Of course, then after each of these events it takes time to compose a blog post. It was an exhausting week!
I also discovered this week that a new outlet has been launched, The Alternative Press. On its web site I found an interesting article about hyperlocal news sources by Jeff Jarvis. Jarvis has set himself the task of teaching journalists how to launch such sites, with an emphasis on making them viable as revenue sources. Plaintalker has the advantage (or disadvantage) of not making much effort to monetize the blog (except for the "Donate" button at the bottom) because it is largely a personal interest of mine to get out some municipal government and economic development news that happens below the radar of other outlets.
My reward is mostly knowing that I have provided information to the residents of Plainfield that may inspire them to take action, whether it is to challenge their elected representatives to do a better job or to support local businesses and cultural activities. I also like to share what's going on in my back yard in the middle of this urban center.
I see by the numbers that a lot of you were paying attention to the blog last week and I hope you find it interesting in weeks to come as well.
--Bernice
Your blog is the first one I look at, Bernice. And for me, it is not just a blog, but a news source. You should know that when the conversations turn to blogs, yours is the one that is always spoken of in terms of credibility, and the one most anxiously awaited in the morning. It's like the morning paper.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all the time you put in. I know it takes up much of your time, but please know that it is greatly appreciated.
A day without Bernice's Blog is like a day without sunshine.
I echo the sentiments of Anonymous @7:59 a.m. We can always rely on your blog being devoid of hyperbole and political grandstanding. Facts are reported as facts, and opinions are clearly stated. We appreciate the work that you do.
ReplyDeleteI agree! You are a journalist, not a propagandist, and we don't have enough journalists!
ReplyDeleteBernice, have you considered affiliate links? I believe the Plainfield Library does something with Amazon, where if someone clicks thru from their site to Amazon, the PPL gets a percentage of the sale. When we had our yoga and Pilates studio, I had affiliate links with Sweaty Bands, the best headbands ever (says the girl with the crazy curly hair).
ReplyDeleteAnd I, too, would agree that your blog is one of the first things I read in the morning... and for that matter, throughout the day, depending upon what's going on around town. Keep up the good work!
No question, your blog is the MUST.Factual, no hearsay, no bias, it is the work of a true reporter. Then if the reader has time, I hope he/she may read my sometimes opinionated blog.
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