Since the first edition of Just Playin' sport Magazine rolled off the press in November 2005 (60,000 copies to date), many people have asked the same questions of me regarding this publication in the
most basic form - who, what, where, why, and how?
Who am I? I am a Rhode Island native, Toll Gate alumnus 1979, and the Founder, Editor, Writer, Photographer and sole owner of jp
Publications, Inc., publisher of Just Playin' sport® Magazine. In addition, I help run a busy household as the mom of two teenage daughters, one a former high school band member and currently a
freshman bio major at The University of Vermont, and the other an athletic teen daughter who plays varsity high school soccer and tennis (inspiration for the name of the magazine and the "Gutzy Girlz playin' with the Boyz"
feature in this issue).
What is the magazine? A free, illustrated, seasonal sport publication (15,000 circ) featuring young adults, coaches, parents,
grandparents and fans enjoying sporting events all over Rhode Island. Parents and students have also contributed outstanding editorial and photographic content representing sports that include
varsity high school sports, as well as sports outside of high school teams such as Equine, Snowboarding, Fencing and more. Private RI schools, public, charter and inner city schools are all represented.
Just Playin' sport® Magazine is truly a celebration of the rich Rhode Island cultural diversity represented by the athleticism and spirit shared among young adults, regardless of skill level, as demonstrated
through good sportsmanship.
Where can I find it? All RI high schools through the Athletic Directors, sporting events, doctor's offices, Sovereign Banks, Brooks,
Caserta Pizza, Wright's, Allie's, advertisers, and busy restaurants and shops all over RI. Subscriptions are available - see our popular website at www.jpSportRI.com.
Why does it exist?
Thousands of Rhode Islanders are actively involved in the sport scene at many different levels. I have experienced the thrill first hand and observed the same reaction from
other parents when they see a photo and/or blurb about their favorite athlete in print. Through these observations, I felt that more sports coverage was needed on a statewide level and that
sport coverage is the reason that many people pick up newspapers and magazines. As Chief Justice Earl Warren so eloquently stated, "I always turn to the sports pages first which records people's
accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man's failures." I am proud to produce a healthy, positive "read" to thousands of RI teens and families. Contrary to what "media analysts" like to say, I
adamantly refuse to believe that print media is on its way out. Printed pages are still my favorite source for news, whether it's flipping though a newspaper with a hot cup of coffee or sitting on
the beach with an iced tea and a favorite magazine.
How do I produce it? This is the most often asked question, with good reason. How does a person, a female to boot, step out into
the publishing world from scratch. With guts, energy, vision, determination, education, newspaper experience and artistic talent, not to mention the assistance and contributions from talented,
dedicated family and friends working for nominal compensation, if any, who believe in Just Playin' sport® Magazine. Our loyal Advertisers and sponsors provide funding and are the sole reason
that we can offer you this free publication. Please give them your business and thank them for their support! My sister, Kathy Lee, has been a partner from day one, knocking on doors with a
passionate message to advertisers speaking of the benefits associated with our impressive three generation readership, long shelf-life and great website ... all for a great price!
What does the future hold? In order to feature more athletes, we hope to publish a monthly magazine some day. We need your help! In order to continue providing a FREE publication, we need
more support from advertisers and sponsors. It is a total win-win situation within our community.
Sincerely yours,
Gail Barbone Miller
Founder and Editor
Just Playin' sport ™
