Taiwan Today

The downtown areas of Taiwan’s cities will soon reverberate with the calls of street people hawking “The Big Issue” following a decision to publish the renowned magazine for the homeless on these shores. “Taiwan’s oft-maligned down and outs will soon have a shot at earning a legitimate income and leading a dignified life,” said Lee Tsu-chong, local publisher of the magazine. “Vendors will pay NT$50 (US$1.60) for their copies and sell them for NT$100.” Taiwan becomes the ninth country in the world to launch the paper, founded by John Bird and Gordon Roddick in 1991 in response to the increasing number of homeless people in London. Lee, who also operates popular Web site Roodo, describes his venture as a new form of corporate philanthropy and hopes it will help improve the lives of the less fortunate. According to Lee, the Taiwan edition of "The Big Issue" will cover global issues, fashion design, technology, film and music reviews so as to better cater to its target market of those born after 1976. “Research indicates that this demographic is hip and seeks expanded participation in solving the problems of today,” he said. The publisher said he has also secured contributions from local luminaries such as artist Nieh Yung-chen, who will design the magazine’s cover, and illustrator Jimmy Liao, who is creating advertising posters with Taiwan flair. “We aim to deliver a quality product that will keep circulation numbers on the rise,” Lee said. In response to concerns that his venture will transform street people into aggressive beggars, Lee said a strict code of conduct for selling "The Big Issue" will be in force at all times. “Vendors are forbidden from charging more than the magazine’s cover price,” he said. “This is about fair selling, not price gouging or begging.” Chou Wen-chen, secretary-general of United Way of Taiwan, welcomed Lee’s initiative and said it goes beyond welfare. “‘The magazine’s launch will help the disadvantaged reintegrate with society by embracing the core concepts of capitalism.” (PCT-JSM)