A Rebel's Email....

"Dear Edie,
I read with interest an article in today's New York Times on the salsa Rueda craze that's descending on our people these days, and I was able to look up your website as well. All I can say is that if we, as a whole, put as much energy (and there's no doubt you and your staff have put an enormous amount of work and talent into producing your website) into more worthwhile causes, we as a whole, wouldn't be in the state we're in. There's an old cliché that goes, "dale a un latino, botella, baraja y baile and sera feliz". That is such a sad statement on our people!

This is obviously a website for young people, and that is fine. Except, I wish your troop would devote at least a small segment to more educational, consciousness raising issues. You can still stay within the realm - focus on the "ARTS" - theatre, books, plays.

I hope you take this criticism in the light it is being offered. I too was a Salsera at one time - long ago and perhaps I'm getting too old for this but what I ask myself now is .... WHERE ARE OUR LATINO DOCTORS, TEACHERS, LAWYERS, BANKERS, JUDGES, CEO'S? We, as a whole, certainly can dance our as..es off, but what contributions are we making to advance ourselves.

I look forward to hearing from you.
An older (but not that old) rebel - "

Dear Rebel,
This is Edie Lewis, aka The Salsa FREAK
I wanted to tell you that I truly appreciated your letter to us. It made quite a bit of sense. What we are trying to do with the Magazine is make it applicable to the lifestyles of ALL Salseros. Much of our work emphasizes the "types" of people that enjoy the music - type "A", goal-oriented, successful achievers of the world. You can find where we mention these types of people in the article about "What Dancers are Looking For in a Club" in the Freak section, in the "Dear Edie" section, and the "Beginner's Page". Last week I just completed an interview of Manny Siverio, successful Actor, Writer, Stuntman, and Director - who just so happens to dance New York mambo on his free time...

We are always on the look out for people who are very successful, are leaders in their field, and "love to dance..."

You are correct in that we don't have many articles addressing successful people who look to improve themselves in other areas of their lives - besides dancing. Please keep in mind that we have only had Salsaweb on the Internet since April of this year. It used to be just a Los Angeles club listing prior to that. We're working 'round the clock to get interviews and articles up as fast as we can - but can only do it in our spare time, which is evenings and weekends. You see, we do this for free - none of us get paid for any of it. In fact, it COSTS us every month to keep the site going.... We all have our regular day jobs...

Getting back to your point, I have a fabulous interview that I am working on that discusses the Side Street Kids in The Bronx. The instructors there have a motto, "More than Dance", which means, they don't just teach kids the dance, but help them with their problems at school and at home, and emphasize the importance of education FIRST, before dancing... I can't wait to finish it.

What I would love, is to have someone like yourself become a regular writer for our magazine. We are missing that certain "flavor" that only people with your concerns could provide to us. We need your insight. Our magazine is a very positive one - appealing, yes, to the younger generation, but it would be phenomenal if we could capture a more seasoned audience. This would make Salsaweb a very appealing and well-rounded magazine. We are looking for people like yourself who are motivated to write about your sentiments, find positive, successful people who love to dance, interview them, and write about them. We're looking for successes not only in the Latino community but other communities as well, who simply love the music and the dance.

Rebel, I really think you could make a difference. The impact the Internet has is world-wide, and instantaneous - truly amazing. We have individuals who have suddenly become well-known throughout the world just over what they've written and the information they provide to the public. Your work will be published in the "People" section, along with a picture of yourself (if you wish) and your email address (for all the fan mail you will be receiving..). This can truly be an opportunity for your to express yourself and finally have the ability to make a difference in people's lives. We'll even send you some Salsaweb business cards with your name, email address, and phone number if you wish - for free.

Think about it. We will not be able to pay you - none of us are getting paid. We all work on the site voluntarily, for the simple love of salsa, and to promote its growth. We're working hard to get sponsorships, but it is a long road. We're finding out very quickly it's tough to make money on the Internet...
Take care Rebel, and please consider our offer.
With Love,
Edie Lewis
The Salsa Freak

A few Days Later... Email back from our "Rebel":
"I have to tell you Edie -
I am totally IMPRESSED and delighted by, not only the many responses I've received from your group, but the manner in which you've all expressed yourselves. I didn't know what to expect going into this - I'm not in the habit of e-mailing anyone outside co-workers, professors, classmates, friends and family, but I'm glad I took a chance on you guys

I'll think about your offer - thanks, I appreciate the invite. Please know that going forward you have a fan, and if you don't mind a bit of input every once in a while (both positive & negative), I'll stay in touch.
Buena Suerte a Todos y Mucho Exito.
Sincerely, the Rebel"