Editorial

The Weekly Paper Keeping You Informed

Friday, September 11, 2015

One of the frustrations in the newspaper business is when I run into someone that says, "I wish there was a place people could find out what's happening in town." These are usually folks who are organizing events, and they want to get their message to the public. And, the truth is, the newspaper has historically been the "town crier" for such events. In fact, we dedicate thousands of pages a year telling people about upcoming events.

Problem is, organizers don't always do it in a way that catches the attention of the readers. Sometimes the notice appears on a calendar. Sometimes it's a brief story. Other times, it's a feature story. Readers might see such notices one day. On another day, they might be traveling and miss the story and thus miss the event.

One way for promoters of events to make sure the public knows about something special is to buy advertising -- and employ frequency to deliver their message to everyone. But this can be costly, especially if you're a civic club or non-for-profit trying to organize an event that benefits the community but isn't something you're going to make a profit on.

Everyone seems to agree, though, that if there were one powerful place to share information, it would be great for the community. There would be no questions where to look, and people wouldn't be as apt to say, "There's nothing to do around here." Instead, a clear display of local activities would lead to a community that is more engaged, richer and more vibrant.

Creating such a powerful "town center" for community events is what we have been doing in the Portageville Missourian-News. If you believe this is a good idea, we need your help.

We have been using our Page One to place our Weekly Community Bulletin Board for date-related events taking place in the community. Plus, now with our presence on they World Wide Web, this makes it easy for the public to find exactly what's happening here or wherever.

It is the intent of the Portageville Missourian-News to create a one-stop shop for everything taking place in Portageville, and the southern portion of New Madrid County. To make the calendar of events truly comprehensive -- from neighborhood gatherings, church dinners, club meetings, store sales, team banquets, political rallies, open Bible studies (anything you want to share with the public) -- we need your help. So, please enter your own information for the Community Bulletin Board.

We're doing this with a business model where the cost resides only with private enterprise -- and the big risk is with us, the Missourian. Isn't that how we should do things in America?

If you agree, and you see the value of having a "town center" for community events, make sure to send or email your events to sseal@dddnews.com. Or, if you just want to know what's going on -- check out the next issue of the Portageville Missourian-News, www.pvmonews.com

Let's make this area the best -- most informed -- it can be.

Sure, a lot of folks think they are reaching the masses by using Facebook. You are right to say that, but only for a brief short moment will your status update be seen, and only be those who are connected to Facebook at that time. Some will log on later and will see you notification an hour, a day, or a week later. Many have to scroll down several minutes, or click onto your Facebook page just to see your status update.

When you use the newspaper, it will always remain in the same spot regardless. When you log onto our website, our Community Bulletin Board is located on the main page,lower left, and it too never moves.

Many will use Facebook to place unwanted items to sell. As mentioned above, your item gains the spot light for a very brief moment. With the use of a classified ad in the newspaper, it never moves and you can turn right to it every time. The same applies for the website.

Finally, Facebook is not a locally owned business and does not pay city or county taxes, nor does it hire local people that live, eat and buy gas here. One of the best ways for any weekly newspaper to help cover events is for the community to support the local business with subscriptions, classified ads, and let us know of events you would like us to promote.

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