This lady in this illustration from the '60s looks so relaxed and summery and like a watermelon. I want to go to there.
HELLO ROOKIES I CANNOT EVEN GREET YOU PROPERLY BECAUSE I’M SO EXCITED I HOPE I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION.
Happy freaking June! Summer is here! Time to start counting down to 7-Eleven’s Free Slurpee Day!
I’m pleased to say, however, that this summer will bring more than free chemical sugar sludge. I know, I didn’t think it could ever get better than that either, but then we put together a plan for a Rookie Road Trip, and now it feels like chemical sugar sludge times a zillion!
The Rookie Road Trip, presented by Rookie, the Ardorous, and Urban Outfitters, will start in New York City on June 25th and end in Los Angeles on July 21st. The group of odor-ridden but enthusiastic travelers will be Anaheed, Hazel, Petra, Petra’s sister, Petra’s boyfriend, and me. We will stop along the way to meet up with you guys and do stuff like get ice cream and make zines and talk about our feelings and reenact the heart-to-heart in The Breakfast Club and also brainwash you all into becoming our friends wait what? Maybe we’ll just get ice cream and make zines and talk. And get other kinds of chemical sugar sludge, and try other DIYs, and, oh gosh, between your brains and ours, the possibilities are ENDLESS. It’s really fun and special to talk about the things our brains are up to in this community online, but it’ll be more fun and special for all of the thinking and sharing to take place in person. I may even jab some of you with my finger to make sure you’re real. TEENAGE GIRLS: Now in 3D!
Here’s a handy flyer with all the dates and stops listed:
Flyer by Kelly
We would love to meet you along the way! If you live in one of these cities, or elsewhere along this route, send us a note at info@rookiemag.com with some of your favorite local places to hang out that you think would be suited for an afternoon field trip of Rookies. This means restaurants, stores, markets, parks, arcades, ice cream parlors, bowling alleys, swimming holes, forest trails, and/or other places that are safe and don’t show Two and a Half Men on a TV in the corner. There will also be some events along the way too (looking at you, Chicago, Omaha and Boise!)…more details coming soon!
Once we get to L.A., Petra and I will set up an installation and selection of artwork from Petra’s female art collective, the Ardorous, at Urban Outfitters’ Space 15 Twenty at 1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd. We’ll host a bunch of events there from July 21st to the 28th, including such fun as zine-making and other DIYs, live readings of pieces from the site by our contributors, dancepartyfuntimes, and lots of chemical sugar sludge.
If you’ll be able to make it to one of our meet-ups anywhere along our route, bring us some kind of souvenir of your teenagerhood that might be at home in a giant Rookie shrine. A journal, bracelet, photo, tape, or other weird thing so long as it is not dangerous and/or Two and a Half Men memorabilia, and so long as you are OK with never getting it back, ’cause we’ll need them for keeps. (It’s less shady than it sounds, we swear.)
Finally, we will be updating our Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram (rookiemag), the Urban Outfitters blog, The Ardorous, the Ardorous blog, and here, o’course, with news of our adventures all along the way. The hashtag is #RookieRoadTrip, as in, “Just had chemical sugar sludge with Rookie staffers and readers! #RookieRoadTrip #JustinBieber” (I imagine JB lurks his own hashtag and am hoping he will meet up with us at some point). (For more examples of quality hashtagging, please take a note from @heycoolteenz.)
June’s theme is Paradise, and it is basically a love letter to our final destination of Los Angeles. Expect lots of Beach Boys, Weetzie Bat, Joan Didion, and then a ton of writing about what happens when you realize that the whole idea of a paradise is kind of a myth, and how to construct your own paradise, since adolescence can kind of suck, and I know it gets better, but you need to make yourself happy in the meantime, you know?
And so, in the meantime, ROAD TRIP. We hope to see you there.
Love,
Tavi
No Kansas City?!?! <:''''''''(
Log in to replyI know right! I’m bummed out :(
Log in to replyYeah, really?
Log in to replyplus Lawrence is totes a Rookie kind of town, just sayin’
i don’t doubt any of your rookieness/coolness/hipness! i wish we could be in a million places at once!
Log in to replyI’M GOING TO KU :D
Log in to replySo I am pleased that it’s “a Rookie kind of town”!
AHH AWESOME– GOOD LUCK [and rock chalk, hehe] It’s cool to know someone nearby is reading as well!
No Twin Cities MN? Oh well, I suppose I’ll have to get a wolkswagon bus and all my rookie friends (read—all my friends) and drive to one of these lucky towns!
Log in to replyDO ITTTT
Log in to replyOH MY GOD
Log in to replyYou’re partnering with Urban Outfitters?! This is such a bummer. I know you guys know that company is own by a guy who gives money to right-wing politicians and they sell stuff stolen from independent artists, not to mention their messed up t-shirt messages!! Bummer bummer
Log in to replyI’m with you, it’s a little bit of a letdown. I lovelove Rookie, but sometimes we need a bit more social responsibility in the house …
Log in to replymy thoughts exactly. honestly, i love the UO aesthetic and the clothes, but i most of the time i don’t shop there, because of the donating-to-rick-santorum-and-ripping-off-small-designers thing. honestly, both of those go completely against the image UO tries to maintain of a young, liberal, city hipster audience. (richard haynes, the santorum donor, is the ceo of UO as well as free people and anthropologie)
http://bornlikethis.org/1news/urban-outfitters-and-richard-hayne/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/emma-the-emma-edition/i-shop-therefore-i-am_b_1418377.html?ref=teen
just something to think about.
marit
Log in to replyThirded.
Log in to replyWord. I am disappointed by this as well.
Log in to replyAgreed.
Log in to replyand me. I think it’s weird for Rookie to be so gay-rights-positive and politically active and then – BAM. Rick Santorum.
Yep. I mean… I’m glad there’s gunna be a rookie tour, but still.
Log in to replyI completly agree! I had thought that Rookie was above this.
Log in to replyWerd. I wish everything cool didn’t have to have a shitty downside.
Log in to replyohh pleassseeee pleeaasssee come to england :’(
Log in to replyI Agree!!!
Log in to replyUs English Rookie’s should have a big meet up and send in pictures
Log in to reply^ I second this idea!!
I’m in if this goes ahead! Maybe we can do a big photo shoot…
YES
that would be SO GREAT!!
I AM SO UP FOR THIS!!
i’m in!
Yes!! this sounds amazing!
YESSSSS.
This is when I cry because I just moved back to the UK from Boston Mass and then smile when I see the picture idea for English rookies!
YES. A London rookie meetup, I would actually be there…. lets make this happen!
YES!!! I however-many-zillionth this.
Although my mum might be a wee bit hesitant about me meeting up with Strangers From The Web, I would love to come. I joined the facebook group and I am so excited!!!
Yes please yes! I would totally come to this (providing le parents allowed it) because it would be excellent.
Yes, would be fantastic! We could meet in London? Maybe we should start a Facebook group?
Log in to replyhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/231752323608125/
Log in to replyI just made one – please join!
Joined! I’m so up for a London meet up! AHhhh!
I would love them so much to come to England!
Log in to replyRookie in London will be awesome! Just joined the facebook group, can’t wait.
Log in to replyyes!come to England!we have tea!
Log in to replyI would so be up for this!
Log in to replyI didnt know there were so many other rookie readers in the UK! do any of you guys live near nottingham (just out of interest) and we should totaly have our own rookie convention :)
Log in to replyA Rookie meetup in London would be really cool! It’s quite a long way from where I live though (Sheffield).
Log in to replyI’d probably still make it anyway, but maybe slightly more Northern UK Rookies could have a meetup? Just a thought…?
Northern Rookies! Yes, there are more of you! (i’m bradford)
Yeahhh! I couldn’t make it to london, I’m from Newcastle. I’d love to have a cool rooklie person meeting.
styledynamite.blogspot.com
I’m a southerner (live in Herts) but we always always always go up North, cos my dad’s side of the family is from the Scarboro/Whitby area…. Mwahaha I must come to both North and South Rookie days!!! :) I wish I had fb to join the group but I’m a good little girl and mummy says no.. :p
Log in to replyI love whitby! we go on holiday there like all the time (or to sandsend, the little village near it, I’ve just got back from a week there) I’d love you to come to a north uk meeting!!!! still, theres only like 3 people interested…
So angry I won’t be in Chicago to hang out with you guys!
Perhaps I will sit down and construct a list of places to go if you ever make a pit stop in Louisville, Ky.
Log in to replyI’m in KY too! I was thinking about the Chicago stop, but odds are it won’t happen.. It’s a tad far away for a day. :(
Log in to replyAhh I’m in IN. Heard you guys have an awesome skating rink though!
Log in to replyoh my gosh. I wish I lived in the USA to meet you guys at this road trip :(
Log in to replywell, maybe if you come to brazil someday…
IM GONNA MISS IT!!!
Log in to replyYou guys couldn’t come to the Southeast (ATL)? I’m only going to be in NY in july. *sobs*
Log in to replyseriously.
Log in to replyTHIS! The south gets no love :( http://blazoningpens.blogspot.com/
Log in to replyseriously
Log in to replyI will see y’all in LA!
Log in to replyIt’s times like this when I wish I lived in America (or you lived in the UK!)
Log in to replyJust take deep breaths and think about the NHS!
Log in to replyHAHAHAHA
Log in to replywe may not have rookie but we have all the dental checkups and free birth control one could wish for
HOOOOOOLYYYYYYY MOTHER OF SLDKFJSLDKFJSDLFKJDLFKJSDLKFJ
Death has becomith upon me. I can not even— I have lost the ability to even—
Log in to replyWhy aren’t you guys coming tk the Netherlands that would absolutely be too cool to be true?!!!
Log in to replyi would love them to go to the netherlands, i live in london but i’m obsessed with everything scandinavian, i would actually make a trip for this!!
Log in to replyI’m a Londoner obsessed with Scandinavia too. IT’S JUST SO SPIFFY. (I don’t think the Netherlands counts tho’.)
Log in to replyJust tag everything with #JustinBeiber. Absolutely everything.
Log in to replySo good!
Log in to replyOH MY GOD PENNSYLVANIA!!!
Log in to replyOh My God you need to come to england!
Log in to replyAnd meanwhile, on the opposite side of the world, Europeans are weeping.
Log in to replyTHERE COMING TO SEATTLE! *heart skips 1000000000000 beats*
Log in to replyCome to England. It’s quite nice.
Log in to replyYES!!!! I’M SO EXCITED!!!
Log in to replyreally wish i lived in America right now -.- hey-ho.
anyway, I’m intrigued to know what the ‘shop’ link at the top is/what it’s like, when i click on it it comes up with error 504 or something:/ am i doing something wrong?
http://cottonmixblog.blogspot.com
Log in to replyoh what? its gone now..wheredit go??
Log in to replyoh god i sound like i’m going crazy but there was definitely a ‘shop’ link! aghh, someone help me out:S
I think our web guy was playing around with the bar at the top, as an experiment.
Log in to replySO EXCITED FOR THIS!
Log in to replywaah, no north carolina stops?! we’re cool here, I promise (plus, we have awesome mountains.)
Log in to replyrawesome mountains
Log in to replyare you an nc rookie reader!? I don’t live in the mountain-y part (sandhills) but my boyfriend is from there and whenever we go visit I seriously just stare in awe for hours.
Log in to replyyes! asheville
OH MY GOD. The sounds that just came out of my mouth were almost inhuman.! I´m freaking out! I can´t wait to see all of you In LA.
Log in to replyAHHHH! I don’t live too close to any of these places but I’m getting my license soon and HELLO TRAINS, somehow I must make this possible.
Log in to replyYesssss LA, sun-drenched teenage wasteland, endless summer etc. etc. This is beautiful :,)
Can we submit pictures for backgrounds maybe?
