As seen on http://www.fudgefactor.org.

A patch of barren earth distends, in an obscene parody of pregnancy. The swollen ground stretches and throbs, then bursts open to reveal a bloated, rotting arm grasping upward. Some slow, methodical clawing, and the full creature reborn to the world drags itself free of the grave and into the quiet night.

Trailing small putrid bits that drop off, it lurches towards the nearby lights of civilization and the life it hungers for.

Fudge Factor is still around, and with this issue we're trying to return to regular monthly publication. I am returning to regular duties as chief editor, and I want to express my thanks to Carl and the other staff members that let Fudge Factor continue in any fashion, not to mention gathering and editing articles that let me get this issue out the door in relatively short order.

Which brings me to: What happens now? Well, as already mentioned, I'm shooting for regular monthly publication, as we did for the first issues. More than one concerned reader has suggested dropping to a less regular schedule, in hopes of actually meeting said schedule. *wince* The truth hurts. I, however, am going to disregard their well-intentioned advice for the moment, for a handful of reasons:

Material

Unlike perhaps every starting 'zine I've ever heard of, Fudge Factor hasn't been hurting for submissions. While it remains to be seen if our recent slowdown will affect future submissions, it would be a tragedy to not put this material out for others to use and appreciate, since the authors have been so kind as to offer it. (Note this is not to say that we have enough material: We will need even more to resume our monthly schedule. Submit early, submit often!)

Traffic

If we are to become/remain relevant, we need to be relevant. And that means timely. However lacking our performance has been in this area, our position will not improve by adopting that lacking performance as the new standard.

Reality Bites

Real life interfered in some...unusual...ways. While I firmly believe that something will always be there to try and trip me up, I feel pretty confident that this was not a set of circumstances likely to repeat themselves.

So there you have it. Fudge Factor is back, and won't be going away without a fight. This issue was a proof-of-life issue, and I'll be organizing assistance (from staff new and old), setting up editing schedules, and in general doing what I can to ensure that each issue is an improvement over the last.

Traditionally, I can't close this article without an appeal for submissions, and a request for anyone interested in helping with editorial duties to Contact editor @ Fudgefactor.org. Why question tradition?