Well we’ve put out one edition of the new Four-Town+ Journal and this is number two. Things are full speed ahead, well not quite actually. We’re still hitting a few bumps and I am so thankful for that kind, small-town attitude where everyone helps each other. I barely have enough fingers and toes to count all the times we hit a roadblock, only to be assisted through as we fixed things for the next go around.
Some people ask if the new job as the newspaper editor if busy, and I won’t sugar-coat it, things are busy. I am finding the enjoyment I get from putting the paper together offsets any negative busy feelings. If you’re busy doing things you enjoy, then it doesn’t seem so noticeable. I can say that I recently attended more events in the last two weeks than I had in the past two years.
The experience of driving up to an event is exciting. All you friendly locals make me feel instantly welcomed as I pull out my notepad and camera to record the event.
A new tweak some viewers may have noticed is the wide variety of photos we include on Instagram. After putting my camera away, sometimes I’ll whip out my phone to snap a photo or short video of the same scene. This isn’t so bad when you’re at an archery shoot but I’ll give you a challenge; try doing that during a team roping event where the action takes place in less than 7 seconds.
It’s important to include names for photos and on various occasions I’ve asked the people in those photos to write their names down for me. This works well at a rock concert such as during Rockin’ the Park in Esterhazy. It can also backfire like at Langenburg’s 3D archery shoot. I realized after, but I had asked Crystal Farmer to write her name on a notepad we previously used to write our toddler’s nap/bathroom notes on. That’s right, next to Crystal there was a nice little note saying “pooped at 8:45”. I now know to get my notepads from the office.
A special thanks to the Post Office and Churchbridge Credit Union for helping me get through a couple of mistakes, no need to mention them in detail!
Perfection is not expected, but I’m aiming to mess up less each week. I’ve learned from each experience and I keep that attitude driving me forward.
I would like to say a public thanks to Bill and Lynda Johnston who continue to show me the ropes of the newspaper business. They are still working away, putting hours in showing me the finer aspects of the newspaper industry.
Bill has a feel for the communities and their needs that is unparalleled. He truly listens to each community the Four-Town+ Journal covers and is always aiming to keep a balance among them. He talks to me about this balance, and the countless other details to consider when you are an news editor for multiple communities.
Thank you to Lynda for answering my never-ending questions about finances and everything computer related; that lady is a whiz with her computer shortcuts!
I’ve spent a more-than-a-few late nights trying to tweak ads and figure out new design programs. After seeing the ad I was able to make for L. Wallace Enterprises, Michele Yiske sent me a thank you email with words so kind they gave me goosebumps. That level of appreciation comes felt from many directions in every community we cover. I’ve had numerous readers genuinely thank me for helping keep the paper going. All the thoughtful remarks give me extra motivation during those nights I go cross-eyed staring at my computer screen.
I’m sure the newspaper career will bring many enjoyable late nights writing, leading to many sleepy-eyed early morning along the journey. What’s for certain is that the Four-Town+ Journal will keep motoring along on highways #16, #8, and #80 due to the tremendous support of everyone in the area.