Also are Less Than Zero and Araki’s Teenage Apocalypse trilogy mentioned this month because they feel relevant
Sorry about the lack of punctuation
Log in to replyJust
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeejejnenemrvtvjde
Oh mygoodness!!! I’m so excited!!
Log in to replyI wish you were coming to New Mexico, but maybe I’ll make it to the LA one!!
I’m a bit disappointed that Rookie is pairing with UO to make this tour a reality. UO has previously marketed a t-shirt featuring holocaust symbolism, has used designs Navajo Native Americans find incredibly offensive, has insulted Irish people, and has stolen designs from etsy artists. Are you sure that’s a company with whom you feel comfortable affiliating yourselves? I love rookie, but after some of the acts of UO I don’t shop there, and this partnership makes me feel less comfortable with the fact that I enjoy your website a lot.
Log in to replyLliving in South America sucks… Nothing cool will ever happen here!
Log in to replyNot true…you guys have capybaras!
Log in to replyHOLY SHIT I JUST SQUEALED FOR LIKE FIVE MINUTES STRAIGHT.
Log in to replyI’m actually visiting my cousin (a Rookie reader!) in NYC on the 25th! so many emotions
Noooooooooooooooooooo, you’re coming to Seattle right when I’m visiting family!!
Log in to replyWish I lived in America.
Log in to replyHate you, Belgium.
I wish I lived in Belgium :(. I spent time in Houffalize and Dinant, seriously two of the most beautiful places on the planet (I think, at least)
Log in to replyPlease come to England! <3
Log in to replyAhhww I wish you guys could be in Florida in June, or NYC in July!!
Log in to replysigh
Yes! Gah why couldn’t you have come to Florida or at least anywhere in the Southeast, or even Virginia really. I’m visiting family there this summer. Whatever, I’ll shut up and stop complaining… at least I’m not on an entirely different continent.
Log in to replyI live in FL,too…..dying a little bit on the inside.
Log in to replyCome to florida! We have lots of roller coasters and beaches! And rookie readers who <3 you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Log in to replyThat sounds insane, please please please come to England some day though! Or set up an exchange system so we can come join you and vice versa?! That would be so cool
Log in to replyNOOOOOOOOOO I can’t make it and now I’m glum
but this idea is BRILLIANT you all will have the greatest time!! waaaah can’t wait to hear about all the fun jokes and adventures and #yolo moments
zine making omg why can’t I be there
xo
http://interstellarsuburbia.wordpress.com/
Log in to replyGOD DAMMIT I LIVE IN NEW ENGLAND
what if on the 24th I try to take the train to boston but get on the amtrak to new york instead COMPLETELY BY ACCIDENT
Log in to replyThe accela line is really nice and really fast, but more expensive.
Log in to replyIt goes from boston to new york city.
Log in to replyTHIS IS SO GREAT. I will have to make my way from Vancouver (Canada) to Portland somehow! (unless you guys want to cross the border…) xoxo
Log in to replyLA IS CLOSE ENOUGH TO VEGAS YEAH ROAD TRIP TO THE ROOKIE ROAD TRIP HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY TO ME MY GOD THIS IS SO EXCITING AHHHHHH
Log in to replyI AM BEYOND EXCITED. No words except thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you
Log in to replycan’t do it……I feel extremely sad right now
Log in to replyOH MY GOD I CAN’T WAIT!!! I’ll be wearing my best Rookie DIY pieces :D
Log in to replyO, this is awesome! I’m from Holland but I’m in LA when you’re there and I’m already looking forward to meet you all ^^ I didn’t think that my America roadtrip could get any better, but now it will be :3!
Log in to replyThis is a great idea and sounds like fun for you guys, but I’m sorry to hear that you’re partnering with UO. They are kind of the worst.
Log in to replyPLEASE PLEASE COME TO BOSTON!!!
Log in to replyplease please please please pleaseeeeeeeee. Before NYC?
Log in to replyCome to St. Louis!!
Log in to replyomg, you’re gonna be in new york but on a monday!! i work and i don’t think i have time available to take it off :( although, i’m not a teenager (i’m 25 this sunday)…does that matter?
ROOKIE 4 EVA
Log in to replycome to France guyssss
Log in to replyJ’habite en France! Tu es de quelle ville ???
Log in to reply:)
Paris !
Log in to replyMOI AUSSI!!! haha! si tu connais d’autre Rookies de Paris aussi, ce serait génial qu’on puisse se voir!
Heya girls! Avec quelques valeureuses autres Rookies, nous essayons de mettre en place un Rookie meetup à Paris, si vous êtes intéressées, faites-moi signe ! (Facebook : Wallis Kate Michel).
Butbutbut Cannnnadddaaa :’(
Log in to replyI live in Alaska…. waaa. We’re too far north!
Log in to replyIf Alaska was a possibility, they would have to go through Canada, right?
Oh well. Maybe next year, yes?
Please come to Rome or Copenhagen!!!!NVJEFVNNVSDIN
Log in to reply♥ PITTSBURGH ♥
Log in to reply♥ ♥ ♥ YOU ♥ ♥ ♥
♥ ♥ ♥ ME ♥ ♥ ♥
♥ ♥ICE CREAM ♥ ♥
This is absolutely fantastic, but I have to agree with some of the above posters. I’m also a little uncomfortable with the UO partnership.
Log in to replyBoston!
Log in to reply^ It’s such a Rookie mag city! Please please come!
Log in to replyBtw have you guys been working on putting together a type of pen pal system? I vaguely remember hearing that Rookie was working on that and summer seems like the best time for letter writing.
Log in to replyYup, that will happen soon!
Log in to replyYay! :)
Log in to replyAaaggh NO WAY!!:)
Log in to replyI am SOHAPPY about this
Log in to replyOMG can you guys write me at camp? I will send you flowers and blueberries from maine.
Log in to replyYesssssssss!
Log in to replyYAY Ann Arbor!!! :D
Log in to replyAhh! Michigan Rookie! I’m up in Traverse but I’m hoping I’ll make it down to Ann Arbor for this!
Log in to replyWHAT I LIVE IN TRAVERSE TOO
Log in to replyOH MY GOD, NO.
who are you!?
I go to Central! you?
I’m going into my second year at NMC in the fall, I’m not originally from TC. It’s soo cool to know that there are rookie readers in the area though! If ya wanna add me on fb….
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=679590750
:)
Heck yes, soursequence! I live in AA and am so tempted to join in as Tavi (and gang) is my idol, but I’m 25 and feel a little “old”, I guess? That’s so cool you’re coming down from Traverse! I’m wondering where we should suggest they hang out??
Log in to replyI’ve only been to AA a few times, but what is that place where you can get bubble tea? & just walking around, it’s beautiful. Tavi’s my idol too, so I feel a bit anxious about going!
I don’t know if you’ll see this but I’m about an hour north of you and am definitely going, so if either of you want to share a ride, let me know!
Log in to replyOh sweet, Katrina! :) Thank you.
An hour north of Traverse? I def need a ride….
Email me if you see this, soursequence@gmail.com
:))
I’m in Michigan too! Detroit, though, not Ann Arbor.
Log in to replywooo!
Log in to replyHOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!
Log in to replyI am going to try my HARDEST to get to the Chicago stop!
Me and my fellow Rookies in IN SHALL HOPEFULLY BE THERE!!!
so jealous of everyone who’ll get to meet up with you girls! i’m gonna be stuck up here in northern wisconsin by myself all summer! T____T
Log in to replyabsolutely no southern stops at all!
southerners will travel around to other southern spots too, houston isn’t that far from new orleans isn’t that far from atlanta. but we don’t even have one date on there. :( bummer.not even atlanta with our huge airport!
Log in to replyI know :[ :[ Atlanta, Athens, etc are all very cool places in Georgia full of rookie readers!! not to mention there are some *beautiful* drives down here!
Log in to replyAtlanta and Athens!!!!
Come to the 40 Watt or Variety Playhouse! Come to Little 5 Points or East Atlanta Village!
WE NEED A FACEBOOK GROUP FOR THE ATLANTANS.
WE HAVE HIP STUFF TOO.
Log in to replyYes I NEED something to do in Atlanta! I think they would really like little five points and Midtown! http://blazoningpens.blogspot.com/
it’s all about the East Atlanta Village! five points smells bad and only has one good bar. Athens is fun too, i wouldn’t mind having more of an excuse to go hangout up there and take pictures on those giant dogs UGA has. Rookie is totally missing out on how amazing the south is. it’s magical down here. of course, everyone thinks the south is like a cultural wasteland, so no one ever tours here/comes here. the south = america’s best kept secret.
Something cool is actually coming to Columbus?! Although I am 22, I will be there and in full on fan girl mode. Kinda bummed you guys are working with UO, though. They might actually be the worst.
Log in to replynooooo i wish you were doing this a little later i am moving from the uk to seattle like 3 weeks after you will be there. but also nooooo to partnering with UO, echoing above comments.
Log in to replyWhy am I in Canada?
Log in to replyMontreal anyone?
Please, it’s the raddest, rookiest city ever!
Log in to reply(All right, all right, I’m biased…)
Montreal is actually the best place ever. Worst luck is this is the one summer I won’t be there :/
Log in to replyI second this! A little hook through the Canadian border could do no wrong, right? We could picnic on the mountain, have some patatine from Patatipatata… No?
Log in to replyasldjfskjldkj this is so awesome & I really hope I can make it!!
although I agree with other people about urban outfitters, they’re sort of a really horrible corporation
Log in to replyAHHH! I’m so mad! I wish I could meet all of you when you came to visit Philly, but I leave for sleepaway camp two days before that! The entire road trip will be awesome :)
Log in to replyYES. this is gonna be THE BEST SUMMER EVERRRRRRR.
Log in to replyAwww wish y’all could make it to the south, but maybe I’ll catch ya on the next rookie road trip!
Come to Tupelo, Mississippi,(see Elvis’s two room house! Or see the bit of his hair some fangirls got off a towel from raiding his hotel room, IN AN ACTUAL MUSEUM!),or head to Memphis, there’s a great Rocky Horror shadow cast the second Friday of each month!!! Annnnnd it’s Memphis!!!
See ya sometime and have fun this summer!!!! SCHOOL IS OUT FOREVER!!!
Log in to replyI get to meeeeet the people behind my favorite thing, Rookie?! Day is made.
Log in to replyWhat I really really wish to do is follow you guys around for the whole trip like a creep.
But don’t worry I am going to be in a totally different continent
It does not register in my mind that you guys are real people…
Log in to replyROOKIE IS A PARADISE
NOOOO. Why do all of the stops near where i live have to be while I’m in Italy? I want to meet you guys so badly. This better happen again next summer.
Log in to replyThis is a brilliant idea
Log in to replyIt seems mind melting to have many rookies in a place together
Unfortunately I live in Arizona and will therefore not be able to make it
Hopefully you are doing this next year
This is soooo AWESOME!!!! A ROOKIE ROAD TRIP!
Log in to replyI have to agree. The tour sounds FAB (I’m so bummed you aren’t coming to Boston! This might be the perfect excuse for a NYC jaunt…..)
That said, I honestly can’t believe that you guys are partnering with Urban Outfitters. Racism and misogyny on their clothing aside, they are also run by a relatively despicable owner.
IT seems disrespectful to your readers, honestly–surely you expected that we’re familiar with the company’s history. Can we get an explanation, maybe, of how/why this is happening? Why *them*? Or a reply?
It would be so appreciated, because Rookie means so much to my friends and me. We would all be so incredibly disappointed to not have this choice defended or explored by y’all.
