So, what's this all about?
We collect found stuff: love letters, birthday cards, kids' homework, to-do lists, ticket stubs, poetry on napkins, doodles-- anything that gives a glimpse into someone else's life. Anything goes.

We certainly didn't invent the idea of found stuff being cool. Every time we visit our friends in other towns, someone's always got some kind of unbelievable discovered note or photo on their fridge. We decided to make a bunch of projects so that everyone can check out all the strange, hilarious and heartbreaking things people have picked up and passed our way.

And how'd this all start?
One snowy winter night in Chicago a few years back, Davy went out to his car and found a note on his windshield -- a note meant for someone else, a guy named Mario:

We loved this note -- its amazing mixture of anger and hopefulness -- and so we shared it with as many folks as we could. Each friend we showed the Mario and Amber note to seemed to have a few finds to show us in return; clearly we weren't alone in our fascination with FOUND stuff! As a way for everyone to join forces and share their finds with everyone else, we decided to start a magazine called FOUND, a showcase for all the strange, hilarious and heartbreaking things people've picked up.

We spent a year spreading word about the project and collecting great finds, then with scissors and tape we slapped together the first issue of FOUND in June of 2001. Each year since, with help from our friends and finders all around the world, we've put out a new issue of the magazine. We hope you'll enjoy checking out the website and the magazine, and that you'll join in and send in your own finds! We collect it all -- love letters, birthday cards, kids' homework, to-do lists, poetry on napkins, doodles -- anything that gives a glimpse into someone else's life.

How can I get a copy of FOUND?
There's a few ways -- online, by mail, or at a bookstore.
#1. Online. Check the Magazine and Books sections!
#2. By Mail. Download an order form here, fill it out, and pass it our way.
#3. Bookstores. Check our bookstores page for details.

Sure, I've seen the FOUND website- so why should I pick up your other stuff?
Great question-- we're glad you asked. Our website's great for showing the quickies -- a Polaroid, note card, post-it note -- and our books and magazines have their own feast of finds. Really, we think you'll be impressed when you pick up one of our other projects- they feel real good and you can hold them and put 'em under your pillow.

What if I haven't found anything but I still want to be involved?
We need people in every city and country to help get the word out, keep the indie bookstores stocked, help get people out to our events, etc. Please get a hold of us if you can help! If you live in the Ann Arbor area or Chicago and you want to get involved, drop a note to info@foundmagazine.com. There's fun-a-plenty to go 'round.

I found a dirty picture once-- what do you do with all the raunchy finds?
We love the pervy finds! Up until recently we stuck them away in this big folder and only shared them with our closest friends, but you can only keep the lid on these things for so long... so we decided to collect everything that's too-hot-for-FOUND into our newest magazine called Dirty FOUND. Go take a peek!

You have a street team?! I think I need to be part of this.
Awesome, we'd love to get you involved! It's simple, really- email us at streetteam@foundmagazine.com and we'll hit you back with the Secret Operative Instructions. You'll be on your way in no time. Oh, and hey-- let us know where you're writing from, ok?

I want to advertise in FOUND- I love the thought of my shop/band/project appearing in the magazine- how can I be a sponsor?
That's great! Your support is HUGE, and we love spreading the word about the neat things you've got going on. Just drop an email to info@foundmagazine.com and we'll hit you right back with all the details.

Cool. Last thing. Who put this website together?
FOUND's Jason Bitner, along with design by Arthur Jones and programming by Brad Pauly. Huge thanks also go to Mike Helferstay, James Molenda, Rory Sykes, Holly Matthews and John Lu!.