I posted the press release for the new 614 magazine the other day here on my blog, as well as on Columbus Underground. I’ve been getting a lot of traffic for it from google, and I thought it deserved a follow up post to clarify some issues about their official website.
The official website can be found at 614columbus.com.
Meanwhile, I’ve heard through the grapevine that Roopan Dey of C Magazine has registered 614mag.com and 614magazine.com and proceeded to post information about local strip clubs and adult entertainment services. It appears as it’s been done intentionally to confuse people looking for the official 614 magazine website. If that’s the case, then I think this really reflects poorly on Roopan and C Magazine. If it’s not the case, then I can’t think of any logical reason why anyone would pull a move like this. It’s seems pretty childish.
So again, just for the record: The official website of the new 614 Magazine can be found at 614columbus.com.
That’s terrible!!!! I can’t believe someone would do that. Poor 614! shame on C Magazine!
That’s pretty lame. Whois for both URLs report private registration information (see here and here). Pretty freaking shady if you ask me…
Man I’m sorry I had to open this can of worms by looking for a website related to 614 Magazine. That said I fully look forward to a new resource on happenings and culture in Columbus. I’m also interested to see what Walker will contribute as he has his ear to the streets and happens to be very good at writing.
I love the Columbus Alive for the more underground/grassroots articles. However when your owned by the Dispatch I’m sure there are limitations on what you can cover and how it’s presented. I also like the high brow approach that you get with Columbus Monthly. However they miss stimulating that younger demographic. So I feel that there is a void for the younger to mid age demographics to have a voice of the people type of magazine. I’m not a huge fan of C-Bus MAg , but it seems to lead the pack. C Magazine is the biggest waste of effort I have seen in a while. The Other Paper seems to miss the bus often as well. I look forward to the addition of 614 and it’s contributions.
Walker, you investigated this weirdness, and I appreciate you bringing it all to light. Roopan, I am very excited to learn that this whole thing was merely a tragic misunderstanding and not a childish and vindictive attempt to mislead our city. I thank you for your candid and thoughtful reply, and I enjoyed your website very much. I didn’t know people around here were still attracted to chest hair.
My mother is interested in your Mangosteen but I told her that the benefits of the juice were exaggerated, so I hope you are willing to take some low bids. Good luck salvaging your life, man.
Dave,
This press release looks great. Best Wishes to you on the pilot issue. Can’t wait to see it. Marci (Kendyl’s mom)
Dear Columbus Underground,
Over the years I have watched Columbus Underground grow and have become quite a fan of the site. However, I am sad to see recent posts that are clearly racially motivated, hate oriented, libelous, and organized by contributors to the site.
I started the magazine 7 years ago and with my team we have worked very hard to get where we are. Not only have I invested heavily in the shared belief both CU and C Magazine have in Columbus, Ohio, it’s people, and the city’s potential, we have worked hard to highlight upcoming artists and musicians in the city that typically do not receive much press. Who else highlights local musicians every month in a full page/full color layout? With an original concept for the city, we did not try to replicate any other publication in the Columbus, Ohio. Unfortunately, we’ve had to deal with quite a few imitators throughout the years which ultimately hurts the market and the advertisers.
Though I typically do not respond to items like this and can enjoy a good laugh at my expense. The comments that have been posted on CU and the spawned site are defaming to me and my company. Not to mention, the items posted about me on these various websites are inaccurate.
For the record:
1) 614Magazine and 614Mag.com are URL’s owned by me that were registered in 28-11-2006. 614Columbus.com was registered 03-Jun-2008, more than 1 year afterward. The URL’s were not purchased in response to the possible 614 Magazine.
We are going to use those URL’s as we originally intended and will be positioning those sites as online resources and guides for other products.
2) We pay our contractors and employees for all work done. If you believe that you have not been compensated for completed work as contracted or “know” someone who has supposedly has not received payment, they can contact me directly at the email address located at the end of this posting.
3) I am of Indian decent (India) and was born in NYC and do not have any accent, nor do I speak as depicted. The picture was taken off my own Myspace profile that I put on there as a joke.
7 years ago, I started this magazine with a belief that this city is not a cow-town nor a desolate undesirable place that people flee as soon as they can. I have always believed that Columbus has some of the most unique art experiences, urban landscapes, original fare, and companies that go unappreciated. C Magazine was created to showcase these people places and things without a negative light. We feature the best of Columbus and what makes this city special. Aside from the recent posts on CU, I believe that this site is an excellent asset to the community and I wish Walker continued success on this venture.
If you believe so strongly in your posts, I ask you to contact me directly without your veiled screen names so that I can address your concerns and comments directly at roopan@columbusmag.com.
Though we may not always agree, the flight of young professionals continues to be an issue in this city. However, with the contributors of CU and the members of the excellent young professional organizations, we can continue to make Columbus a strong heart of our metropolitan lives.
Sincerely,
Roopan Dey
CEO & Publisher
C Magazine
Unfortunately, Roopan has a long history of shady behavior. This dates back years, to his hanging around the OSU campus in the 1990s, claiming to be a student, despite having been kicked out after his first year. He has also been claiming to be from NYC for years, despite many people remembering him from middle and high school in Worthington. Furthermore, he has been sued on a number of occasions, by creditors as well as individuals for failure to make payments.
I second Mike’s comment. Roopan has so many active pending lawsuits against him that they are far too numerous to list here. And in response to Roopan’s lame rebuttal that he had registered “614magazine.com” and “614mag.com” several years before the introduction of 614 magazine [even if that were true]- what is the explanation for the fact that as soon as 614 magazine was announced, Roopan’s URL’s advertised strip clubs and escorts? He is a piece of garbage, always has been always will be. Someone should tell that moron jason ohlson to grow a brain and lose roopan. roopans daddy keeps his failed and laughable biz ventures afloat. that family $ will run out if you keep failing roopin