By Mike Weland
Publisher
I wasn't planning to launch this website for another month. But
news started happening; roads were dangerous, schools were
closed. There were things I could tell that might be of help to
readers there ... in time to matter.
I looked, and I saw no other media doing what I feel news is supposed
to do (I discount live radio) ... get accurate word out when it
is happening to all who most need it
News matters. And in spite of technology, the news that seems
reported least is the news that matters most ... local news.
I appreciate mainstream media. I do. I read daily. The gap I
pray to fill is that place they seem to deem unprofitable. News
of a dog lost, a wedding, a traffic tie-up, a family reunion.
I consider a lost dog front page news. My story might reunite a
family and their friend. To me, that's local news.
I consider an anniversary, a birth, news of a friend passing, as news of
importance, not as an opportunity to charge a fee.
I'll measure success when readers start sending me news, knowing
I will not send a bill.
Readers can look at ads should they choose, and most do, but be
free to read news of the Mat-Su at their leisure, wherever they
may be, without annoying intrusions forcing them to notice ads.
I'll measure success when readers send me news and trust me to
share. It's a big borough, and I can't cover it myself; like all
media, I rely on information and tips from those who read. All
it takes is an email to
editor@newsmatsu.com.
If I make money, it will be because advertisers appreciate my
approach, and appreciate the value of reaching a growing
audience appreciative of no pop ups, no log ins. A place where
people go for news of the Mat-Su, good and bad, no matter where in the world
they are.
You'll notice that there are no ads on this site as yet
Advertisers benefit by sharing their message with a global
audience interested in this place, available 24/7, and they help keep this site alive
that it might get ever better. But first I have to earn your
trust.
I'm an old cripple. I love reporting news that matters in time
to help. I make mistakes, but none maliciously intended.
I'm hopeful but not dependent on all the things that define the
success of other, mainstream media.
I'm alive, able to do what I love doing, and even if I'm not as
spry as I once was, I consider it an honor to be of service. |
