A year ago I wrote that stories reported in 2017 made us “proud, angry, sad, optimistic – all those things that make life such an interesting journey.”
The same can be said about the stories of 2018, but “proud” and “optimistic” would be in all capital letters if I were using social media. If we were excited and optimistic as 2017 ended, we’re over the top going into 2019.
I am EXCITED to be part of the media covering the news in Greene County. I can’t wait to see what comes next. I’m very glad that five years ago I launched GreeneCountyNewsOnline to share important news in a free and easily-accessible format.
GreeneCountyNewsOnline isn’t just free to readers. It’s free of ads in the middle of news stories and distracting stories that have nothing to do with Greene County or people who live here. It’s free of advertising that encourages us to spend our money shopping online with companies that have no positive impact on our community.
The flip side of all the free-ness is that it’s because of a conscious decision to forego the revenue that comes with hosting outside stories and advertising. I set out to create a clean, efficient news site, and I think I’ve accomplished that. I’ve declined offers from outside agencies that would have provided an easy revenue stream.
So here’s the pitch: To assure the long-term viability of GCNO, first, please support businesses that advertise on GCNO and encourage other businesses to get on board. Advertising on GCNO reaches a wide market and is very reasonably priced.
Second, scroll down the ad rail and click on the “Donate” button to make a donation to GCNO. Or, mail a donation to PO Box 343, Jefferson, IA 50129. Reader donations provide welcome financial support and affirmation that I’m providing a worthwhile service.
Here’s the added incentive: Now through the end of January, all reader donations will be acknowledged with a 2019 desk calendar featuring pictures of favorite events and places in Greene County. The calendar is a convenient size and is a good reminder to check GreeneCountyNewsOnline often, not only on Wednesday Newsday and Good News Sunday, but every day of the week.
I hope all your news is good news in the year ahead. ~Tori Riley, publisher