Log in to replyTavi wants to respond to these questions herself, and will when she gets home from school. In the meantime, I just wanna say that going into this we had ALL the same concerns that you do, and that we didn’t arrive at this decision lightly at all. And after many many discussions (which Tavi will say more about) I’m comfortable with our reasons for taking UO’s money to make content for you guys.
Log in to replyAnaheed–
I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. As you could probably tell, I was relatively distressed upon writing my comment, but please know that I have the utmost faith in the morals and good qualities of the entire Rookie staff.
I look forward to Tavi’s response, because, honestly, I’m pretty apprehensive about what could make up for some of UO’s behavior.
(p.s. This is a strange request, but if there’s any chance you’d be down, please tell Ira Glass that driving 16 hours through the midwest last summer, countless episodes of TAL were what sustained my brothers, mother, and me….You two are without a doubt the coolest couple ever.)
Log in to replyThank YOU for bringing this stuff up, because this is a conversation that needs to be had. And if you end up not agreeing with our reasons, that’s OK too.
I told Ira and he said thanks! Also I am cool, he droolz.
@Anaheed’s latest comment
Drool away. Ira Glass is my all time favorite.
Two favorite episodes = Petty Tyrant and Kid Politics.
The latter is SO disturbing but fascinating. Also sorry for making you communicate all this info to Ira/Mr.Glass — does he have a good email address for this sort of stuff? (AKA fan mail/some substantive thoughts)
You two are conquering the world as those who take all people, even teenagers, seriously. It is remarkably heartening.
Thank you so much. He doesn’t really have an email for that kind of thing — email me, though: anaheed@rookiemag.com. Haha at “even teenagers.”
Sent all of y’all an email! (I’m not even southern, I don’t know why I keep saying “y’all”….)
Log in to replyI AM WITH LAIA BEST SUMMER EVER!!! ROOKIE MAGAZINE SUMMER PARTY!!!
Log in to replyAwwww, no Atlanta. :/ Who knows, though, maybe this will get you guys a whole new audience of readers as well? I hope so. I have NO ONE to discuss Rookie with.
Log in to replyI’m a fellow Atlantan (responding to all our fellow southerners), and I think we need to start a Facebook group like the English ladies up there, us Atlantans and surrounding dwellers. WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED.
Log in to replyNext time you guys should stop in Baltimore! it’s a funky charming city-town!
Log in to replyI keep trying to get the other Rooks to come to DC or Baltimore. Some day…
(I lived in Roland Park for a summer. Now I’m in DC, but I loooved Baltimore.)
Log in to replystoked for LA meet-up! (: This is gunna be sweet.
Log in to replyI might be in Salt Lake this Summer! If not, SF sounds great. Where do you plan to go while in Salt Lake?
Log in to replyPlease come to Texas! preferably Austin or Houston!
Log in to replyAaah I wish this was happening in my state! No Minnesota stops at all, huh? Sad.
Log in to replyI agree! I suppose the chances of them stopping in rural Minnesota are pretty slim. :’(
Log in to replyBoston man!
Log in to replyWHY DO I LIVE IN SWEDEN?!!
Log in to replyDU OCH JAG RAINBOW DASH, VI GÖR VÅR EGEN ROADTRIP HÄR I SVERIGE!
Log in to replyHaha, då är jag med. ^^
Log in to replyeftersom sverige är häftigt
Log in to replyOH. MY FRIGGIN. GOD. OH MY GOD.
Log in to replySo glad I am not the only one who thinks YOU GUYS SHOULD TOTALLY COME TO ENGLAND. I mean sure, the weather’s not great but we have pretty good tea and scones.
Please, please, please consider it.
Love and hugs from a very upset Brit.
Log in to replyxx
I have had many a daydream of the rookie staff doing something along these lines and busting me out of school during a particularly boring day, I must admit. hahha
I am SO jealous of the girls who live in those cities and get to hang out with you guys!
Log in to replyOooooh, if I have my passport by then I’m SO hitching down to Seattle! (I mean, not really. I’d find a ride and stuff because, you know, STRANGERS IN CARS and stuff).
Log in to replyOR you could come to beautiful CANADA! It’s nice up here! And it’s summer, so it’s actually warm! Come on!
I Know, why am I Canadian? I’m gonna try to drive down to Seattle too….probably won’t happen. :( It’s hard when your only friend with a license would take one look at rookie, turn around and run for dear life.
Log in to reply*about to cry*
NOOOOOOO NOT MINNESOTA.
*sob*
Log in to replyMinnesotan rookies, unite! <3
Log in to replyMinnesotan Illustrator for Rookie right here!
Log in to replyHi guys,
I’m so glad you’re excited! And I am sorry that we can’t all be 2gethzzz at the same time. One day we’ll do an international spaceship tour or something.
About the hesitation with UO: we totally understand and had similar concerns before we decided to do this. We thought about and discussed it for a long time, and came to this: we are not associating Rookie with any parts of their brand which clearly are not part of our site’s mission or the road trip’s mission. We are partnering with UO, not their owner. It’s true that he has, in the past, given money to organizations that don’t correspond with our beliefs and mission here at Rookie, but we’re not giving them money, you don’t have to come to a road trip event and give them money, and other moneys of theirs are going towards this trip, which I think will be a positive thing, and towards a website that is pro-LGBTQ, pro-reproductive rights, and feminist. I don’t think that by partnering with them for this, we are saying we agree with every decision they have ever made.
We’re a small team, a business not even a year old, and frankly, there is no way we would ever be able to do something like this without a sponsor or collaboration of some kind. And frankly, it’s hard to imagine a company that would be ethical in every way, share our exact beliefs, give us complete creative freedom (which UO has), and have enough money to support this project.
Hope this makes sense and thanks, as always, for being rad enough to ask these questions.
Log in to replyAlso, about locations: we decided on this route based on the results of the demographics survey we linked to on our homepage a couple months ago. These are, for the most part, the areas most populated by Rookie readers – we weren’t choosing based on trying to find the “coolest girls” or whatever!
Log in to replyAnd we’re hoping this project is the first in a long string of stuff like this — we would LOVE to go to a bunch of the other places you guys mentioned.
Log in to replyTavi, I get what you’re saying, and I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
But, really? “we are not associating Rookie with any parts of their brand which clearly are not part of our site’s mission or the road trip’s mission. We are partnering with UO, not their owner. ”
I don’t think this makes sense. Partnering with the brand is an endorsement of the owner.
Just as we might love Target’s radicool stuff, but possibly took a break from it after they donated a bunch of money to a homophobic political candidate. Not every worker at Target is homophobic. Hell, maybe the owner isn’t homophobic, and it’s just an economic or political move.
“I don’t think that by partnering with them for this, we are saying we agree with every decision they have ever made.”
I don’t think so either, but I do think that we must acknowledge that this is a pretty blatant endorsement of their company overall. I appreciate you’re being frank, but I also don’t think it’s okay to act as though partnering with the company isn’t associating with the owner of it.
Tavi, thank YOU for letting Rookie’s choices be so transparent, and being so willing to answer questions, etc. I dig it.
Log in to replyI totally appreciate everything you’re saying here. And that you’re holding our feet to the fire. I feel like that’s a sign of respect, so thank you! I have to say, though, that I totally disagree that partnering with a company is an endorsement of the owner. Do you think that every company that advertises on 30 Rock is owned by an individual that Tina Fey agrees with politically?
Log in to replyIt is absolutely a sign of respect, because I am filled with respect for you all.
I guess I should clarify what I meant. Even though the 30 Rock example isn’t exactly akin to this, I see your point. And no, I don’t think so.
Let me put it this way: whether or not Rookie is associating with an owner who gives money to causes you guys might not support, Rookie IS associating with a company that itself has produced http://missworld.tumblr.com/post/663846350/what-the-mess-is-this-shit-urban-outfitters-is-a
and steals designs from small business.
I hope it doesn’t seem like I’m backing out on my original point (endorsement of company=endorsement of owner) but I wanted to make a point about the company’s actions itself whilst I’m thinking about my initial point. Anaheed, what you said is thought-provoking, so I’m just taking time to mull over it.
As of right now, I would say that advertisements are sort of a classic example of exactly my point, aren’t they? Remember when Rush Limbaugh said a bunch of offensive BS a few months ago and a bunch of advertisers pulled theirs from his radio hour because they feared advertising on his show indicated his endorsement or association with their company?
I don’t think Tina Fey has a vested political interest in all the ads on 30 Rock (and this isn’t quite akin, because we’re talking here about Tina Fey’s morals v. the morals of 30 Rock–which could differ) but I also don’t think she would let certain adverts run. That’s my take, anyhow.
“Capitalism is complicated and our system is messed up”
This is well-put, and I understand.
I still disagree with the decision, but I also appreciate that I obviously don’t have the perspective you all do, re: the decision-making process.
Also, I agree re: 30 Rock.
Thank goodness that show exists!
Think of it this way: They are using this company/president’s money to promote love and feminism and all that good stuff. I am all for Rookie using this guy’s money to promote all the things that Rookie stands for and that I personally stand for, so with that in mind, I am okay with this and I’m still not going to shop at UO. Their crap is overpriced anyway.
Log in to replyCan we all just agree that Rookie is only partnering with UO for the money? They said they don’t agree with the owner’s political views, they don’t agree with a lot of the stuff UO has done, but in order to do this trip, they need a sponsor and UO was the best option, I’m assuming. They’re essentially just having money thrown at them in return for mentioning UO as a sponsor on the trip.Plus, because of all the comments and the well-deserved response to partnering with UO, Rookie readers will know not to shop there. Everyone’s happy! (except Rick Santorum, but he’s irrelevant)
Can I just say that I’m really super thrilled that not only have you accepted comments on this issue, you’re responding to them honestly?! I’m kind of freaking out about this. I love you guys. Never thought your lawyers (I’m assuming you have lawyers?) would’ve let you go ahead with speaking honestly about a sponsorship issue, but that just shows me I shouldn’t make such assumptions. <3 <3 <3
Log in to replyNO WASHINGTON D.C.????? IT’S THE CAPITAL!!!!!!!!! And I only live an hour south of it :(
Log in to replyTHIS SOUNDS SO AWESOME. I hope that it’s really, really cool and beautiful and amazing so that you’ll do it again and come to Boston next time :D
Log in to replyROOKIE, PLEASE COME TO TEXAS AND SAVE ME, OTHERWISE, I’M RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME AND SOMEWAY ENDING UP IN LOS ANGELES BY JULY, AND MY PARENTS WILL BE REALLY WORRIED AND IT’LL BE ALL YOUR FAULT.
Log in to replyI’m so sad you guys aren’t coming to Minnesota. There are a lot of cool girls here.
Log in to replyonce again it sucks to live in somewhere not so metropolitan or, god forbid, in the south. bummer :(
Log in to replyWe’ll be stopping in a lot of little, unmetropolitan towns along our route, which I for one am really looking forward to.
Log in to replyyeah, but none of the stops are even close to any of the southern United States! i promise we’re not all the slack-jawed hillbillies we’re portrayed to be in the movies. come to memphis or nashville and i’ll prove it to you.
Log in to replyOh man, we love so much about the South, and we have staffers there. We just don’t have time to hit every place we want to go. We’re following a route along the middle of the country, for time/money reasons.
Minneapolis?
Log in to replyYess! You’re coming to New York, to my city!!!! You
Log in to replyNEED to come to Queens. It’s the coolest place in the whole entire freakin world. Ok maybe I’m a bit biased because I live here but it’s all the same. Email me cuz I would love to meet up with you guys!
QUEENS REPRESENT :)
Log in to replyI so wish for rookie to be like 5 years old now (still a long way to go, I know) but I think it would be pretty interesting to see if this could lead you guys to other countries besides the US. I see there are a lot of canadian and english readers that are loving this road trip idea and I know many mexican readers (as myself) love it as well. I know it’s something small right now but I’m sure you guys will be able to manage something for the long run. Good luck!
