It's all about family. The tattoo family. And like any group of like-minded, related-by-interests family, it's good to know one another. I like to know who's telling me a story, for example. I want to understand their viewpoint and philosophy. I want to know why they think the way they do. I want to connect not just to the words I read, but with the person who wrote them. And I don't want some stranger taking my picture.

That is why, on a fairly regular basis, we showcase the writers, illustrators, reporters, graphic designers and, in this issue, the photographers who make this magazine. We want you to know who's taking your picture.

When I read other magazines, like New Yorker or Atlantic or Cook's Illustrated, I double my enjoyment when I know whose words I am reading. It's a fact, when I sit down with a movie review, I enjoy it so much more when I know who penned it. I like to build a relationship with writers and look for their work. When I see their name in the table of contents, I just can't wait. I have my favorites and others I stay away from.

Like Man O' War, the thoroughbred racehorse. When I saw a book about his exploits in the bookstore, I was mildly interested, even though I'd heard his name when I was a kid. It turned out to be one of the greatest books I've ever read, due, in no small part, to the fact I knew about the author. Identifying with her is what made the story come alive. It made me buy the book.

I must say, it's happened more than once that I've browsed through various publications and can't find the name of the author. Or any mention of who took the photos. That's not okay, because I want to connect with the person who's communicating with me. I want to compare the current work with what they have done before. If the photos are amazingly vibrant, I'll want to search out more. If the writing is fair and professional, I look for their byline.

This is why we like to feature our contributors. It's so you'll get used to the sound of their voices, trust their opinions, appreciate the way they see things or, in the case of our Art Director, feel comfortable with her sense of design. It's our purpose to edify the readers, and if introducing the contributors through words or pictures makes the communication clearer, more profound or entertaining, so much the better.

Bob Baxter
Editor in Chief

baxter@skin&ink.com
www.skinandink.com