Staffers said threats of violence have never escalated to action. The Touchstone grew out of protests over President Bush's military action against Iraq after that nation's invasion of Kuwait. Although the first edition had limited distribution and, apparently, little readership, the rag-tag group of professors and students decided to continue publishing. It also is circulated in Austin and the Conroe area. Transcripts of those broadcasts sometimes are printed in the magazine.
Touchstone also maintains a Website.
As with many political publications, staff members said, The Touchstone often operates at a deficit. Advertising is limited to abortion providers and a handful of liberal-oriented businesses, but many supporters offer anonymous contributions. Money also is raised through an annual garage sale, with the 15 to 20 staff members digging into their pockets for the balance. Editorial decisions are made jointly, after intense discussions of possible stories and their editing. There's nothing monolithic about us.