Log in to replyDear Tavi,
Log in to replyI have a veryyy important extremly urgent question to ask you…
What’s goin’ on?
Log in to replyWell two things.
Log in to replyFirst of all, I am adopting you into my internet family. You are the grandmother, Anaheed is my mother, Amy Rose is my sister, and Jenny is my fairy godmother.
Second of all, I’m an aspiring song writer and your opinion means a lot to me. I would really appreciate it if you could read my song and give me your honest feedback. Here’s the link to one of them…
http://figment.com/books/310685-Till-we-sleep-tonight
Thanks and Much Love :)
Hey hi,
Honored to be in your family!
I don’t really want our comments section to be the place for pitching — can you email stuff like this to submissions@rookiemag.com in the future? That being said, thank you for sharing this with me, I really do love it and hope to eventually be able to hear it set to music!
<3
maybe a global tour next year? We NEED y’all in South America!
Log in to replyIt’s cool here too, you guys! Come and we’ll bring you lots of presents and you can see koalas and kangaroos and MELBOURNE because it’s the coolest city in Aus. Please I’ll even say G’day if you like. I’m so glad to see your doing this though it’s pretty awesome!
Log in to replyWe love you, Australia. Xoxo
Oh Casey, fellow Melbournite! ‘Wouldn’t it be nice’.. maybe we will just have to plan a little summer holiday to sunny Los Angeles or something!
Log in to replyOhhh! That sounds soo fun… Melbourne, Australia represent!
Log in to replyAnd Sydney! Australians unite!!!! :D
AUSTRALIAN ROOKIES!! WOOOOOO!
That would be so amazing if rookie came to Melbourne. Its defs the grooviest city in australia ( okay, maybe I’m a little biased).
yes melbourne! though I have to admit Minna, I did stalk you over to the garage sale you advertised on your blog but was too intimidated to say hello. something to do with quiet admiration for your belt and formal dress synchronisation. wonderfully enough, I feature as the person picking up a yellow skirt in the ‘only’ photo you took of the day and posted onto your blog. rock on *>*
Log in to replyYay! Fellow Australian Rookies!
Log in to replyI wish we weren’t so far away from America and Rookie HQ
Rookie should totally do a world tour!! And the first stop should be Sydney. It’s so unfair we’re missing out on all the action T_T
Log in to replyWell from her photo locations I believe that I live fairly near Eleanor so I’d definitely be up for a uk rookie meet up!
Log in to replyhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/231752323608125/permalink/231752880274736/?notif_t=like
Log in to replyHi Flower, I made a fb group to discuss a UK Rookie meet up x
I’ve joined the rookie meet up group for the UK, but its still so annoying because I’m 15 and live right in the south of england. So it’s pretty impossible to come up to london on my own. I so wish I could meet all of you guys, I only started reading Rookie 2 months ago, but I’m completely in love with it.
Log in to replyDearest tavi, please come to Toronto, it would make all my dreams come true!
Log in to replyIf you’re in need of a stowaway co-piolt/hair braider/dream interpreter/masseuse . . .
Log in to replyOH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!L!!!LGYHLIUHILUYILUGYUGYUGgygiylgliygk! I’m freaking out right now, A ROOKIE ROAD TRIP, and just when I thought you guys couldn’t get any better….
Log in to replyHey I had an idea!!! Could you somehow do a skypy thing or some live video so people who can’t make it to these places could watch you guys having fun? And maybe we could like type stuff as well and be in the conversations too somehow…. I don’t know. Would that be cool?
Log in to replyWe’ll be updating super intensely (video included) all along the way!
Log in to replyAnd we have some live-chat kinds of ideas and stuff too. Let us know your ideas too though!
Log in to replyOh my jeSUS
rookie + icecreamdanceparties + me = CRAZY FANTASTIC MADNESS YAY omg I am so excited to ya’ll in flesh, FINALLY.
Log in to replyIf the road trip doesn’t come to you, go on your own road trip to the road trip yall!
Log in to replyYAY!!!!!! BEST SUMMER EVER!!!!!!
Log in to replyYou guys need to come to Baltimore! You just need to! Then I could see you really easily. But maybe, just maybe, I can brainwash my parents into driving me to Philly, and I can skip a day of play rehearsals. IT WOULD BE WORTH IT.
Log in to replySCREAMED SO LOUD SEEING MICHIGAN. I am going to shower you all with gifts and potentially tears of joy. (But will play it so cool)
Log in to replyme too, me too!
Log in to replyWhere in MI are you? I’m in Detroit.
Log in to replycan i just say that i was having an absolutely horrible day until i saw this? thank you <3 i can't wait to see you guys in ann arbor!!!
Log in to reply“Sixteen, clumsy and shy. I went to [Chicago and died]“. THIS WILL BE ME WHEN WE GET TOGETHER OVER THE SUMMER!!!!!!! Can’t wait xoxo
Log in to replyThis is the best comment I’ve read yet.
Log in to replyNo England? :( Oh well.
Log in to replyIn Columbus the meet-up needs to include a stop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (we’re talking plum sake sorbet and mango lassi and juniper & lemon curd and…)
Log in to replyI love Jeni’s!
Log in to replyYes! Columbus + summer = must stop at Jeni’s.
Log in to replyNo Washington, D.C.? It’s on the way. Just sayin’.
Log in to replyI LOVE it that you’re coming to Iowa! Too bad I’ll be in South Dakota that week for a family reunion…. :(
Log in to replyOh my god crying you guys are coming to New York. Can I just clutch your legs forever and not let go? Or can I just stuff you in my bag? Pretty please?
http://www.style-abuse.blogspot.com
Log in to replyYOU GUYS ARE COMING TO CHICAGO ON THE 29TH AND 30TH AHHHHHH I WANNA GO I WANNA GO YES YES YES THIS IS MARVELOUS AHHHHH MY PARENTS ARE LOOKING AT ME FUNNY
Log in to replyAaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!!! I can’t wait to meet you in LA! I can’t believe this whole month is dedicated to my hometown; I love it! Please tell me you have an article on Francesca Lia Block, PLEASE!!!!
Also, if we submit something to you guys, how long is the average response time? Or do you guys even have time to respond at all?
I heart you guys! Hurry up and come!
Log in to replyThe average response time = TOO LONG. But we’re working on it. I can’t wait to meet you, either, Mags!!
Log in to replynot alberta?! I’m shocked.
Log in to replyI just moved away from Columbus. DAMMIT.
Log in to replyCome to Canada!!! Mostly Edmonton because it’s closest to me and Whyte Ave is pretty Rookie friendly. I mean Vancouver and Toronto exist too…. but Edmonton is where it’s at!!
WHY YOU NO COME TO CANADA
Apart from my spastic moment above, please consider Canada next time! I need my Rookie girlzzz.
Log in to replyI second the motion!!! We love you girls up here!! Canada’s right next to America, so it’s not even far. We could hang around in downtown Toronto and pretend to be super cool while really just eating excellent ice cream and cupcakes.
Gahhh I wish I was American just this once.
Log in to replyI AGREE !
Log in to replyWe’re always missing the fun !
O gee, no Southern stops :(
Log in to replyI really need to move to New York or Cali.
Still looking forward to seeing all the pics though!
Your summer won’t be complete without a visit to the Philippines (however it is already rainy season here…)!
Log in to replyOMG THIS <3
Just when I thought I'm the only reader from the Philippines, or even Asia. </3 Aaaaaah <3
Log in to replyThat road trip sounds like the most amazing thing!
Fashion in Pepperland
Log in to replyOH MY GOSH I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU GUYS!! We are going to have a blast! I hope we all become inseparable best friends and exchange cellular numbers/devices! Or we could become pen pals! I need a pen pal desperately.
This is going to be so much fun!
Log in to replyHey Rookies! This sounds super awesome, I wish I could attend one of the stops! Maybe if it all goes well you all can do an east coast tour next year :)
ALSO I AM OBSESSED WITH WEETZIE BAT/FRANCESCA LIA BLOCK IN GENERAL so I cannot wait for posts about Weetzie or posts in related to the novels.
Thank you for your reply about UO. I think it makes a lot of sense.
I have one question: since it is soon to be summer, will the posting schedule on Rookie change from being after-school stuff to around mid day? I think it would be awesome if it did- a nice change for summer!
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS MONTH ON ROOKIE.
Log in to reply<333333
Schedule will stay the same, but I love that idea!
Thanks to everyone for considering our response about UO.
Log in to replyalso the pen pal idea is super brillant and i can’t wait for more news on it!
Log in to replyI, too am a bit disappointed you chose UO as a sponsor, BUT I understand your reasons thanks to your tumblr message, and am now SO EXCITED to see you guys. You seriously have no idea how much I want to see all you guys! But um, I have no idea what to bring.
Log in to replyYAY YAY YAY OMG SOOOO HAPPY I AM DYING RIGHT NOW THANK THANK AHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Log in to replyATLANTA. COME ON.
Log in to replyCan’t wait to see you guys in Portland!!!
Log in to replyand it’s the day after my birthday!
Log in to replyToo bad I live in Saskatchewan where there’s nothing going on.
Nothing going on.
GOING ONNNN.
THERE’S NOTHING GOING ON IN SASKATCHEWAN.
COME HERE.
(IT’S A TRAP.)
SHHHH JUST COME.
…..sorry, this just made me think of that. In all seriousness, I’d really like some sort of Rookie event in Canada.
Log in to replyI agree I agree I agree I agree.
Log in to replyYou’re coming to Pittsburgh?!?! OMG MIRACLE. Nothing comes to Pittsburgh, guys. NOTHING. Never mind that at 25, I’m probably way older than most of your readership. There is no way I’m missing you! And I think the Mattress Factory Art Museum would be one of many rad places we could hit up!
Log in to replyWhen I think of fun meet-ups, my mind immediately goes to milkshake sharing. There are few soda fountain shops left in New York City (I recently found out that my great grandpa used to own one in 1940’s Queens, New York, so I feel especially connected to keeping them alive) but of the few, The Brooklyn Farmacy in Carroll Gardens is by far my favorite. Their menu is always sprinkled with seasonal delights, such as pumpkin cinnamon milkshakes in autumn and cherry blossom flavors for spring. One of their best items on the menu is their “Red Velvet Twinkle” – a red velvet twinkie sundae. I also appreciate that they only use items sourced from local Brooklyn purveyors. Plus, the place itself looks like it was taken out of scene from an American Girl Doll movie. I love it! I blogged about it here for pictures http://theemmaedition.blogspot.com/2011/06/sodapop-serenades.html
Log in to replyIowa! . I need to be a part of this.
Log in to replyGO TO SCOOPS (in LA). I’m talking at least 10 new flavors every single day, and not vanilla/chocolate/etc – blackberry balsamic, green tea brown rice, guinness chocolate, earl grey honey, basil coconut.
712 N Heliotrope Dr
Log in to replyLos Angeles, CA 90029
I second this! Scoops is fantastic! I make a pilgrimage every time I drive up to LA.
Log in to replyUGH I’M SO ANNOYED!
Log in to replyI live in Portland but I’m gonna be in Houston, TX visiting my grandparents on the 10th and the 11th. Aaackk. I’m so sad. T.T
ahh that’s so amazing! come visit us in south florida next time, k? thanks<3
Log in to replyPlease come to Toronto! It’s so close to NYC!
Log in to replycome to Australia! :(
Log in to replyCome on dudes, why are you completely avoiding the Southeast? We won’t bite…um…much.
Log in to replyJust because of time constraints!
