A Physicist Launches RIPPLE, a Print Magazine for Children. The Mr. Magazine™ Interview
At a time when children are spending more time looking at screens, Jennifer Gaskins is betting on something decidedly different. Print.
A physicist with a Ph.D. and a background in scientific research and data science, Gaskins is the founder and editor of RIPPLE, a new advertising-free print magazine for children ages 6 to 10. Her mission is to give young readers the opportunity to explore the world, ask questions and develop their own opinions without the constant distractions of digital media.
In his latest Mr. Magazine™ interview, Samir Husni speaks with Gaskins about her journey from scientist to publisher, the challenges of launching a print publication in today's marketplace and why she believes children need more opportunities to think independently.
"Print is such a different experience than digital," Gaskins tells Husni. "It's slower, it's got no built-in distractions, there's no notifications, and we interact with print differently."
That philosophy is central to RIPPLE. Rather than simply presenting facts and answers, the magazine encourages children to consider different perspectives, recognize unanswered questions and participate in the learning process. Each issue combines science, current events, fiction, activities and stories from around the world.
The first issue, Everything That Glows, is scheduled for November 10 and explores light and darkness through science, culture, history and storytelling. Topics range from bioluminescence and shadow puppetry to the night sky and light pollution.
But bringing RIPPLE to life has been anything but simple. Gaskins, an American living in Barcelona, Spain, is building the publication from the ground up, working with professional writers, illustrators and designers while navigating the economics and logistics of independent magazine publishing. Initial subscriptions are available in the European Union and United Kingdom, with hopes of expanding to the United States and Canada.
One of her most important decisions was to keep the magazine free of advertising, even though that makes the business more challenging.
"Kids should be able to explore something without it becoming something where we're just trying to sell them," she explains.
The conversation also touches on artificial intelligence. While Gaskins uses AI for certain business and administrative tasks, the magazine's writing, illustration and design are created by people.
Perhaps the most compelling part of the interview comes when Husni asks his signature closing question about what keeps his guest awake at night. For Gaskins, it is the growing fragmentation of our attention and the possibility that people are becoming so absorbed in their phones that they are missing the world around them.
Her answer brings the conversation back to the purpose behind RIPPLE. Children still have a natural curiosity about the world, and she wants to help preserve it.
It's an engaging conversation about entrepreneurship, the enduring value of print and the importance of giving the next generation room to discover, question and think for themselves.
Read the full Mr. Magazine™ interview with Jennifer Gaskins to learn more about the launch of RIPPLE, the challenges behind building an independent children's magazine and the ripple effect she hopes to create.
