Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE HOOK?
Simply: Charlottesville's most award-winning weekly newspaper and the largest independent paper in Central Virginia. By publishing fair, balanced, and colorful journalism, the Hook contributes to the community's health and encourages the mental, physical, and civic engagement of Central Virginians.
WHY FREE?
Newspapers make most of their money from advertising, so it's just easier to skip the costly turmoil of subscription lists and paperboys and simply make the paper free.
HOW DO I SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR?
It must critique something we published, it must contain a contact phone number for verification, and it must be under 300 words-- preferably well under 300 words! (We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.) Please send via email to .
WHAT IF I'VE GOT A STORY IDEA?
If it's a news tip, please or call the editor at 295-8700 x230.
WHAT IF I'VE GOT A STORY I WANT TO WRITE?
Very few unsolicited news articles, essays, or photographs are accepted. However, all are carefully considered, and local emphasis remains essential. Please the editor.
BUT WHAT ABOUT MY IDEA FOR A NEW COLUMN?
Please send it to one of this area's other fine publications.
HOW DO I PLACE A DISPLAY AD?
Click here.
HOW DO I PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD?
Go online or call 434-295-8700x222.
HOW DO I PLACE A PERSONAL AD?
Visit our online Hook Cafe.
HOW DO I GET MY GROUP'S EVENT LISTED IN THE CALENDAR?
Go to readthehook.com/calendar/submissions.aspx.
WHERE CAN I GET A CURRENT ISSUE?
Look for the red boxes on various sidewalks around town. Also, check most grocery stores and other businesses. Or visit our office. We print about 21,000 copies each week!
CAN I GET A SUBSCRIPTION?
You're probably better off just enjoying this website, but if you insist on a subscription, please be aware that issues arrive several days after publication, even though they're sent by first-class mail, and cost is $125/year. Send your address and your check or money order to The Hook, 100 Second Street NW, Charlottesville, VA, 22902.
CAN I GET BACK ISSUES?
Order by issue date after first searching for the story online-- sorry, but we cannot assist your search. Please be aware that not all back issues are available, and we reserve the right to limit quantities. Send your check or money order to The Hook, 100 Second Street NW, Charlottesville, VA, 22902. Or visit. Or call 295-8700 x222.
Cost if mailed: $4 each; $3 each for 10+ mailed copies.
Cost if picked up from our office: 25¢ for issues under one month old. $1 for issues 1-6 months old. $3 for issues over 6 months old.
How to get free copies of last week's issue: Pick them up 24/7 from the Jefferson Theater on the Downtown Mall or look for the special boxes with last week's issue (next to this week's issue).
WHERE'S THE OFFICE, AND WHEN IS IT OPEN?
We're located in the heart of Charlottesville on the Downtown Mall at the Second Street automobile crossing. We're upstairs over the Consignment House and Bizou restaurant-- and diagonally across from the Regal Cinema. Entrance is through a green door on Second Street. Hours: 9-5, Monday through Friday.
WHAT'S THE HOOK HISTORY?
The Hook was founded in early 2002 by a group of employees who had previously worked together at another local weekly. The Hook is owned by Better Publications LLC, a Virginia company whose stock is currently held by three Charlottesville individuals including editor/publisher Hawes Spencer. Want to hear a cute little radio ad we made back in early 2002? Click here.
WHAT'S WITH THAT NAME, "THE HOOK"?
Originally, Charlottesville itself earned that moniker, perhaps in the 1950s, because lots of UVA students earned Cs-- aka "hooks"-- on their report cards. But the so-called "gentleman's C" is history-- doomed by grade inflation and coeducation. We picked the name because it simultaneously refers to the zesty part of a song, as well as this town's uncanny ability to lure people back. (And, although we do not embed nicotine in the inks, we believe our paper is habit-forming.)
WHO WAS THOMAS JEFFERSON?
The man who wrote, "Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press." He also penned this gem: "A government without newspapers or newspaper without government-- I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter."
HOW'D THE HOOK WEBSITE GET SO GOOD?
It was created by the joint talents of Red Goat Studios, Munk & Phyber, and Punchbuggy Design with lots of amazing technical work by and m3web.com. However, its recent greatness stems from the work of a guy named Ryan Soulia.
DOES THE HOOK REALLY OWN CVILLEMOVIES.COM?
Yes, and it's the #1 local movie site since 1996.
CAN I REALLY THANK THE HOOK FOR LAUNCHING RESTAURANT WEEK?
Yes, but you should also thank the eight participating restaurants.
WHAT'S THE VIEW OUT OUR WESTERN WINDOWS AT 2AM?
Something like this:
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