Log in to replyI’m hoping next summer you maybe come to Canada. I swear to you we do not all live in igloos. Plus, if you did you’d possibly make my entire life and I’d probably cry and I bet a whole lot of other people would too. And we’re polite for the most part. Which is important.
Log in to replyI’ll just have to pretend I’m there… Or maybe I’ll become a stowaway and go to Portland…
Yay salt lake city! No one ever comes here!
Log in to replythis sounds A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
Log in to replyi am fml-ing so hard because I live in australia, wwwwaaaaahhhhh :( :( :( :(
AAAAHHH NEW YORK!!! SO EXCITED!!!!
Log in to replyOh wow! I’m so excited, me and my friends are going to have to meet you in Chicago! We have to go somewhere that we can play music, though, because music makes everything ten times better.
Log in to replyPLEASE STOP IN ST. LOUIS IF YOU DON’T I’LL CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP EVERY NIGHT FOREVER COME ON GUYS WE HAVE THE CITY MUSEUMMMM http://www.citymuseum.org/site/
Log in to replyHey anyone else in portland going? This sounds awesome!
Log in to replyI am! So exited! I can’t wait!
Log in to replythere should be some sort of rookie meetup in toronto, I know petra does live in the city, and I think it could make some very lonely teenagers feel very overjoyed ..
Log in to replysuch an excellent idea , I don’t live in toronto but super close. We would have so much fun !!!!!
Log in to replyMy plan is to not-so-subtly follow you from New York along every stop to LA. It will be like a roadtrip.within a roadtrip. Roadtripception.
Log in to replyIt’s funny – the reason I stopped shopping at UO (not like ever did shop there. I’m too much of an actually poor student to look like a poor student) was because of Rookie linked me to thisishangingrockcomics, where I found this: http://thisishangingrockcomics.tumblr.com/post/20795037670/recently-a-follower-told-me-that-my-ripping-on. I could name all the reasons I hate UO, but she simply does it better.
Log in to replyBy having their name in the tag of this article and a link to their website you are advertising for this company. I’m pretty sure that is the whole concept of sponsors. I don’t know how many readers Rookie have or how big an impact this will actually have on the UO-sales if any impact at all, but I’m afraid you underestimate how much power you actually have, and that many read these comments before clicking on the link to their website. I don’t think they would support you with money, if they didn’t expect to earn it back by improving their image. They are already advertising with the road trip on their twitter-account.
I would love to see what seems to be a homophobic, racist, children-labor-using, sexist and stealing company turn into a lovely feminist company. But I don’t think this a change in UO values. I think UO is trying to keep up their image as being hip, creative, young and cool so that no one will really notice their next pro-anorexia t-shirts or that they keep using sweatshop. I have a terrible feeling that this helps their image and their agenda far more than it helps Rookie, feminism and antiracism (and other awesome values).
I have a shrill voice in my head saying “what if Rookie made a public statement and told UO something-not-very-nice (I spent 15 minutes thinking about something intelligent and fearsome to say, and gave up) and cancelled the trip and everybody went protesting in the streets and the occupy-sexist-shitty-companies movement will finally begin!! But I think I do understand your dilemma. You need money to make this awesome road trip happen (right?). I would love to personally search for another sponsor, if that’s even a possibility (I have nothing more interesting to do this summer, than reading youtube-fight-comments on Justin Beiber music videos. I will work hard). You could maybe ask people to donate money for the road trip. I expected it’s probably very unlikely that you will do this, but I hope so much that you are aware of advertising the minimum for UO on the road trip (Ex. you can link to thishttp://awakenedaesthetic.com/2011/06/ethical-alternatives-to-urban-outfitters/instead of UO’s official website.)
Maybe you already thought of all this, but I just wish to know more about this decision and your thoughts about it. Or maybe I’m just misinformed about UO. I actually really hope so.
I absolutely agree with this.
I understand that this kind of thing just wouldn’t be possible without corporate sponsorship, and I understand that Rookie doesn’t agree with many of the aspects of UO we’re upset about. But I think that claiming that UO are just giving Rookie money without expecting anything in return is naive.
UO are partnering with Rookie because they hope that the association will rub off. Not everyone is going to read this entire comments page and all of the arguments/justifications; plenty of people will just think, “Awesome, Rookie is partnering with UO, UO must have similar morals and attitudes to the Rookie brand!” That’s what UO is relying on, otherwise they wouldn’t have given Rookie the money in the first place.
Uuurgh I don’t know, this whole thing has just made me a little bummed out :/ Like I said, I totally understand the need for corporate sponsorship and I know that Rookie doesn’t mean this partnership as an explicit condoning of their business practices, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth nevertheless D:
Log in to replyTavi!!! and all you Rookie writers out there!
Log in to replyI’m ecstatic to meet you!!!!!! I’ll be counting down the days to the 25th of June! I feel like i should bring cup cakes for all of you, because you deserve it! You’ve made all of my days sunnier!!!
THANK YOU FOR COMING TO ANN ARBOR. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I AM SCREAMING AND CRYING AND DANCING UP AND DOWN OF HAPPINESS.
Log in to replyAre you in Ann Arbor? I’m from Detroit!
Log in to replyTHIS FILLS MY HEART WITH JOY. I AM ECSTATIC. AND ALREADY PLANNING TO USE EVERY PLOY POSSIBLE TO GET MY PARENTS TO DRIVE ME FROM CANADA TO L.A. <33333
Log in to replyswing north to vancouver? please?
Log in to replyOMG! I can’t belive this! I can’t wait! I may have to jab you with my finger to to prove your existence too! This will be so fun! I marked it on my calender already! See you there! RDFTugysfuierytjh! :) (this smiley dose not express the insane happy look on my face at this moment!) Yeah!
Log in to replyThis is a weird question (for me at least) but can guys attend?
Log in to replyYes!
Log in to replyYayayayayayay! Count me in. Even though y’all aren’t coming to Phx, Arizona I’ll be heading to Californiaaaaaaaah!
Log in to replyCUTE BOYS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
^^^
I’m going to be in NYC on the 26th!!! Heartbroken.
Log in to replyThis is such a brilliant idea though! This, along with the penpal system, is really going to create a sense of community among the RookIe readership.
Penpal system? I missed something in the article? Something even better! :o
Log in to replySTOP MAKING ME HAPPY.
Soooo excited!!!!!!
Log in to replyWHAT 6/25 I WILL BE AT CAMP I JUST WAS SO HAPPY WHEN I SAW NY AND THEN I DIED BECAUSE I SAW THE DATE!!!!!!!!!!
You guys better do this some other time so that I can come. Or maybe just come 6 days earlier and get a shroom-burger with me at shake shack.
Log in to replyI can probably make it to LA (I’m 2 hours away), but getting there will be tough.
Log in to replyNO TORONTO? NNNNNONONONOONONONONNONN AWWW MANNN
Log in to reply“Tavi a very special announcement, editor’s letter, joan didion, road trip, rookie road trip, summer, the ardorous, the beach boys, urban outfitters, weetzie bat”
I havent even read the letter yet, but those tagsss! im so stoked!
Log in to replyGaahhh, I would love to go but I might still have school the day you guys are in NY D:
Log in to replyI’ll have to see. I really wish I could meet all you fellow Rookie-lovers!
Will this happen again next NH summer??
If so, I will start saving my pennies!
Log in to replyWhy is America so damn cool?
Log in to replyYou get to have summer holidays and Rookie road trips.While down here at the bottom of the world we have winter and school :(
Okay… this is SUPER AWESOME! Uhhh serious question though, do you mind if non-teen Rookie readers join in? Like 23 year olds like me? Because this is the best and you’re coming to SALT LAKE CITY, and that is RAD.
Log in to replyNot at all — please come!
Log in to replyWHAT! Old people like me can come? I am considering it now.
Log in to replyNEWYORKCITYOMLTHATSMYTOWN.
Log in to replyGo to the lower east side. Lots of fun stores around there omg. If you don’t end up there, make sure you let us know where you’ll be! aaaaah yay ^_^
Oh man, I wish you could come to the southeast, but I completely understand the time constraint.
Log in to replyI live in south carolina and sometimes the things people say here scare me. I go to a catholic school. I’m very liberal, feminist, atheist, and bisexual. I’ve been verbally sexually harassed many times and have faced discrimination from both my peers and my family.
Thank goodness I’m a rising senior in high school, I can’t take much more of this.
And thank you Rookie for giving me an escape. It’s not paradise where I live, but Rookie is an oasis for me in this brutal social desert. Thank you.
Please please please come to Boston! We aren’t too much out of the way….. and we REALLY REALLY really want to meet you!
Log in to replyAgreed. Words cannot describe how much we would love to see you.
Log in to replythat is so awesome!!! Best idea ever!!! But I am so upset because I won’t be there when you’re in my city! So upset :(
Log in to replyYOU GUYS. ALBUQUERQUE. New Mexico is so beautiful and southwestern and outdoorsy and lovely and there are SO MANY YUMMY ENCHILADAS. But seriously. If you guys can stop down here, it’s much more than turquoise gift shops. We have wonderful venues and awesome little shops and delicious food and these freaking mountains and volcanoes that are some of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
Log in to replyYES!!! New Mexico rules!
Log in to replyCAN YOU PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do this next year because I live in Chicago but I can’t come this year. PLEASE?
Log in to replyHi!
Okay after reading this string of comments, and other Rookie articles, I’ve noticed a recurring anti (probably too strong a word)-capitalist theme. I am not bringing this up to challenge any of your beliefs or have a debate, but rather to question my own!
I would love if someone could break this down a bit more for me and explain the reasoning behind the lack of fondness for capitalism– whether in a comment or it’s own article! Thanks for hearing me out!
Log in to replyIt’s a matter of politics, I think. I’m glad that rookie has never taken any sort of political side, because I feel that puts a damper on things when people begin to argue. They look at social problems, and I appreciate that, as a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. I wonder if you might be too. My fiscal conservative side does’t mean that I am for rick santorum at all, or the tea party. It just means that I make up my own rules for who I will vote for.
Log in to replyI will be there in Portland!!! EEEEEEEEE!!!!
Log in to replyomg, i wish i lived in america *sob sob*
Log in to replyYEAHHHHHHH!!! I live 30 minutes away from San Francisco! I can’t wait to give you guys my list of favorite places in SF… and I also I think you guys would really love Berkely. You guys have to at least visit Berkely, even if you’ll only be there for the afternoon!!!! Okay I’m going to send you guys an email right now.
http://theaverageasiangirl.blogspot.com
Log in to replyEEEEK. I will be at camp this summer! Noooo!
And I totally get the UO thing. I’m HAPPY that they are spending their money on something pro-feminist/LGBT/reproductive rights. They are supporting Rookie, not the other way around.
You guys in the cities above are lucky ducks!
Log in to replyYES. I agree with you. It’s like a win-win – Rookie is getting sponsored, and UO are improving their image. Like, maybe the whole Rick Santorum thing will stop. Maybe. Whatever.
Log in to replyI am so excited you guys are coming to Portland!!! I will be there! Love you, Rookie!!!
Log in to replyxo, Tori
Yayyyyyy
Log in to replyI am bursting with excitement about the prospect of meeting ANY of you wonderful girls! See you in Crescent City!
Log in to replyAw man. I’ll be out of town when you guys come to Seattle. COME AGAIN SOON PLEASE!!!!
http://yasemin-d-l.blogspot.com/
Log in to replyOK!
Log in to replyIf you guys do this again, please consider touring the lower half of the US! Including St. Louis! http://www.citymuseum.org/site/ ….the dream meet-up spot.
Log in to replyWe really want to do a tour of the South at some point. We also want to go EVERYWHERE IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD.
Log in to replyLibreville-Gabon in Africa -> Best place ever for the rookie staff!
