Forbes and Harper's magazines or Webster's dictionary, it's taken on a broader meaning.

As we went through the process of redesigning and reorganizing the magazine, we have had to ask ourselves what keeps us here. For many of us, the bottom line is that this company is about real people leading real lives, doing our best to stay engaged, passionate, and authentic. Utne (the magazine, our other projects, and the company itself) is an embodiment and expression of what we stand for as individuals. We are committed not just to the ideas of connection and community that we espouse editorially, but also to the gritty reality of hanging in with each other when the going gets tough. We genuinely believe in the power of love and the possibilities for change in individuals and the world. And we feel privileged, grateful, and humbled to be part of the larger community of our readers.

Which brings me to dropping the word Reader. After long discussions, we decided it was cumbersome and no longer quite fit us ("too much like Weekly Reader" some said). Also, the magazine is different in some ways from what it was a few years ago, and we wanted to convey this new spirit to the world. We feel that the important elements of "reader" live on in our new tag line, "A different read on life," and, of course, in you, our readers. On the last page of this issue, you'll find a photo of our staff, but in the future that spot will be devoted to a new feature, Utne's Readers, a portrait and profile of a reader. Like Kelee Katillac, a subscriber and this issue's cover model, you inspire us, and we anticipate that you'll inspire each other. (We welcome your nominations for readers to feature; see page 112 for details.)

My only regret is that Eric's and my sons are inheriting a name that carries some baggage. But they can always take their wives' names.