This article contains opinions and/or editorial content.
It’s been over a week since I’ve written an article for the Chronicle. This wasn’t something I planned, nor was it because there’s nothing to write about. I just… couldn’t… write.
The Constant Service of the Antique World
Tuesday marked 8 months since I published the first article in the Chronicle–and op-ed explaining “Why We’re Here“. I created the Chronicle because I heard people expressing their disappointment and dissatisfaction with the Enterprise. Since that first article, I have had a few public figures chafe at how I’ve reported on them or what I said in op-eds–but I’ve heard nothing but praise from readers.
Take a moment to think about that. In 8 months, I haven’t heard a single complaint. I’ve heard nothing but compliments. We Lodians are blunt (I love that about us), and not given to false praise.
The fact that I’ve only heard praise–that people stop me in the store and on the street just to tell me that they appreciate what I’m doing–is humbling.
The knowledge that what I’ve written has changed how our government and institutions approach the public is amazing.
The amount of outreach and contribution from the community is inspiring.
Who Would Fardels Bear?
That be as it may: The Chronicle is a net-loss for me. It costs more money than I have made1I have only had two paying advertisers. That paid for five months of “keeping the doors open”. I have spent twice that to purchase professional services to make the Chronicle a better publication.. And I’m working for free.
That’s a weight I’m willing to shoulder.
If you want the Chronicle to continue–and to grow–I need more. If you like what we’re doing, step up.
The Lodi Valley Chronicle–as long as it is published–will remain free to read. No one should have to pay for news. But no one should be expected to provide that news for free.
They Do Not Love…
…that do not show their love2All of the headings in this article are Shakespeare quotes..
- If you’re a business owner, buy an ad. If you don’t need to advertise your business, buy an ad to support someone else: Support a school organization. Promote a charity. Congratulate a local hero.
- If you’re an individual, donate to the “Cub Cadet Fund”. Every penny of this goes to Lodi students who are interested in writing for the Chronicle.
- Contribute to the general fund. This money goes to residents who contribute articles or photos. I don’t get paid for what I write, but I want to be able to pay others.
- Contribute information. Let me know about anything that’s going on. Give me the facts, and I’ll write the story.
- Let the schools know that you want to hear from students. From the beginning I have wanted to include student-written articles–especially about sports and other competitive groups.
- Share. Follow the Chronicle on social media and retweet articles. Share what we write so everyone can read it.
- Write. Report on government meetings, write articles about local happenings, become a columnist and provide insight, or just write letters to the editor.
If you believe that the Chronicle is worth keeping, support it. My old shoulders can only carry so much.
Editor-in-Chief
A Lodi native, Blaze attended the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay where he graduated with a degree in theatre technology & design. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world–including a 6-year stint in China. He has been a teacher, a writer, a designer, and is the founder of the Redleaf Consulting Group.
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