Log in to replywhen you say “EVERYWHERE IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD” please mean it! because although some of the readers in the European countries and Australia may get a chance to meet you guys at some point, I am sobbing on my keyboard because I live on a tiny island in the Caribbean that will most likely never even get a fast food restaurant.
Log in to replyoh well, I won’t be here forever – until then, I’m sure the other readers who live in obscure countries will try to be ‘happy’ for the rest of you with me D:
‘have fun, guys’ I whisper softly to the monitor while wiping away my tears with a map of the USA
I’ll certainly see you guys in Boulder with a teenage souvenir or two in hand! I’m emailing some ideas over shortly.
Log in to replySent over a million ideas while nerding out. You’re like my long lost sisters.
Log in to replyJealous! Have the most amazing time!!
Log in to replyThis is fantastic! I can’t wait. =)
An idea: You should set up a forum for people needing places to stay and people offering places to stay. There would have to be some kind of identity verification or something, I guess. But yeah, I live near Chicago, and lots of people here have talked about driving up to Chicago, and I could definitely host a few people (I shouldn’t say definitely – I have to check with my parents, but I think they’ll say yes).
Log in to replyI really don’t think I should be allowed at this thing, socially awkward, try-too-hard kid that I am. But I’m definitely going to try and go, and probably embarrass myself. Oh well. At least I’ll have one place to go wear people won’t look at me weird for wearing combat boots and dresses. :)
Log in to replyI am so excited to meet you guys in LA at space 15 twenty.<3 xo
Log in to replyA europe road trip would be lovely.
Log in to replyParis, London, Antwerp, Berlin, Stockholm, etc.
Come to Europe please please please please!
OHMIGOD I’m soooo excited and i live on the opposite side of the world to this :)
Log in to replyDear Rookie,
An European Rookie tour? Please? Especially Belgium?
Log in to replyomg i just nearly died cause you’re coming to boulder, but OH WAIT I’m not in the U.S. then :’( omg i almost just cried, please like, do another trip on the way back? or like, just come back to colorado for meee? so depressed now -___-
Log in to replyI think this is a really great idea and I barely ever comment on rookie articles(long time reader though). It’s the collision of the Internet world and the real world which I think is really great. The Internet can be a lonely place(like adolescence) but this is an amazing way to combat that. Aside from all the UO stuff which I think if you look at it from a business point of view is really understandable. Rookie is a small business and the strategic alliance with UO is only a temporary thing and it by no means represents any of their opinions or views. I digressed there (story of my life) but back to my original point of connecting people, I think it’s really great what you guys are doing, properly inspirational and there is a sense of a formidable positive attitude that I LOVE about rookie. Furthermore, I live in Ireland and if there are any Irish rookies out there get in touch and we can have our own road trip (ceili bands included) x
Log in to replyOne day, there’ll be a rookie world-tour! :D i wish i was in the states and hope you all have fun!!! I will follow everything you post about the trip, girls <3 you are writing history by doing this :*
Log in to replyI LOVE ROOKIE!
Maybe want to hop on a plane and hit the British isles??? If only I lived in America, I would so totally be there !!! x
Log in to replyWhy am i all the way over in australia? WHY
Log in to replyyou should take a short diversion to London! there is a really cute 50s diner that sells Mexican food and plays Grimes.. it doesn’t make much sense but THIS SHOULD MAKE YOU GO… also there’s some other cool stuff in London too, I guess.
Log in to replyThis is such an awesome idea. I just read through EVERY SINGLE COMMENT. Wooop. (LONDON MEET!)
Log in to replythis sounds so good!wish I lived in america so bad!
Log in to replythis is amazinnnnggg! But I live in the Philippines :( Maybe a worldwide tour after this? :) NEW GOAL! GET ROOKIES TO COME TO THE PHILS
Log in to reply^And another one!
PHILIPPINES!!!
Log in to replyNext trip can you come visit us kids stuck in the bible belt? The Georgia girls are waiting for you! :)
Log in to replySo BOISE.
I’m missing you kids by ONE DAY. I have to go back to England, where I now live. Where they give you silver fillings in your teeth and it rains.
But… I spent the most teenage of my teenage wasteland years in Boise listening to ‘Sweet Jane’ on repeat and trying to escape that town (which is, in retrospect, pretty great). So I feel like I know a few things about the place.
I don’t know if people have given you ideas on what to do/where to go. I got too lazy to read all the comments.. but here’s my input:
1) Dawson Taylors’s coffee. People will try and be like ‘Oh go to the Flying-M…. it’s so hip and happening.’ No. Go to Dawsons. It has my official best-coffee-ever-in-the-world certification. And I’m very experienced.
2) There is a massive clock downtown on the side of the Bank Of America building. You can climb up behind it and do creepy clock-worship ceremonies. It involves ledge scaling! Hint: Wait until after dark and all the office people have gone home. Hint: Try the parking garage.
3) There is a epic 24 hour diner somewhere off some highway that serves giant fried waffles(?) with whipped cream. Nobody knows it’s exact name/location because you tend to be a tiny bit drunk every time you manage to find it… either on cheep wine.. or summer magic. If the mood is right, you will wind up there. They have red and white checked table cloths.
4) Spot the mexican man who rides around on a big old bike wearing aviators and smoking a cigar. I don’t know if anybody else really notices him, but he’s so beautiful.
It sounds like a beautiful road-trip.
Log in to replyUM THOSE WAFFLES SOUNDS REALLY GOOD
Log in to replyPLEASE COME TO PARIIIIS! I feel like I live on the opposite side of the world… (actually, I do.) Is there any rookies who lives in France, or in Paris ? :)
Log in to replyI love Rookie!!!
Hi, I’m from Strasbourg.
Log in to replyI think tourdivoire is in France too.
I’m really happy to hear it!!! I’m from Paris, but it’s really nice to know that Rookies lives also in France! Maybe we should also make a Facebook group!
Log in to replyYeah yeah. Even if we’re four, we have to create a french Rookies facebook group ! If it’s not already done, I’ll do it right now !
So here it is https://www.facebook.com/groups/253662214743905/#
Come on french Rookies, because I feel lonely right now ahah
I rarely comment on any rookie posts even though I read them everyday, most of the things I want to say usually get said (mainly it’s “ACHILOVEROOKIESOMUCH”) and other such praise. Anyways, I read this and all the comments I just felt I needed to give an opinion. I think the idea of the road trip is really amazing, the Internet/adolescence can be a lonely place and the idea of connecting with REAL people is truly inspiring. Just having a medium to share problems/opinions/affinities is really important in the lives of young women and I love that rookie recognises this. I am such a fan of rookie and regarding the UO thing I think that the readers need to see it from a business perspective purely. The importance of the road trip outweighs the connection with urban outfitters in my opinion. That is basically all I have to say apart from I live in Ireland and if there are like ANY Irish rookie readers out there we should definitely organise our own gathering of sorts. I’ll bring a bodhran and some ceili music. X
Log in to replywhy is everyone getting so upset about the Urban outfitter’s thing? I personally think its really trivial. I refuse to shop at American Apparel on principle, but I couldn’t care less if my friends wear their clothes. Its not really your concern.
Log in to replyI am an older Rookie reader and have felt, in this first month of discovering this wonderful site, that something like this would have revolutionized my adolescence. This site actually gives me hope that the world is changing, and that more young women will have access to the intellectual tools required to opt-out of the system, and get to be–fluently–themselves.
My heart sighed sadly today when I saw the Urban Outfitters partnership. I understand that they are giving you money and not the other way around but I feel that you are giving them something huger: you are allowing a powerful corporation to appropriate your vibe, energy, beauty, and cause. By attaching their name to your own, you warp your own signal, and send it out strange. While I don’t like what the CEO of UO supports with donations or what some t-shirts say, I feel the issue is even larger than that. I feel that this sends a message, that even the coolest things, the most independent and well-intentioned, get passed into the fold of corporatism, and that’s just the way it goes. No matter how cool anybody is.
I understand your reasoning and am glad there’s so much positivity in what you do, but it is a bargain– I feel differently about Rookie now. I can’t help it. My heart just does.
Log in to replyI understand, Caren. But that is how patronage of the arts works. The poor artist gets money and the rich sponsor buys an association with the resulting art. If not for that relationship no one could afford to be a creator of cool things. That is just a fact of capitalism, and we aren’t powerful enough to overturn it! UO is giving us more than money, they are also giving us artistic freedom, and space and support for our events in L.A. We literally could not do any of this without them. And to be honest, the UO web team and the group that manages Space 15 Twenty (those are the divisions we’re partnering with, btw) have been nothing but perfectly supportive and wonderful in our dealings with them. And, finally, our desire to go on the road and meet our readers is greater than our misgivings about the practices of this or any other corporation with the kind of $ that makes sponsorships possible.
Log in to replyThanks for the response, and here’s to an amazing time this summer :)
Log in to replyThank you!
I’m so excited for this! See y’all in A2 on the 28th. <3
Log in to replyaw I wish albany was on this list :-(
Log in to replyI want to try to make it to the NYC one!
No Boston? *cries*
Log in to replyUgh god yes I know I’m sobbing inside :’(((((
Log in to replyWhen will the schedules for the locations you’re visiting be posted (if at all)? I’m from Toronto, Canada and I’m taking a road trip to Orlando the same week as this tour, which means my family will be going right through Columbus. I’d really like to know where you guys will be and at what time, since I don’t know the city, plus we’re gonna try to work around those times.
Thanks in advance! c:
Log in to reply-Tia
Yes, we will post all of that info — most of it will live on our social-media pages/feeds (tumblr, twitter, facebook).
Log in to replySO COOL~ Hope u guys can come to Malaysia one day! Trust me, Malaysia’s AWESOME. Like seriously ;)
Log in to replySEE YOU GUYS IN LA!!!!!! I can’t wait!
Log in to replygod bless you, staten island, for being so close to nyc. i get to meet the masterminds behind the online mag i’ve been obsessed with for months.
Log in to replyOH MY GOD!
Log in to replyI’m so excited. Salt Lake FTW!
I am crying inside because I am going to be gone on vacation when you are going to be in my area. :( But maybe next summer? :)
Log in to replyOooh my gaaad I’M SO JEALOUS. this sounds so amazing and euphoric and kinda like heaven or paradise and I’m about to cry :’(
don’t you want to extend your road trip (or turn it into a sea trip…) to Cape Town!! yeah, you have fans in South Africa too! meow.
Log in to replyO-H MY! THIS IS INCREDIBLE. I’m super jealous that i can’t be there, but you should come to argentina sometime! my friends and I would love to meet you : )
btw, I have a small question for you guys.
Log in to replyYesterday I’ve sent some photos to submission@rookie.com inspired by this month theme “Paradise”, but you already have articles for the entire month, don’t you? : (
No, not yet!
Log in to replyNOOO! I’ll be in greece when you all will be in seattle:( I would love to meet you all. I can’t tell you how wonderful and amazing this website has been.
Tavi, I’m so glad I saw a little article about you two years ago. Ever since then I read your blog, and then got to celebrate the magical day when Rookie Started!!!
This website and the super cool gals and guys that make it what it is inspire me daily. I’m proud of my personality, fashion, sexuality,religion, morals,body,mind and spirit in part because of you guys. You make girls and boys proud to be them. Quirks and all :)
I can only imagine the time and effort you all put into this. I assure you it is completely appreciated. I can’t thank you enough.
Log in to replyI’m beyond excited that you guys are coming to Michigan! And very close to me!! I would love to meet some other people who exude rookie vibes and are like minded… btw pen pals?!? That sounds superbly fantastic!!
Log in to replyso whats july’s theme?
Log in to replyahhh so cool!
Log in to replyBummed you’ll be missing Baltimore, because it’s an amazing community, but road trips are the best! Enjoy it!
