Now comes Village Chronicles seemingly doing the same thing. Is this the same thing or different? Here are the similarities:
-Both papers served Warrenville exclusively.
-Both papers were staffed by volunteers with the exception of the technical layout and distribution persons, both part-time and well below prevailing wage rates.
-The volunteer staff is essentially the same; publisher/owner retired and not involved.
-Both papers suffer/suffered from low advertising participation.
Here are the dissimilarities:
-One paper died for lack of advertising support.
-One paper closed due to retirement of its publisher.
-Village Chronicles is still in business.
-Village Chronicles is not owned by anybody; all-volunteer management focuses on community needs.
-Village Chronicles is intent on staying in business and can do that with citizen donations -Village Chronicles does not endorse political candidates; we do cover the issues and candidate positions on issues.
-Village Chronicles is dedicated to educating the public on issues that matter for the common good of the community.
-Village Chronicles is non-profit by intent and transparently operated for all to see.
We understand most newspapers in the country are in deep financial trouble. So are we; but the need for a community-based newspaper is essential for local community health and prosperity. No external newspaper cares to cover all the details of our town; we do and are close enough to the local culture to know and report those details.
Modern journalism will grow its reliance on the internet for distribution of news. So will we. Visit our website at www.VillageChronicles.net. It was born on the first day of the newspaper. Visit the site daily for your local news every day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We update the site with breaking news and announcements. With enough traffic volume we will be able to sell ad space (both still and video!). Those revenues will subsidize the print editions of the newspaper.
Most change is a challenge. Not all change is bad. But it takes commitment and hard work to make the most of change. Please help the community by ensuring the newspaper continues to serve it. Support it with announcements, news tips, ads and donations. But for the long term, support and use the website. That is the future. Tell your friends and family about the website if they want news about Warrenville. It will be there for all to see and use.
It is no secret—the newspaper needs you. But we also need each other.
