The third in a new series at Isak. Catch up on other Detroit Stories here.
MODEL D MEDIA
Model D is a weekly e-magazine that's hinged on telling a new story about Detroit--an interest peculiarly close to the heart of Isak's 'Detroit Stories.' But Model D stands out in its classed-up and vibrant style, its focus on creative people, Detroit neighborhoods and businesses, and its stand-out photography (you can thank them for the Fisher Building image above). It's also free.
As well, Model D gets active in the community with a monthly speaker series at the Detroit Yacht Club that not only enhances the conversation about city-making and our particular place, but it gives engaged citizens a chance to connect with each other. I caught the most recent event--"Sustainable Urbanism in Detroit"--and besides enjoying the free wine, I was impressed with the packed room and the smart questions from the audience that went on for some time.
Model D's mad popular around here. I hadn't been here two minutes before I heard about it. Beyond popular events, it's makers are in high demand on committees, as panelists, as keynote speakers, and other about-town voices. It's high-quality and innovation has been warmly welcomed.
The writers and editors of Model D are all locals, but it's important to note that the publication is an arm of Issue Media Group, a Michigan organization that also built metromode--itself a weekly e-magazine with an expanded southeast Michigan focus that extends from Detroit to Ann Arbor--and publications in Lansing (Capital Gains), Pittsburgh (Pop City), Grand Rapids (Rapid Growth), and Cincinnati (Soapbox).
Why is Model D a reason I love Detroit?
I've been told about a study where citizens in the top 15 or so largest metro areas in the nation where asked to order their set of cities according to, quite simply, how they felt about them. Detroit citizens were the only ones to not rank their city in the top three. In fact, Detroiters not only ranked their hometown last--just as the other fourteen cities did--but they ranked it even worse than anyone else did.
Self-hate is a problem around here. I feel like Model D's popularity hinges on a hunger for the "new narrative of Detroit" that the magazine promises. I'm thankful for a publication that's doing decent journalism while giving locals a reason to celebrate their city again. It's found its vital moment.
Image Credits: Model D Media
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