Change comes whether we like it or not.
For the newspaper business, the advent of the internet was a permanent and industry-shaking change.
We hear plenty about the negative aspects of this change: the widespread inability of newspapers small and large to adapt and turn a profit online while print circulation and revenue plummet; the ability of anyone with an internet connection to post opinions and rumors and call them “news.”
While not entirely immune from these forces, we also see plenty to celebrate about what we can do online.
We appreciate the ability to immediately report on happenings around the county, and its power to help our readers in some circumstances – to prepare for a storm, or even to help the police solve a crime.
We like the direct, instant communication with readers on social media. The positive reactions are nice, but we also know the value of constructive criticism.
More than once, a reader has asked a question, given a tip, or pointed out an error that led to a better final article or an important follow-up. Keep those coming – we read every comment.
Anyone who follows our website or social media will have noticed a more consistent, up-to-date presence on both in recent months and years.
Five years ago, the website might have been updated once a week, barring a major breaking news event. Facebook was our only social media outlet, and posts were sporadic.
These days, the website often sees several updates a day. We have more than 5,000 followers on Facebook. We post updates on Instagram and Twitter. We’ve even started dabbling in video.
Our new website – officially launching with the publication of this paper – holds even more possibilities for the future.
To be clear, the print edition remains our flagship. If you have any doubts about its popularity or importance to the community, go to any gas station or grocery store in our coverage area on a Wednesday afternoon and watch the papers fly off the racks.
Regardless of how we deliver the news, our mission remains the same: to bring you, our readers, the most comprehensive, in-depth coverage of Lincoln County available anywhere.
Come see how we’re doing at lcnme.com – or at a grocery store near you.
