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Starting a newspaper
gives people plenty to do. But a few who've been
helped by this site take a moment to say thanks...
Grand Bend Ontario
Just wanted to write you a note and say thank you for
your website. As a journalist and photographer with 10 years
experience in radio, TV and community newspapers, last year I came
up with the idea to start my own newspaper to guarantee myself a
career in this dwindling market. The idea for Grand Bend Strip
(http://www.grandbendstrip.com)
was born.
I kept the idea a secret from my co-workers, but
referenced your website for a load of information — I read every
page over and over.
Nine months later I was able to quit my job and take
the plunge. With my journalistic skills and your business advice, I
have become the market leader within three months of running the
newspaper. I will soon get national advertising and hopefully be
able to hire a reporter or sales person by next spring.
Grand Bend is a seasonal tourist town just north of
Detroit on the Canadian side, and my newspaper is focused on
entertainment and lifestyle in the area. People love it and
the format works.
Having the experience I have is essential, so I
advise anyone thinking of running their own newspaper to understand
how journalism works and that good photos should always be front and
centre and large.
(By the way, The Strip is slang for the main street
in Grand Bend, but I use the double meaning to my advantage — it's
an edgy paper with no political bias).
Casey Lessard, Publisher/Editor
Grand Bend Strip community newspaper
Active Service, Home & Abroad
Greetings from sunny Kuwait. My wife and I are
looking at taking over a small paper in North Carolina. It's a free
weekly with about 10-11k in distribution. My wife
already works there and writes about 75% of the content.
The paper has been around for 12 years and is well established.
Serving here in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom left me wanting
nothing more than to be in control. I am awaiting the
financial data from the current owners to see if it will work.
Thanks for the web-site, it's helping me out the gate.
SFC CC
Community Paper Needed
W. M. in Texas wrote to say:
I live in a small community in Texas. Currently they
do not have a newspaper, and I am very interested in starting one. I
previously did a quarterly newsletter for a small city, so I have a
little background. I've really enjoyed reading all the information
you have on your website, it has been very helpful.
Mobile Young Adults
Nicole of Mobile, Alabama says:
I have recently decided to begin my own weekly or bi-weekly
publication focused towards young adults (18-30). Which is still in
the works. I have learned quite a few things from your website,
newspaper-info.com, and I wanted to thank you for all the good
advice. It is hard to find good advice over the Internet these days
without having to purchase it. Thanks.
South Charleston
Spectator
David E. of Ohio writes:
I want to thank you for
your website and your willingness to share your hard earned
knowledge. The initial issue of the South Charleston
Spectator will hit the newsstand March 31. We are
successfully selling ads and subscriptions for our small town
weekly. Everyone we have talked to has been excited about our
village having a paper after being without one for 23 years.
Thanks again.
Launching Healthy Times
Brand new Publisher, Mike B. of California says:
Your copy of Healthy Times went out on the mail today. I can't say
how much I appreciate your encouragement. I've distributed over 9000
copies so far at around 300 locations...already getting calls from
business owners inquiring about advertising. Two readers have called
and asked for subscriptions....!
I have several columnists....12 advertisers, including a fitness
center that bought the back page (I was so stoked!). The first issue
hits the stands on 2/15...so I still have time to gather more
advertisers...it is actually happening...you have been extremely
helpful and I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU!
The People's Voice
I am emailing you because I was so
intrigued by your website. It is just what I've been looking for.
I want to thank you for building this wonderful website.
I am the founder/chairman/CEO of a non-profit foundation that was
just launched several months ago. One of the important things we did
this year (last month in July) is started an African-American Weekly
newspaper. We call our paper The People's Voice, and you can
see the online version of the paper at http://www.peoplesvoiceonline.com
Your website is exactly what I've been looking for! It was filled
with such valuable information.
Stay-at-Home Mom, Angie
N., writes...
Thank you so much for your info! You've been a huge help to me. I'm
a stay at home mom, and I am not really "qualified" to do anything
that would be worth me working outside of the home right now, but I
love writing, and the family and I love going out an looking for new
exciting things to do. So, what I am going to work on creating is
kind of like a paper to review places in this area and tell parents
what their kids would enjoy, and what to look for. Also, I would
like to review children's books, toys, and restaurants for their
food and "family friendliness."
I love the idea of doing this because initially I was thinking of
going in to business and actually renting and operating a space to
do so, but this is much more my speed right now. I am probably going
to take my time and get every thing in order, and come out with the
first issue right before Mother's Day, but I will send you one.
Thanks for your help!
High School Student,
Adam, says...
I am a Junior in High School and am
trying to start my own newspaper
at my school. The current one is censored almost completely by the
school administration so that it is used mainly for promoting how
"great" our school is. Right now I am working on layout for the
paper.
Thank you for all of the helpful instructions on your site.
Jerry & Debbie
Get Going
Several weeks ago my wife (Debbie) and I
stumbled across your website and were inspired. The small town
we live in has had a newspaper since the 1800's, it was locally
owned and operated until the 80's. Then it was sold to a man that
owns several papers in a large town, 35 miles away. Since then the
newspaper has slowly been moved to the large town, offices and all.
It's lost touch with this small community and rarely prints anything
of local interest.
So this is where we come in, due to the
inspiration your website has given us, we have been preparing to
start a new locally owned paper, with the focus on local events.
Debbie went out today to sell her first ad.
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