Dear valued readers and contributors,
I wanted to inform you that the Ledger will take a short break from printing for the next week or two to make some important adjustments. During this time, you can find the paper for free on our Facebook page. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work on improving our publication to better serve the Star City community. We’ll be focusing on improving our content, making changes to our advertising approach, and upgrading our digital platforms to provide you with a more valuable and engaging experience. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to returning with a better publication.
I’d like to explain the reasons behind these changes. My main goal with this publication and platform is to help local businesses increase their revenue and foster a positive and opportunity-rich environment in our community. I believe that when local businesses thrive, it benefits the entire community. It’s crucial for these businesses to attract customers, create job opportunities, and contribute to tax revenues. Our entire community relies on these local businesses, and without them, our community would suffer greatly. As a publisher and member of this community, I am committed to finding the most effective way to provide value to these businesses at the lowest cost. Since the current model isn’t as effective as it once was, we need to make some changes. I also aim to bring a fresh perspective to the Ledger, incorporating more community-focused content and uplifting stories about the people and places in Star City. I hope to highlight the positive aspects of our town and celebrate the accomplishments of its residents.
In regards to the other changes I’ve made at the Ledger such as removing the jail log and police reports. I will always aim to create content that resonates with people, but I refuse to use my platform to shame or ridicule anyone or their hardships. Whether it’s a DUI arrest or a detailed account of a private conflict, those matters should remain within the confines of the home. To be frank, if I were to reveal everything I know, it would likely cause considerable embarrassment and even lead to criminal prosecution for some individuals. However, I have no interest in engaging in or promoting such negative activities or conversations. In all honesty, I’m reluctant to publish obituaries because I don’t want to profit from someone else’s loss. It just doesn’t sit well with me.
Another reason for these changes is that since returning to Star City, I’ve heard the same complaint repeatedly: “There’s nothing to do here, there’s nothing for kids.” But that’s simply not true! Numerous groups and organizations are starting and providing activities, but the problem is that the message isn’t getting through because there’s no central source of information. That’s why I’ve dedicated every available inch of the newspaper to sharing these events and promoting the hardworking people and groups who tirelessly contribute to the community.
Newspapers and magazines serve two main purposes: they provide valuable content for readers and a platform for advertisers. Local businesses, in particular, depend on them to promote their services to the local community. Most of these businesses operate locally and do not have an online presence or deliver their products. As a result, it is extremely challenging for them to reach potential customers and inform the public about their services, products, or events.
While Facebook has its uses, it is just not reliable enough to depend on it solely for reaching people who are likely to spend money at a local business. For example, I have made a point of liking and befriending every local business page I come across, and ensure to like every relevant post I see from these businesses. However, I must admit that I haven’t come across enough of these posts to consider it a truly effective form of advertising. Additionally, when I do see posts about sales or events, it’s often a few days too late.
Looking to the future, we are exploring more digital options to provide vital information for free and offer more exposure for advertisers. We will also strive to provide affordable print media options with a longer shelf life as well. For businesses, the value of print media is still immeasurable compared to other available advertising and promotional options.
Wrapping this up for now, I genuinely want to express my profound gratitude to each and every one of you who have extended your unwavering support and made valuable contributions to the newspaper, as well as to me personally. Your heartfelt and encouraging messages have truly touched me in ways I cannot fully express. The outpouring of kindness and generosity from this community has been incredibly overwhelming, and I am deeply moved by the spirit of camaraderie and solidarity that I have witnessed. Your words have served as a source of immense inspiration, propelling me forward and reinforcing my passion for the work that I do. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to connect with such an incredible group of individuals and I look forward to continuing our journey together.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via message or email. If you or someone you know needs some extra exposure for a business or organization hit us up! We’re all about helping businesses and groups get out there and reach more people. Let us know, and we’ll see how we can lend a hand!
Thank you all for your continued support as we strive to make the Ledger the best it can be.
Much Love to you all,
Mistie K
‼️ Edited to add that we WILL still print and mail the Fair Catalog!!
And, that subscriptions will pick up where they left off.
