Ducts.org has grown and changed in remarkable ways over the last several years. First, we ushered in a new, state-of-the art design. Then we launched our first-ever writing contest, "I Found it at the Movies." And now we have introduced our own publishing wing, Greenpoint Press. Our first book, "How Not to Greet Famous People: The Best Stories from Ducts.org" was born a few months ago at a fancy-schmancy book launch party here in New York City and so far, so good: our readers have been excited to see their favorite stories in print. We sold about 70 books during our launch and continue to marvel as books fly off our shelves. There are still plenty sitting in our office, waiting to find a home, however, so if you haven't bought one yet, now is your chance! The book has been publicized in a variety of venues, but we are most excited that it was featured in a December 2004 City section of the Sunday New York Times. Ducts.org also took part, for the first time, in the Independent & Small Press Book fair, held the weekend of December 4th and 5th .

Our contest was also a great success. We received many well-written and passionate submissions and it was difficult to choose a winner. When it came down to it, we felt Ronni Krasnow's story best exemplified what Ducts.org is about. "Life of a Salesman" is a simple, well-told and deeply personal story. We found it moving. Congratulations Ronni!

Of course, we continue to raise money as part of our effort to bring you the best personal stories on the web. If you enjoy the thought-provoking essays and memoirs, if you are captivated by our fiction, poetry and art, I urge you to donate whatever amount you can. Every little bit helps.

We're proud of what we've accomplished, but we're not content. We believe Ducts.org can one day be one of the most prestigious literary magazines on the web. Please enjoy the writing and art you'll find within these pages. Each piece was created with the sort of passion we find is often lacking in mainstream work.

Enjoy!

--Jonathan Kravetz, Editor-in-Chief, Ducts.org

This issue of Ducts is made possible with a regrant from the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses, supported by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.