Log in to replyI love Baltimore! My husband’s from there. And Rookie’s uncle John Waters lives there, so it is officially wonderful.
Log in to replyIt’s so cool that even though I don’t live in America I feel kind of happy and proud and another feeling I don’t know how to call?
Log in to replyGOD. It’s like someone was doing some bondage stuffs to my heart right now. I’m all knotty.
Kudos!
Normally I would be sad and somewhat jealous but? That’s amazing.
please come to texaaaasssssss
Log in to replyIs it cool if someone younger then a teenager showed up?
Log in to replyYep!
Log in to replyI really hate to sound this way, but I have to say it: it is extremely hard to avoid supporting a company that does vile things, especially when you’re not flush with cash. In terms of food, I buy locally as much as possible (usually cheaper) but for staples I just go to the store. I don’t have the cash to buy organic free-trade noodles. Likewise, I would like to buy clothing that is sweat-shop free and support small time designers, but if I need a pair of shorts, I’m going to buy the $10 pair and not the $60 pair, every time. That $50 goes to gas, rent, bills, school books, cat food, people food, lightbulbs, etc. I don’t mean to sound patronizing, and I know I do, but honestly I work two (sometimes three) jobs and am a full time double-majoring student, and when I get off work I do not care if the company that bags and ships my carrots aligns with my political beliefs. I just don’t. I wish I could, but I can’t, because I’m hungry and poor. Likewise, unless I join a co-op (no time) or shop at a wholefoodsy place (and their owner is conservative as hell, too) the people making my food are probably poorly treated and underpaid. Same with my pj pants and the furniture I’m sitting on. Unless you are well-to-do or have a lot of free time (or live in a great community) you are going to support the system. It’s the way life works. And yeah, it sucks. But it is unfair to criticize rookie for making one decision that in no way adds up to the million little decisions we make every day as consumers.
Log in to replyI completely agree with you. I almost said something along the lines of this but then I realized you already said it!
Log in to replyCan’t go to the new york event because I’m going to a Beach Boys concert then… Oh the irony!!! Come to Boston!
Log in to replySee y’all in LA! kindacan’twait
Log in to replyNo Canada… but maybe that’s a good thing, because you don’t have to get eaten by our awful Winnipeg mosquitoes :) I really wish I could see you guys, though.
Log in to replyOh my god, I’ll be in LA that week and my birthday is the 22nd. I had no idea what I would do to celebrate, but NOW I DO. ilu guiz xoxo
Log in to replyNo detour to south east England? ): How about a european one next year?
Log in to replyI’m going to the U.S. this August so upset I won’t be able to make it to any of the dates above but have fun guys!!! Big love from Indonesia ♡
Log in to replyI am so excited for this! I’m going to the New York meet up on the 25th and me and my family are coming all the way from Mozambique :) I think you guys actually made my life!
Log in to replysponsorship is how the cool girls do it these days. hopefully no one sells out but acknowledges that the brand exists in propelling this along.
it’s easier to think of it as an evil step dad giving you money to out to the movies with when you’re 14 or something.
is urban outfitters ready to deal with the disrespect rookie readers have for it?
how much are rookie girls (and boys??) meant to love the brands givin juice to this voyage?
I can’t help but think of this girl I used to admire. she basically lives off brands and photographing models for international brands (she told me this in an email). I was attracted to her mostly by her soulful writing. inspired by her young age, and her life stories, I was captivated by her, not the brands she photographed for or the glittery lifestyle – until she became a false image. prior to this realisation, I followed her religiously online for almost a year. but the day I realised that most of her content was surrounded by a brand or a built-up image of herself/her own brand that she tried to sustain through blogging/facebook, I kind of became disillusioned and realised that buying into a brand, whether a person or a fashion label, it’s not real. what’s real is community, real feelings, real wants, not something that is popular for someone else to profit from. being careful not to let yourself be fooled is so important.
you guys (tavi, anaheed, other eds/writers/artists) are treading upon pure oil of murky waters… everyone’s minds are so special.
Log in to replyI shall see how this pans out and judge for myself.hope it’s with good intention
this sounds so fun! i’ll be waiting for the INTERCONTINENTAL TOUR. (please, you guys??)
Log in to replyi’m am a transperson. i have always had reservations about the lack of trans representation in your magazine, now i see you guys are partnering with a company that sells merchandise with transphobic slurs on it. this is among all of the racist, sexist, homophobic, and pro-ana merchandise already mentioned.
i would have been there with bells on had this been under different circumstances. instead i feel incredibly unwelcome. i feel the people who are being impacted by these issues are being told to overlook all of the racism, sexism, cissexism, heterosexism, etc that so deeply impacts our lives. i feel like we’re being told that we don’t deserve to meet rookie in a space that is inclusive of everybody, especially in LA, where the event is being held at UO.
i am incredibly disappointed. i have been reading rookie since its beginning but i will not be reading it anymore.
Log in to replyI’m very sorry that you feel this way, lex. I hope that one day you’ll see the difference between how we feel about these issues and how any particular division or person within any of our advertisers does. But until then we will miss you. <3 <3
Log in to replyJust another birthday-gift for me! (One of the best ones). I am going to stay in chicago for some time and I really want to meet you somewhere. But I don´t understand: Where are you going to post places where I could meet you? Sorry if this question was already answered.
Log in to replyWe still haven’t figured out where exactly we’re going — we want your suggestions: info@rookiemag.com
Log in to replyYay! I can’t wait for you guys to come to Seattle! There’s so many cool places i want to show you! xoxo
Log in to replyflorida?
Log in to replyohh.. why do i live in the netherlands again :C mehhhh
Log in to replyme and my bff were freaking when we read this after having been exiled in the wilderness for a week… I think it was a combination of forest fever and DREAMS COMING TRUE. You guys are visiting a city near us and which we know a few fun things about!
Log in to replyaustin, texas ?
:[
why can’t rookie just have a summer camp?
Log in to replyOMFG that is such a good idea!!! Camp Rookie
Log in to replyWHY CAN’T YOU COME TO AUSTRALIA
Log in to replyomg you gals are gonna be in NYC on my birthday i am SO THERE! just keep us updated on the location! i’d recommend washington square park for NYC.
Log in to replyI know you’ve already gotten a lot of comments/probably emails about the partnership with UO, but I feel like I must add to the discussion. I really appreciate you responding to the reader’s comments… it shows that you have a genuine respect for your readership.
While Tavi claimed that it was as simple as UO just giving money to the tour, nothing is as clear-cut as that. Urban Outfitters obviously has motives for supporting a national tour of this sort.
First of all, it will bring young teenage girls into Space 15 Twenty. I am not sure whether Rookie will be stopping at UO stores along the way (I’m assuming you will be), but the very fact that Rookie will set up shop for seven days at an UO store means that it will draw people in, who will most likely purchase things at the store or at least be introduced to the space, if they hadn’t previously.
Second, besides monetary gain for Urban Outfitters, the mere fact that you have decided to professionally associate with UO legitimizes them as a company. In return for throwing money at you, they are most likely hoping Rookie’s young, progressive image will rub off on them. A rebranding of sorts. Assuming they don’t know about UO’s management and business practices, anyone who sees the posters, stops by at an event, reads an article about the tour, will consider Urban Outfitters to have the same progressive outlook and ethical concerns as Rookie, because that is how Rookie is presenting themselves to the public. This will only perpetuate the false image of UO as a place for “cool kids” who “really care about things,” playing into the hipster stereotype about the people who shop there.
I understand that you need corporate sponsorship. Obviously, no company is perfect. However, to partner with a company that so blatantly contradicts Rookie’s mission really clouds the ideals of Rookie. If you had partnered with a company that had some other ethical misdoing unrelated to the topics written about on Rookie, it wouldn’t be as contradictory. Partnering with a company that has done the exact thing that Rookie so frequently condemns (homophobic actions) is very confusing.
That said, best of luck with the tour. I’m sure that the actual workshops and discussions will be very inspirational, and the content free of the type of moral qualms that plague UO’s. However, despite the best intentions, I would be careful not to let your professional associations cloud the mission of Rookie in the future.
Log in to replyi looked at your calendar for the month and am BEYOND excited that the Beach Boys are on there.
also, seattle! i will hit you up :) molly moon’s, anyone?
Log in to replyI’ve always felt that ROOKIE is kind of disconnected to other places in the world, like London e.t.c You guys are always like: ‘go to your nearest walmart’ and ‘thrifting’ and stuff like that and you can’t actually get that in London. You definately can’t go thrifting, I’ve lived here for 10 years and never found one thrift store with actual CHEAP clothes! And now you’re going round America and I’ve always wanted to meet you guys, but it seems my dream will not come true for a long time and I don’t know…obviously you can’t like go all around the world or whatever, but I just think you could do something like a Rookie penpal or chat area or something so people who don’t live in America don’t feel so utterly disconnected from all this cool stuff going on.
At first I was LIKE ogmgidofpfhudifhljkcdshiuvjlckhk ROOKIE are doing a road trip I’m going to get to meet Petra and Tavi andfhkk my dream has come true fjdk;l’kjhegkdjsaclk; and then…I think I just died a little inside. So sad you guys aren’t coming to London or anywhere near :’( Please answer this comment someone (by the way) usually my comments get ignored :( good luck guys *sniffle sniffle*
P.S I don’t get how the dates work on the leaflet. What is 7/21?
http://www.opheliahorton.wordpress.com
Log in to replyI am feeling thesame. But London is also pretty neat!
Log in to replyI live in Belgium in a little village, and there is like nothing?
We don’t have the time or the money to add international stops to this trip, unfortunately. Maybe someday!
In the U.S. we do the month first then the day. So 7/21 is what you would call 21/7.
Log in to replyThank you for answering!
Log in to replyWHEN IS ROOKIE COMING TO BRITAIN?! You are cordially invited to the Olympics and I’m sure the Queen’d love to see you for her Jubilee :3
Log in to replyDamn, I’d love to see you guys here in London for some deep John Hughes-type heart-to-hearts :)
I just realized something important and I hope it’s not too creepy or anything:
This thing is cool not only because YAY ROOKIES OF THE AREA ALL HANGING TOGETHER FOR A DAY but also because you get to know all these people with rather similar interests and who also live in your area, which is so cool. Because if you get along and all, they live in your city.
Like comic con, except not a convention, and not for comics, but yes.
Not like when you meet someone at NASA and then you never see each other again because they really live in San Diego and you really live in NY and so you must write to each other (this part is cool though) and plan to see each other one day when you are old enough to travel across the country for whatever reason you’d like (it happened to me, and it sucked :’(
I mean, I don’t know if it’s just me, but I feel like even though I live in New York, which is a big city, I really basically don’t know anyone. So things like this are really nice.
Aaaaaaaaaa my wording is so awkward and I hope I didn’t sound like HA HA! MEETING TEH PEOPLES *moustache twirl* but yes
Log in to replyyay! i’m so glad they’re going to philly!!
Log in to replyroad trip twenty-twelve!!!! this sounds so fun.
for yr future tour of the american south, don’t forget richmond, va! i’m talkin about old brick buildings, river rapids, DELISH vietnamese food, history lovers, regular lovers, art, AND my grandma.
itwillbegreat
Log in to replyxo
City Bakery in New York. Not only do they have pretzel croissants (if you have not had them, you have not LIVED), they have this badddddass hot chocolate into which you can dip them, and. And. AND they have the best mac & cheese. And you can get however much you want. They weigh it and then you pay.
Anyway that’s my vote for the NYC meetup place.
But if it doesn’t end up being there, you guys just have to go there and get the croissant before you leave the city. I mean, really.
Log in to replyCity Bakery’s pretzel croissants & hot choc are 2 of my favorite things about living in New York.
Log in to replyMy kingdom for a “like” button!
