The conversation between the creators of Oberlin’s newest magazine jumps from topic to topic, interjected with jokes and banter. This is especially true when discussing the next meeting place. One person suggests renting out the DeCafé or conning the Student Union into giving the unchartered group a meeting room. The first issue’s publication is scheduled for the end of the semester, and the group is excited.

The four creators — junior Joe Broadus and seniors Zac Maricondia, Matt Brooke and Jon Beckhardt (a Review contributor) — are adamant about distinguishing their magazine from literary magazines, which publish fiction pieces.

“[It is] everything but a literary magazine,” said Beckhardt.

The as-yet untitled publication will give students a forum for academic debate discussion, and the sharing of ideas. Specifically, the group plans to feature nonfiction pieces ranging from 500-2,500 words.

The group has approached the comparative American studies, gender and women’s studies and African American studies departments to find students interested in submitting essays. The magazine hopes to provide a forum for students to adapt and submit papers written for class. Honors students could submit work having to do with their theses.

Beckhardt explained that they want writings from many disciplines — based on classwork or not — such as literary criticism, philosophy, art and the natural sciences.

“It would just have to be of the nature that it could be enjoyed by people outside of the discipline,” he said.

Brooke made the novel suggestion of publishing College admission applications.

Brooke approached the Admissions Office and the Office of the Registrar and found out that it might be a difficult process.

“I got the distinct impression that they basically burned the essays,” he said.

While the group is currently reviewing student submissions, they are also looking for submissions from teachers and community members.

“Anything that doesn’t have a place [can be published in this magazine],” said Beckhardt. For example, the group has received an essay on wolverines.

“There is currently no central place for students and other members of the community to publish their opinions and thoughts on various subjects,” was the group consensus. “Presently, the discourse that does find a way of getting published ends up in the letters sections of the Review and Grape. We feel that since members of the Oberlin community are so engaged in a variety of topics, the community deserves a better place for its members to share their thoughts and opinions.”

“Students pursue a lot of interesting work in their classes that often has no way of being shared with the rest of the community,” Beckhardt said. “As a result, a lot of interesting thought that goes on at Oberlin remains insulated within departments.”

The magazine is planned as a quarterly, allowing time for the editors and contributors to collectively develop and improve the essays.

“We want to take advantage of the time to have a back and forth editorial process,” said Beckhardt.

The first issue will appear by the end of the semester.