Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/94641
sheila I ed's notes follow us on sheila I n the past few months I have been thinking lots about what it means to go out on a limb and turn a dream into reality. Whether that involves actively trying to make the world into a better place, shifting perceptions about something, building a idea, it takes a massive amount of courage to put yourself out there and have a crack. Perth, being the developing community that it is, needs all the brave people who are willing to go out and make their mark, as it can get. The internet has played such an important role in reducing the isolation of Perth. Once upon a time, it was almost impossible to have a national or even international voice and still be heard all the way now that we can see and hear other people around the world with a few tiny clicks. When I was a hyper-enthusiastic young reporter working at The West Australian newspaper, the importance of accountability and the practice of publishing only that which is in the public interest was all but beaten into me and every word of what we wrote as cadets was carefully considered, every fact double and triple checked. But nowadays, anyone can publish their opinion on anything, and while that opens up so many awesome opportunities for mutual trade of information, it also opens up the opportunity for people to write anything they want without regard to the consequences, or more importantly to people's feelings. These days, it is too easy to criticise our peers, our business threats, or our rivals. 10 SHEILA SPRING 2012 A ED'S NOTES As a community, I think we need to try harder to be supportive of people who take the risk and put themselves out there in a bid to strive for greatness, or at the very least we should pay more attention to focussing on what we as individuals can do better, rather than always comparing ourselves to someone else. As an editor of an independent magazine such as Sheila, I take risks and put myself out there every month and I can tell you it is scary, challenging and very stressful. Reader support makes me step up each month and try harder. I am far, far from perfect, but the point is I produce a magazine that so many of you love and I am following my heart. This month lots of young, talented fashion designers went out on a limb to produce work that was showcased at Perth Fashion Festival. As with anything, there were highs and lows associated with the festival, but overall the message I have taken away from it is that Perth has so much talent the winning work that was on display during PFF and as you will see, there's plenty to celebrate - and that's where our focus should and does lie. big congratulations to anyone out there who is brave enough to follow a dream, or stand up and have a say. Perth needs you.