More sad news from the web-based crime fiction front: Bryon Quertermous is pulling the plug -- or as he fittingly puts it, the trigger -- on Demolition. This is just the latest in a string of such announcements, as these web-based publications seem to have a limited shelf life. Then again, so do their print counterparts, if the fairly recent news that the great Murdaland journal would fold is any indication.

"I know this is the right time because I don't feel bad about it at all," Quertermous wrote to contributors. "My professionalism has been flagging and I need to do what's best for my family, myself and this magazine. The site will remain up indefinitely but will not be updated."

Over nearly three years, Quertermous and co-editor Dave White published many great crime fiction short stories from writers both established and new (the latter group including yours truly.) Knowing what it takes just to keep a blog going with work and family commitments, I can certainly sympathize with Quertermous, who had the added burden of reading submissions and editing selections.

He issues a challenge that I hope is taken up: "If this pisses you off, do something about it. I'd
love to see a new zine or two form out of this and I'd be more than happy to provide guidance."

Labels: crime fiction, web