Changing Formats

Let's admit it. Few of us like change, even the change in our pocket. If we dig for change in our favorite denim it often means we are worried about being short at the cashier, or adding more change to an already burdened pocket. Likewise, experiencing change is a task that causes stress and dread, even when the end goal is a positive.

Sometimes I'm not so different. “Hey, let's do...” And I'm mentally getting out my balance sheet comparing positives and negatives. Sometimes the final tally doesn't happen until after you've made a decision.

Example: a while back, a friend took a business venture full time. I overheard the comment of “what's the worst that can happen?”

“I know,” I answered. “Waking up five years later wishing you had tried.”

When I came to Sidney a little more than five years ago, I had no vision of becoming a publisher. I thought I had let go of my journalism career; not ended it, but saw it ending — a big difference. I guess God had other ideas.

Now I'm the one in a state of change. Change doesn't always send a formal request that meets your timeline, your demands, without question. Sometimes you have to step ahead in order to see the path in front of you. It is with excitement for the challenges, and fond memories of the accomplishments at the Sun-Telegraph, I announce I'm stepping down as publisher. This decision came with an unexpected opportunity, and as my comment to my young friend, I would rather do it than later wish I had.

We're not leaving the area. I have been offered to do a similar job on an electronic platform, in the Sidney area.

I do appreciate the support, and the criticism. A community paper needs reader input to judge how it is serving the public, and reflecting its values and needs.

I encourage the community to continue supporting the Sun-Telegraph through its transition. It has a long history in the area. This could be a time to bring back concepts of days past, and consider topics to take it into the future.