Wonders of an Alumni Magazine

1. The article about social networking refers several times to "[and several other percussion video hosting sites]". I am frankly amazed there's even one "percussion video hosting site".
2. From the "please give us money" article:
   

   "My parents helped pay for my first year, then I told them I would pay the rest. I don't want my parents to help," he says, as if it's a point of independence and pride.

   
   "As if"? As if? Do the writers/editors not recognize it as such? What do they believe are independence and pride?