There`s an old adage that says: "Always write to amuse yourself. That way, at least one person is happy". The same goes for pretty much everything else in life. And if you`re happy enough, you can usually persuade everyone else that the livin` is good too.
Readers will have recently read of my appointment as Managing Editor of the Cedar Key News. The job description for this post requires that I will be responsible to the Board of Directors for a range of administrative activities and, as needed, soliciting copy and writing editorials and articles. Now writing is a task that turns some people off completely, but thrills others who can produce a slew of erudite words on any given topic at the drop of a hat. My efforts thus far have been confined to some idle jottings that aim to point up some of the events in my life, and which hopefully might throw just a little light on the world seen in the context of Cedar Key. But things may now need to get a little more serious as a well-wisher(?) has given me a copy of "Journalism Today", a book that is devoted to the essentials of journalism, ie to report the news fairly, accurately and well. The book touches on many aspects of journalism, including its role and responsibilities, writing stories and the technology available; these topics have of course been discussed for many years, and wise men have made profound pronouncements on the subject that cannot possibly be bettered here. For the high-minded, for example, there is Geoffrey Ward`s remark that "Journalism is merely history`s first draft", which counterpoints the cynical "The only qualities essential for real success in journalism are rat-like cunning, a plausible manner, and a little literary ability" from Nicholas Tomalin. Then, somewhere in between, the practical Donald Ferguson tells us "Journalism is unlike any other craft. It most closely resembles show business. There"s an undeniable amount of ego in journalism, and an equally undeniable element of self-sacrifice. Performers know the show must go on. Journalists know the paper has to come out on time." So, for the new kid on the block, what is the best way to understand the current status of the Cedar Key News and its readers, and their problems and prospects for the future? Here I am blessed with Editorials and Letters From the Editor written by Jim Hoy from the start of his tenure as Managing Editor in 2002 until his retirement as of May 31 this year. I can do no better than quote from Jim`s personal statement of May 18 "--- along with co-founders Rod McGalliard and Robin McClary, I believed that Cedar Key needed an independent and timely source of local news. We began as an online newspaper and soon evolved into a biweekly print newspaper. We have offered an open exchange of opinion, and, as our masthead so grandly states, provide `News, of the people, by the people, for the people.`" The fact that Jim, the members and the board members of the Cedar Key News have truly lived up to this credo is, I believe, evidenced by the hundreds of visits to our website each day; the website is updated daily and has two or three new stories each day. I think that a further quote is in order as it goes to the heart of what our team is here for (this is from an Editorial dated February 23, 2006): "Our goals at Cedar Key News are to report what is about to happen, what does happen and what people think about important public issues. To report what is about to happen we rely on having agendas schedules and announcements sent to us by organizations and clubs. Reporting what actually happens is our primary responsibility as a newspaper, whether online or in print. But providing a platform for community members who want to express a position as truly concerned citizens is also our responsibility." In conclusion, we positively welcome letters to the editor, and do on occasion invite guest editorials which can address local and world problems. (I know that sometimes my readers may be brutal, and red-line what I thought was one of my best descriptive passages. But once past the initial hurt I realize that the honesty of the feedback is invaluable - probably I really do need to know important stuff like which brand of trainers is cool now and which brand has just stopped being cool!) So please help our independent, local and accountable newspaper to prosper. We`re not necessarily talking Pulitzers here - although, thinking about it -------
Colin Dale |
