Illustration of Derek Powazek by Adam Ellis

Let’s Talk Binding

I’ve always thought of Fray as more of a book series than a magazine. That’s because most magazines are made to be disposable, but we want issues of Fray to last. So instead of using a traditional magazine “perfect” binding, which falls apart after a few months, Fray uses a sewn binding that’s usually reserved for hard-bound books.

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See the six clumps of pages in the spine? Those are called “signatures” and they’re each sewn together before being glued to the cover. In addition to lasting longer, the book is easier to read because it can be opened wide without breaking. It’s little touches like this that make me excited to be publishing.

You can see more photos of Fray’s Busted book on Flickr. And if you haven’t subscribed yet, dude, step right this way. The first shipment goes out to subscribers next week.


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Hi, I’m Derek. I used to make websites. Now I grow flowers and know things. I’m mostly harmless. More.