Ultimately, it will require your life

Just so you don't develop a lot of romantic notions about what it's really like to run your own little newspaper (or a big one, either) you need to know the truth.  A newspaper can kill you in many different ways.  If allowed to, it can do a lot to ruin your social life, your marriage, your enjoyment of writing, your view of local politics, your attitude toward people, your attitude toward public officials, your involvement with local sports, and so on.  It can transform you from a witty, self-aware person into a shabby looking, disgruntled transient at local functions, more to be pitied than appreciated.  And that's if it doesn't destroy you financially first.

So why do it?  Well, it has it's own rewards. 

You get to brag on all the previously unknown people who are really doing something worthwhile.  You get to say almost anything you want.  You get to provide your readers with truly useful information, a few chuckles, a little encouragement, maybe even some wisdom.  You get to publish pictures of the unknown kids who won math contests or who have survived leukemia right along side of the local football heroes.   You get to meet lots and lots and lots of interesting people, and you can become a tiny servant of justice by giving the local, everyday people a voice in their own community.  The lasting rewards cannot be compared to any apparent sacrifice.

Overcoming Software Costs (and other obstacles):

If you don't already own the software listed above, you'll need to buy it.  If you don't have much money for such things, don't despair.  Be creative.  Be determined.  Stop and look over the options.  In all things be honest.  We tend to reap what we sow.

First of all, make sure publishing is something you really want to do.  If this is for you, then you'll need certain tools and equipment.  Don't toss out dreams because they may seem, in any given moment, to be impossible or unreachable.  Nothing is impossible or unreachable.  Great things happen every day.

Excellent software (both new and used) at discounted prices is not that hard to find.  First, you don't need to try and buy everything new.  You can often buy it used.  Adobe, for example, has a program for transferring software registration and license from one owner to another. 

Ebay can be a great place to shop for software AFTER you've done the homework (research) to know exactly what you want and need.  No matter where you buy used or discounted software, make sure you're buying exactly what you need.

Shop around.  Be patient.  Even in times when I had no extra cash, I've been able to buy the good computer equipment and software I needed by applying a little patience and creative thinking to the problem. 

Good Dreams are Worth the Effort

Take the time to plan, to research, and to build your dreams.  Be willing to work for them, to trade for them, to wait for them.  And always keep moving toward them, step by step. 

Without cash and capital?  So what?  Did Donald Trump give up when he was broke? No. So why should you?  Genuine wealth is not what a person has in the bank or in his/her pocket, but what's found in the heart.  If you have it inside of you to do something worthwhile in life, you'll always find the way.

Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth.  Not everyone has been so fortunate or wise in business as to stash away lots of cash (or build up lots of good credit) for the days when they might begin a new venture.  In fact, some of the greatest fortunes ever built were started by guys with nothing at all but a desire.

Dream your dreams and take the steps you need to take in order to get there.