the word.
Image: NASA