To the Editor of Hyphen:

I am a new reader to your magazine and have truly enjoyed it. I like the message behind each issue, and each article is well thought out and well written. But I have a suggestion that I feel would take Hyphen to the next level. Hyphen should get a celebrity to write an article in each issue. This can go one of two ways: get a celeb to write an article per issue or get a couple of celebs to share the load. I think the first option is the easiest since the duties fall on one person and there is only one issue per quarter. But if you can get a couple of celebs it might keep it more interesting especially if you get them from both genders. The celebs need to be relevant and ones that the readers can connect with. This will benefit the magazine in the fact that it will separate you from other magazines by getting a firsthand look at what’s going through these celebs heads or show what they are passionate about. It also benefits the celeb with publicity and getting an inside look into their lives, the reader will be more likely to keep up with the celeb. It will also be a start to giving the Asian American’s an icon to look up to. When you look around there aren’t many prominent Asian American figures around. But this can be a start to that, especially for those young Asian American individuals trying to make a name for themselves. If these celebs write about their lives, what it takes to make it in the industry they are in, passion projects, projects they are currently working on, hobbies, or how they stay involved in the community would be huge. This would be an article I would look for in every issue. The important thing is that it has to be written by the celeb themselves. Don’t make it a question and answer thing, make it something that they can take and run with. It will take you into the mind and thoughts of the successful ones that made it. You can also broaden this by also reaching out to other successful Asian Americans such as politicians, engineers/scientists, writers, athletes, CEO’s/VP’s of Fortune 500 companies, the possibilities are limitless. And this would probably be the best way to start off as it is hard to get musicians, artists, and movie stars to commit to something like this. But once they see how successful it is and how Hyphen is gaining influence within the Asian American community, you’ll have everyone knockin at your door to get on the Hyphen Hype!

Scott Siordia
Fairfield, CA