Sigh. Just thinking about dunking a pretzel croissant is making me hungry.
Log in to replycan we have like a national ROOKIE day? And can someone give me a ROOKIE penpal and a polaroid before I die. Thabks.
Log in to replyHere a Rookie penpal.
Log in to replyI’m EXPLODING with pure joy right now! I live close to Chicago so I will definitely be there on June 29th AND 30th! My summer has been a bit of a bummer (ooo I rhymed!) so far and I really needed some sort of pick me up. This meeting is what I need to brighten my spirits! I graduated middle school which was just plain bad for me, oh god I hated that place. I can’t wait to talk to some REAL people at this meeting. Not to mention DIYs! I have a cool necklace and earrings I’m working on that hopefully won’t fail. Again, thanks a ton!
Log in to reply✿Caroline✿
Hey Rookie! I don’t want to keep rehashing on a topic you’ve already gone over, but I think it might be helpful if you could just explain how UO was chosen for the endorsement. Did UO find you? Did you choose UO? Did you have other options? Or was UO the only source that offered you money? I totally support you no matter what decisions you make, but I just think it might clear up some confusion. Thanks so much!
Love, Gwen
p.s. I don’t know if you’ve already answered these questions, but I didn’t really want to look through all the comments, if you know what I mean :) :) :)
Log in to replyThere were no other options — they were the only source that offered us anything at all! And they have, as I’ve said, been really wonderful to work with.
Log in to replySo I don’t really see what all the fuss is about? Were you supposed to use your pocket money? I mean, I’m just glad you’re COMING. I am BEYOND excited to meet you Anaheed. (and of course you too, Tavie + Petra + Hazel + Petra’s sister + Petra’s boyfriend! hehe) I mean, of course UO isn’t the BEST sponser, but we all have our values set and it’s not like you’re forcing us to meet inside a UO store or changing your message or anything…
Thanks for replying!
Love,
Log in to replyGwen
http://under-a-bridge.blogspot.com/
I can’t wait to meet YOU! What city are you in?
(And there is, full disclosure, one meetup at a UO store, because it’s the one in Omaha that has an amphitheater attached where we can invited bands to play. So, it’s a meetup/concert, which seems pretty sweet.)
Okay, yeah. My last response was late. I’m going to be in NYC!!! I LITERALLY SCREAMED WHEN I SAW THIS. Ever since I started reading Rookie, I felt kind of disconnected because I wanted to be a part of the community. Since none of my writing has been excepted *cough cough* I suck *cough cough* I never felt like I was REALLY part of it. BUT NOW I CAN BEEEEE!!!!! HAPPY VIBES GOING THROUGH THE COMPUTER AND SHOOTING INTO YOUR EYES!!!!
Love,
Gwen
http://under-a-bridge.blogspot.com/
Wait — we’re NOT meeting in the UO stores right? Or are we? Sorry I’m just confused by an earlier comment (katie.s95) who said she assumed we are going to meet in UO stores… But didn’t you say we were meeting where the readership suggested? Sorry, I feel like such a n00b ^o^ (Internet slang right here!)
Log in to replyNo — there’s one meetup in a UO store (the concert venue), and another city where we find one another at a store and then go somewhere else — somewhere suggested by you guys. Everywhere else we are meeting at, and staying at, wherever you guys suggest. (Keep sending in your meetup ideas! info@rookiemag.com)
Yess!!!! I can’t wait to meet all of you guys!!!!!
PITTSBURGH. it sucks that we have to split the day with philly, but we’re glad PGH wasn’t left out. if you need a tour guide, let me know :)
Log in to replyi saw the finalized schedule – so you’re not coming to pittsburgh now? major bummer.
Log in to replyUnfortunately time doesn’t allow us to hit both places in one day.
I know a lot of people have told us they’re upset that we’re not visiting their city or town, but that would be impossible. We linked in our sidebar months ago to a demographic survey and these are the cities that had the highest readership, except for a couple that were too far away from the group here that happened to be along the same route. Hopefully this trip goes well and we can do it again with a different route. I understand, though, that you, meg-the-mouse, were misled by the flyer we first posted, and I’m sorry about that.
Log in to replydon’t worry, we all understand that you couldn’t possibly get to travel everywhere!
my only dissapointment was that it was orginally announced, but later re-tracted. we’re not taking it personally, though :)
again, if you pass through and have time for ice cream/coffee/record shopping/thrifting/etc, give us a shout. otherwise, have fun and we’ll hopefully catch you next time!
Hello. Wow! Ya’ll are so brave! Crossing the great country of America with all of its’ bears, wide rivers to cross, and mountains to climb. Happy Trail blazing!
Log in to replyi am so excited about this :-) !!!!
Log in to replyWill you do this again? because if you do, I totally invite you guys to my house and we can make food and tea and I have a backyard (rare in NYC) that is pretty nice.
Log in to replyOHMYGOD this is amazing!!
Log in to replyI live in london BUT im going on a US roadtrip in summer BUT im missing you as you will have left new york by the time i get there :’( *sniff*
but this is still exciting as it gives my hope you will come to england!!! please!!! we can chase fairies in a forest and eat fish and chips and AAAHHH.
ENGLAND PLEASE. :<
Log in to replyI’m so heartbroken! I’ll be in Los Angeles from the 24th of this month to the 17th! I live in New Mexico and it doesn’t look like you guys are stopping anywhere near the area and I just feel so sad. :( I would LOVE to meet all you lovely ladies!
Log in to replyRookie people! I suggested a couple LA spots via email, but forgot a hugely important detail–the Farmers Market at the Grove in Midcity, aside from being a great place to eat, has a STICKER STORE that sells NOTHING BUT STICKERS.
Log in to replyHi Rookie Staffers- As a proud Michigan Girl (we are America’s High Five, in case you haven’t heard), might I suggest going up from Ann Arbor to lovely Grand Rapids? It’s a mere 3 hours from Chi-town and would be a great side trip if you enjoy delish food, rad farmer’s markets, crazy amazing shopping, and really gorgeous architecture.
Log in to replyGrand Rapids is surprisingly cool. We have a contemporary arts museum/theater (the UICA), a great venue for indie concerts and art shows(the DAAC), a vast array of excellet thrift and consignment shops, and a pretty easy to navaigate public transporation system. We may lack an Urban Outfitters, but we just got an Anthropologie (it’s like Urban Outfitters’ sophisticated sister). Give us a try!
WHAT I only live about an hour and a half from Columbus! I’d definitely come if only I wasn’t already traveling during that time. Best of luck!
Log in to replyDamn it. Well, rookie staff (espesh tavi) to make up for not coming to England, you are going to have to visit it my *super cool* blog and become my best internet friends forever. Then I can just about forgive you.
Jokes! I totally understand why you can’t visit everywhere! It’s you first time on a Rookie road trip (there will be one in the uk in the future OR ELSE) and its probably best to start off with america and work your way around the world/.
but still..a visit to my blog would be appreciated. http://www.styledynamite.blogspot.com
Log in to replyI’m so excited for the NYC meetup! I’m going by myself and my introvert nature is making me anxious…djbsdfbsfjf
Log in to replyI was so excited about this, but I still feel ROOKIE is a little disconnected from the rest of the world (minus America) and I’ve commented three times on this because I’m so bummed out. Obviously you can’t come to London too often, but I just don’t really feel like part of the community that much! When can we organise pen pals? :/
Love you guys anyway! xx
Log in to replyYes! Penpal system please!!! :)
Log in to replyI totally agree! I always wanted a pen pal. There could be, like, a form you fill out and then someone whose answers match who lives in a different country could be your pen pal! You could even say if you can write in another language, and then you could be pen pals with someone whose native language that is. I’m getting a little carried away here, but that could be so fun! And you could get us American girls in on it too.
Log in to replyOkay, not sure if this was answered buttttt, will it be posted where y’all will be at in each city, once it is decided upon?
Log in to replyYes, it will! We’re working on our lists now.
Log in to replyNooooo why I have to live in narnia *tears down*
Log in to replywhere and when exactly is NY is the event and do you need tickets, if so, how much are they?
Log in to replyIt’s on the 25th; we haven’t decided where yet (but we’re almost there); all of the meetups on this trip are free.
Log in to replyoh my goodness gracious the timing could not be any better! My rugby team is traveling up from DC for a few matches in Pittsburgh just 2 days before. This could quite possibly be the highlight of my summer
Log in to replyHI. Probably no one will respond to this but I was just wondering… based on the demographic survey you did, how many people do you think will be in NY? I totally have no idea what to expect. 100 people? 50? 10? I was just wondering. :) I can’t wait!
Love,
Log in to replyGwen
In all seriousness…. can my mom come?
Log in to replySure she can!
Log in to replyCan you please post the times you will be in NYC? It’s getting kind of close and I really need to know how to plan my day! (And I don’t mean the date, I mean what hour of the day/night) Thanks a bunch and I can’t wait to see you!!!
Log in to replyskdalfjdkls;fjdkl;sj;k you are coming to LA!!!!! best city! ROOKIE U ROCK!!!
Log in to replyMy parents are both very schedule-oriented people, and I think it would help if you had a bit more definite planning. Do you have some sort of tentative schedule for the San Francisco dates? Any ideas on where to meet up? I think it’ll be a lot easier to convince them to let me go if I can tell them about that. Even if it’s mostly made up.
Log in to replyWe’ll have a schedule by Friday, I promise!
Log in to replyOkay, thanks!
Log in to replyDear Rookie,
Log in to replyI wrote to you a few weeks ago (and followed up with another email last week) about some ideas for the San Francisco meetup, and am quite sad to report that I still haven’t heard back from you. I understand that you are all very busy people, and perhaps my email got lost in cyberspace, but I’d really appreciate if you could send me a quick reply. Please let me know if I should send my email again. I am so excited for when you guys come to San Francisco, and can’t wait to meet you in person!
Best,
Anya
Hi, Anya! We got your email and are going through our possibilities for each city now. We got hundreds of suggestions, so we can’t respond individually to each one, I’m afraid! Thanks for writing, though.
Log in to replyHi, Anaheed! Thank you for your replying to my comment so quickly, and for explaining the whole email situation. It all completely makes sense — no worries. I look forward to seeing the updated schedule!
Log in to reply-Anya
Hi! I just want to know when you’ll be posting meet ups? Preferably where we’ll be meeting in Iowa City? I sent an email about maybe meeting up at somewhere a few weeks back, but I’m not sure if you got it or not….thanks!
Log in to reply-Khadidja
We weren’t able to reply to emails with suggestions because we got *hundreds*, but THANK YOU for sending that, and we’re posting meet-ups later today!
Log in to replystop in any part of florida + i will meet you there.
Log in to replyi live on the space coast.
am i the only rookie in the middle east?
Log in to replyYou aren’t coming to Pittsburgh anymore??!! Seriously bummed out, Rookie.
Log in to replyWe are coming through Pittsburgh, but we probably won’t have time to do a formal meetup there.
Log in to replyThanks so much for the reply, Anaheed. Well, if you decide you do have time for a meet-up, please let us yinz-ers know! There’s a lot of fun things to do around here.
If you can’t, that’s fine, we know you’re busy. BUT this was the event I was most looking forward to – and Fiona Apple is coming to Pittsburgh. Fiona Apple! Major competition, guys.
Anywhoo, keep up the good work, and have a killer roadtrip!
Log in to replyyes so excited! going to the portland one
Log in to replyyayayyy :) I live in Switzerland but I will be in London during the 14th of July! I think im going to pee my pants
Log in to replyOi, too bad you’re not coming down to Florida aka Lameville
Log in to replyno love for da South? Carrboro, NC is da place to BE!
Log in to replyI wish y’all would’ve gone to Austin, Tx.
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