It isn’t enough to be happy and peaceful. That isn’t a goal, it’s a way. Being happy and peaceful simply doesn’t do anything for anyone else. Improvement does.
We had to laugh when Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian products since we right here in this office are regular consumers of one Canadian product, newsprint.
Why does that man make it so hard to love him?
Nevertheless, newsprint prices have gone up a good 30 percent since January. Part of the rise was in anticipation of tariffs, part of it in response. Either way, it’s not a great time to start a small, medium or large newspaper according to those who think they know what others should do.
We were told that very thing in July 2012 when we offered a free paper to anyone who would read it. Or even use it for the birdcage, as a fish wrap, or to roll up and swat whatever needed swatting. It was something we wanted to create and give away.
When we hit the crooked mountain sidewalks with the Independent, we asked some steady-as-she goes people on the street what a community newspaper means to them. Chamber Prez Mike Bishop said, “Keep us apprised of city government.” Head Cop Earl Hyatt said a local paper is the “soul and watchdog of the community.” Beau Satori said local news informs and involves the citizenry. Dani Joy gave us “Honesty, integrity, staying local.” Derek Hill and John Wiley were both stuck on “local newspapers tell the truth.”
Okay, we’ll try.
2012 wasn’t the best time to start a newspaper. 1776, the Gold Rush Days and the Roaring ‘20s were. But we were convinced that as dreadful as business itself is, newspapers are fun.
Newspapers are like an old, really old, friend. You sit quietly alone with them. You touch a newspaper. When you see an ad it doesn’t interrupt your thoughts, it draws you in. You have time to read it at your own pace. Are they selling something I want? You take your time getting the address and phone number. Newspaper advertising is as inoffensively effective as it gets.
Have you noticed that when you look at news online you get assaulted with popping, moving, audio enhanced ads? Have you noticed that when you watch network or cable TV or listen to radio commercials they tell you what to do instead of letting you decide? “Hurry! Take this pill on the beach at sunset while drinking a cold beer! Side effects include wallet loss, memory loss and occasional loss of life.”
Newspaper ads are gentle reminders that someone close by has furniture, groceries, convenient banking, a Subaru or an Uruguayan Wine Dinner for sale.
Have you heard anyone other than everybody say, “Print is dead!”
Yeah. We’ve have, too. But for obits, classifieds, fun city meeting reporting, food and music venues, lost and found dogs, crossword puzzles and an old friend that won’t talk back, we’re your go-to.
Now, we use the Internet as much as anybody. We order pens, paper and ink in bulk, and get it delivered day after tomorrow. We also have an office full of plants. Comfortable chairs. Good music. A kitchen and a vacuum cleaner and a deck and a landline.
We’re peaceful and happy.
But that’s not enough. We want to improve.
So when the printer said prices are going up, size is going down, and your favorite newsprint is no longer available, we rethought our format. We didn’t have to confer with corporate since our board is sitting here in jeans looking at each other.
Is printing a broadsheet politically correct?
Mary Pat Boian
Most newspapers are asking readers to subscribe. For $1 per week, our community independent news is a steal.
Even Trump would say, what a deal, sign up even if you can’t read.
Maybe you could find a new printer, who doesn’t outsource for his materials. Arkansas makes paper too!
Working in jeans is highly appreciated – thank you for all you do