(We're only publishing a few of the e-mails from fans. Suffice it to say we're all extremely touched by the outpouring of support we received at the news of Consumable's closure, from all of our readers - those in the industry, those looking to buy a new CD, or just those looking for a good read. It's letters like these that somehow made it all worthwhile...)
> Sorry to hear the news about your closure on August 1, but congratulations on what you have accomplished. I've been a subscriber for many years -- in fact, Consumable Online was literally one of the first things I signed up for when I got email. Many thanks for all of your hard work, and best wishes in all of your future endeavors.
As a friend who works at a small record company signs all her notes to me: "Rock on my friend." - C.M., Washington, DC.
> I'm so sad that Consumable is retiring after 7 awesome years. Yes it's true that there is more music info on the web but none of it with the quality and diversity of Consumable. No vested interests were ever served and music ruled supreme. I respect your decision to shut it all down but do know that you will be missed and all your hard work is appreciated by us all.
- G.A., Redmond, WA> I'm saddened to read of Consumable Online's planned closure. I've richly enjoyed your reviews and found them very valuable -- and they have continued to be presented in a sensible electronic mail format when other publications have embarked on excursions into horrifying web design. I'd like to thank you and your contributors for providing something worthwhile. - JSAM
> I've been reading Consumable since the spring of '95, (religiously, I might add) and am incredibly sorry to hear you are folding.
I first started reading Consumable while in college at the U. of Colorado at Boulder. The Net was just gaining steam and the only publication I could read online was Consumable (and I also found Addicted to Noise, which was cool for a year or two before MTVi got its ugly hands on it).
I continued to read Consumable after I left school and went into the music-journalism business myself... first as an entertainment editor at the local paper and now as the publisher of the sole music-only publication (Soundboard Magazine) in Colorado. It has not only given me great insight into a lot of music that I would have otherwise missed, but also a great deal of guidance in how to write *about* music.
And for all of this, I am incredibly honored to have read your publication. Congrats to your entire staff on a job extra-well done! Best of luck wherever the music and writing takes you, one and all.
- Brian Sauer, Boulder, CO> I will very much miss Consumable as an easy source for new music reviews. You've really done a fantastic job.
The Consumable publication has been the only place where I could find reviews that correctly motivated me to buy/not buy a particular CD, or suggest a CD to a friend with complete confidence. I'll miss it greatly. - A.L., Rochester
