Published September 8, 2006

In the two weeks I have been on the job as the editor of the Reykjavík Grapevine, I have repeatedly received the question, “Are there any changes in the works for the paper?” I find this question funny for two reasons.
First of all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Reykjavík Grapevine is a publication that I have proudly attached my name to for a year now. I believe we have been putting out good paper; we have strived to be professional, objective and entertaining. These are principles we will stick to in the future while doing our best to further improve the publication.
Second, it seems obvious to me that new people always bring in a new emphasis. In that sense, it’s highly unlikely that this paper will remain the same paper it has been under the leadership of my predecessor, Bart Cameron.
The Grapevine has gone through several staff changes as of late. This summer we said goodbye to long-time staff member, Journalist Paul F. Nikolov. Also, gone are Journalist Gunnar Hrafn Jónsson and summer interns Sindri Eldon and Valgerður Þóroddsdóttir. I wish all these people good luck in their future endeavors.
Among those who have been lately added to the staff are Steinunn Jakobsdóttir, who came to join us at the beginning of summer, and Haukur Magnússon, who has been with the Grapevine since August. Our latest addition is a young woman, Virginia Zech out of Sacramento, California, by way of New York City. I bid her welcome.
In light of these changes, I think it is safe to assume that the Reykjavík Grapevine is no longer the same paper it was a year ago, or even a month ago. But some things will never change: we will still be a fiercely independent, critical and entertaining source of information for anyone interested in digesting some thought-provoking material.
In his issue we take a look at teen culture in Akureyri, follow the changes taking place in the Reykjavík Art Museum, and introduce one of the few remaining independent grocery stores left in Reykjavík. There’s more stuff in here as well, all more or less equally exhilarating.