Windsor Independent releases first print

By Liam Higgins

A local newspaper has released their first print issue to inform Windsorites about their cultural surroundings.

Alternative newspaper Windsor Independent released their first print issue Feb. 15. Editor-in-chief Dean Scott and publisher Fred Sorrell created the paper in January which consists of articles about new and upcoming arts, music and culture in the Windsor area.

Scott and Sorrell started as two bloggers with the idea to start an alternative paper in the Windsor area. Scott, who previously lived in Toronto, enjoyed being involved in the different art mediums, which inspired him to create a paper with Sorrell.

“I like being involved in that aspect of things, going to art shows and stuff like that,” said Scott. “I like writing and it’s kind of difficult to get a job in that field unless you kind of just start it for yourself.”

One of the main reasons for the creation of Windsor Independent’s print issue was because of Scott’s preference of print.

“Everybody can put up a blog,” said Scott. “But, it kind of takes a little more effort and a little more to put out a print release.”

Alain Rocha, 18, said he was sitting in a Booster Juice with his girlfriend when he first heard about Windsor Independent.
“Two guys walked in with a big stack of papers in their hands and they asked if they could leave some for people to take,” said Rocha. “They left a handful of their first press next to the table I was at. I saw Young Empires on the front, so I opened it up and ended up really liking it.”

Rocha said the content was his biggest enjoyment.
“I was really happy to see the paper’s interest geared towards artists I wouldn’t expect to see in a printed paper,” said Rocha.

The paper has been distributed to over 150 places around Windsor and can be found in restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
“This is where you’d like sit down and have time to just browse through it,” said Scott. “Like Dr. Disc, different art galleries and stuff like that too.”

One of the unique aspects of the paper is that it allows local and upcoming writers and students to submit their own content to the paper.
“It’s an independent view,” said Scott. “It’s a lot of student writers.”

Scott said the paper welcomes student submissions, up and coming writers and people looking to enhance their own portfolios. Windsor Independent plans on printing monthly issues and the next issue is due to be released Mar. 15.