“Pay for Access: Earn Your Way!”

by Shinobi Muhammad

So many artists and models contact me about being in the magazine. Though we appreciate the opportunity to assist as many as we can. The issue arises time and time again when most want to get access for free. It is as though we owe them privileges. The a�itudes expressed by them and the manner in which they communicate via email and over the phone demonstrates their lack of respect for the work we have put in to gain our readership and associations in the business. My strongest belief is that you have to pay for Access in order to Earn your way in this or any field of endeavor. I love the words of Forrest Whitaker in The Great Debaters used when talking to his son in the study room.

“Do what we have to do; so we can do what we want.”

Anyone wanting to gain access in order to improve their quality of life and to reap the benefits of money, good homes and friendship must do certain things first. Keep in mind that we have bills to pay, our time is valuable and it takes financial resources to make things happen. This is not a situation of osmosis, meaning it is not just going to happen with out some kind of momentum and force behind it. This is not an effortless endeavor. Resources are required to obtain more resources in order to enjoy the greater things in life. Plus, in order to get access you need to present yourself be�er and avoid the “ghe�o” slang and formality of things. Most people contact us without even doing any research and having clarity on what we are about. Many don’t even take the time to read the castings, posting or other information we put out about opportunities or services. In 2008, Urban Mainstream is about ge�ing building a financial and valid media outlet. We are not in the desire to have ignorance and lack of regard to be something we are willing to endure. So, like with anyone else in the industry that is serious about making things happen here are a few words from recording artist Bobby V. during a conversation of ours. “2008 is about CONSISTENCY and taking your game to the NEXT level to prove you have what it takes. Plus, to show appreciation to those who already believe in you.”

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