|
Year-end
report gives idea|
of what Forum seeks to do
By
Elliott Brack
editor and publisher
GwinnettForum.com
DEC. 27, 2001 -- Since this is the year-end GwinnettForum,
you might be interested in what I have learned in publishing the
Forum since April.
First, the acceptance of this new electronic media has been overwhelming.
People respond to it, sometimes very quickly. They give "feedback"
often and speedily. And they put different spins on everyday events,
getting distinct viewpoints aired.
Secondly, what we've attempted is not to aim for the larger population,
but to a select group of people. We emphasize key issues for the
Gwinnett community. Our Gwinnett readers do not always see themselves
as a group, yet are often the key leaders in the entire county,
people you want to reach with challenging ideas.
Third, it appears that the Forum has generated a certain
credibility, since readers say they don't see it as a rumor-mongering
site, nor a mere chat room where any one can say anything without
attribution. As one guy said to us: "I feel comfortable reading
it, since you are not working from an agenda, and I know I can read
it with confidence."
There's another aspect to mention. Often news media promote "exclusive"
stories, sometimes seen by readers as over promotion. And the ironic
aspect is that almost immediately, a competitive news service will
hop onto the story, since news is such a timely and almost non-exclusive
business.
Yet any media, GwinnettForum included, can have first-time
or "exclusive" commentary by contributors or its editor.
Later you can see stories in other local media after being first
brought to light in the GwinnettForum.
Recent examples are a story on Carol Hassell, the Barr-Linder tussle,
and even a story on Highway 316, after all first appeared in the
Forum. Another aspect which generated a lot of interest was "Pet
Peeves," which set off quite a flurry of response back during
the summer. And lots of you put words on paper about the events
of Sept. 11. You helped us all with your comments.
This distinctive Forum commentary could not be possible
without the financial support of certain businesses in the county.
While it is not as expensive as buying newsprint, we still must
pay the office rent and computer service to generate this site.
These sponsors have contributed up to $2,000 each to see this "public
community forum" maintained, much like people contribute to
fund public radio or public television. If you bump into any of
our listed supporters, thank them for their support. It's not possible
without them.
(By the way, we want a broad base of financial support of many
contributors for this Forum, so that we can maintain our
independence. For the record, we will not accept more than $5,000
from any one source, though so far, no one has offered more. But
we would like to be tempted. Hint. Hint.)
More than anything else, the Forum presents an opportunity
for people to spread ideas, to help present priorities, to focus
on what is important in this vibrant, dynamic and becoming-more-complicated
county. We thank all of you for reading, for contributing ideas,
and for extending the word about this distinctive new approach.
We look forward to hearing more of your good ideas, and spreading
them around to other leaders of the county.
FEEDBACK
12/27: Wants to see David Shafer in office in Legislature
Editor, the Forum:
I was glad to see your item on David Shafer running for political
office. I have known David for years and respect him greatly. He
has the leadership ability that Gwinnett County needs in the General
Assembly. I am joining the United States Marine Corps and will begin
Officer Candidate School in June. Until I ship out, I have volunteered
to help David full time for the next six months. He is the kind
of person that we need in public office.
-- Daryl Moody, Alpharetta
12/27: Enjoys comment
about Community Foundation
Editor, the Forum:
I enjoyed Sunny Ramsay's article on year-end giving. I've had the
Cody Fund at Gwinnett Community Foundation for several years and
it truly had drawn a lot of interest since it is somewhat a unique
fund. The Gwinnett Community Foundation has done so much for so
many and is such a worthwhile organization. And they have such a
great staff that really cares.
-- Kathy Gestar (used to be Stromberg!!), Lilburn
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
About What New Year's Is About
"Mrs. Finney: 'Can't we have some peace in this house, even
on New Year's Eve?'
"Sadie: 'You got it mixed up with Christmas. New Year's Eve
is when people go back to killing each other.'"
---- Joseph L. Mankiewicz, U.S. director, screenwriter.
A Letter To Three Wives, 1949.
SEND YOUR FEEDBACK
Send your thoughts, pet peeves or comments on any
issue to Gwinnett Forum
for future publication.
-- 30 --
|
