Editor’s note

Threesome

For those who’ve always wondered, EXBERLINER was born seven years ago on June 5, 2002 (32 pages of unbound newsprint) as the love child of a threesome between a New York gypsy, a Transatlantic-trash Teuton and a Chechnya War veteran (it was all a bit incestuous as the three originated from the same journalism incubator – London’s City University). They called their baby The Berliner, but a twist of early misfortune involving a pin-striped Ku’damm attorney and the prospect of a five-figure lawsuit forced the naïve parents to rename their newborn after just two days. The Berliner was dead, long live EXBERLINER!

EXBERLINER turns seven!

Eighty-six issues and seven years of sweat, blood and ink later, EXBERLINER has grown into a healthy, well-distributed (20,000 copies), full-colour magazine – the perfect time for a facelift in our appearance-driven media world. Born on newsprint, EXBERLINER is getting over its glossy teenage phase and moving on to a more sophisticated, self-assertive style: thicker, uncoated paper, full-colour but tastefully matte. Bigger and bolder: because we needed more space to express ourselves! Recycled: Because there’s no need to waste more than we already do every day and because we’ve grown into responsible parents. And also because Paula has joined the team and when it comes to cool mag design, she knows her shit.

More substance, better looks

The changes go beyond simple repackaging. We must confess a belief in the optimistic notion that good, trendy looks can sometimes accommodate substance and that, in our case, they should (we’ve never been famous for our looks anyway!). While most mags are ‘going lifestyle’ (the brainchildren of teams comprised entirely of designers and marketing experts – who needs journalists?), EXBERLINER is stubbornly sticking with the circumstances of its birth: three news-hacks for genitors and the good old word-driven way. We’re even expanding our content - more words for more journalism. Not only more tips and recommendations on where to go and what to do, but the introduction of new regulars: a nightlife report by club kitten Geraldine, a survival column by former Ordnungsamt division supervisor Thorwald, a kid’s page by Danish supermum Mamalou and a brand new fashion page.

Online Berlin guide and calendar

These changes go hand-in-hand with some happy news: the launch of our long-awaited exberliner.com – much more than an electronic version of the mag, it’s an entity in and of itself, a full Berlin guide with reviews of hundreds of restaurants, bars, hotels etc and a comprehensive seven-day-ahead calendar of recommended events, updated daily. There you’ll also be able to meet up with our bloggers: Konrad Werner, Seymour Gris and D. Strauss will be reporting on local politics, Berlin Alltag and nightlife respectively, while Jacinta Nandi, a new addition to the crew, will be challenging Berliners with very un-ladylike reports on being a girl and a Mutter in Berlin. ‘Last but not least’ as the Germans like to say, our listings will be transferred to the site, so whatever you’re looking for: a play, a concert or a movie will be searchable online and in English, by location and title.

The crew

Seven-year-old EXBERLINER is a Zufallsprodukt: the labour of many, from early and faithful contributors to newer additions. The pioneers: film expert Änne Troester, the one and only Dr Dot (with her new broken hearts outfit), the serpentinely unique D. Strauss, the flamboyant Maurice von Ritz (don’t confuse him with business boss Maurice Frank, he doesn’t like it!), football fanatic Richard Shakocius – they all stood over the baby’s cradle to cast their good, opinionated spells. Compulsive reader/book editor Eve Lucas joined shortly after, followed by theatre geek Eleanor Villforth, politics nerd Konrad Werner, classical Harry Lyth and finicky Heather Thompson (if there’s a typo, it’s her fault!). And a solid team of regular freelancers whose names you’ve learnt to recognize to the behind-the-scene actors – our tireless ad commandos Lisa and Simon (and their distinguished clients), Simona and her distribution team, and the younger, more seasonal helpers: dozens of fabulous interns over all these years - apprentice journalists, graphic designers, marketing students. They’ve each brought their own brand of work and good humour to help make us what we are now. And of course there’s been you, dear readers. The regular ones and the others, the lifelong subscribers and the freecopy-loaders … readers are readers!

We hope you like the new ‘us’ – come and celebrate at Festsaal Kreuzberg on Friday, June 12.

nadja vancauwenberghe