So after almost two years, my publishers have fortuitously not yet decided they regret welcoming me aboard.
“I gotta be doing something right!” I keep telling myself whenever chasing off doubts ahead of looming weekly deadlines.
But for a journalist, getting a passing grade from an employer represents a part of a larger equation that is only completed by one critically important variable — readership.
A writer's goal is generally to not only reach but especially captivate a reader. Depending on the intent, perhaps also to inform or engage that individual to consider another perspective — opening one's mind to different philosophies or points of views does not mean having to subscribe to them.
However, without readers, a writer might as well retire, scribbling in a diary, or perhaps just simply start conversing with a wall and save the effort.
While I occasionally hear during my travels around the community supportive and positive feedback, there naturally are going to be some who disagree with certain positions I present in my commentaries. Sort of comes with the territory when you're a leftist with democratic socialist tendencies in a province that was governed by a conservative party for decades!
So every time I hear someone walk into our office or call to renew his or her subscription, part of me celebrates — even more so when it's a new subscription. After all, the Round Up would not exist without the continued interest of our readers.
I honestly don't know who to thank more — readers whose input encourages me to continue writing columns about issues that range from local to global concerns, or those who despite disagreeing with just about every word I write nevertheless read my spiel through until the end. There is even the rare instance when the latter actually find themselves surprised to stand on common ground!
Of course conjuring up opinion columns and editorials for the comment page encompasses but a portion of the Round Up's weekly output.
I've said this before and I'll say it again, don't ever let anyone tell you nothing happens in small towns — Sundre certainly shatters the stereotype! From official proceedings such as municipal government to community news, like events, local sports as well as features on the lives of local residents, keeping up can sometimes feel like a delicate juggling act.
Nevertheless, the opportunity to provide the community with a chronology of its history as it happens truly is a privilege.
Provided my publishers — and of course you, our readers — remain interested in my work, I sincerely look forward to many more years serving Sundre, which I'm proud to call home.
