Right in the Centre Ken Waddell

near the top of the heap for local news, ads and commentary. Newspapers are sadly missed when they disappear, just ask the 20 communities in Manitoba that have lost their papers in the past five years.

One very notable difference in comparing papers today with papers from the past is that the ads were much bigger and more creative. Admittedly, some the claims in the ads were outlandish and quite unbelievable. Also unlike today, there were very large ads for cigarettes and some cigarette companies even claimed to improve your health.

Because “building an ad” was quite expensive and labour intensive, ads were used over and over again. We still have a few of those old ads, cast in lead or an early version of plastic. They were nailed to a wooden block to be placed in a frame to go on the printing press.

A review of early history, and then a review of more recent history, clearly shows that the newspaper is still has an important role to fill. King is too lofty a title but leader might be an apt description.

I think people understand that a good newspaper has to be a leader in local news, advertising and opinion pieces. But there’s a catch. Newspaper staff can’t be everywhere, all the time. The local newspapers that are left, cover many communities stretched out over many miles. Everybody knows the cost of gas and labour so it’s no surprise that a newspaper’s staff can’t be everywhere all the time.

The good news is that it has never been easier to submit news, photos, ads and opinion pieces to the local paper. Email is a Godsend. Great stuff can be posted on Facebook for example but few Facebook posts have the reach of the local paper. Facebook contacts run in the dozens or occasionally hundreds. Most local community papers reach thousands. If a local paper circulates 2,000 papers, the industry standard is 2.3 people reached per paper printed.

Papers have changed, electronic media has its place but the newspaper is still the information foundation. That said, everyone has to help strengthen that foundation.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and are not to be taken as being the view of the Banner & Press staff.

There are been a couple of conversations this past week that make me think that I am flying under false colours. The first one was triggered by my response to the standard question- ‘how are you?’. My answer is usually- ‘I am well, tried being good, and that doesn’t work for me!’. The individual to whom I made this half in jest remark, raised her eyebrows and commented that she couldn’t imagine being anything but good. And this from a woman I love and respect! I have learned, mostly, to bite my tongue rather than regret my words, and no regrets on learning that skill. Much of my learning has come from hard lessons. Way back in high school my classmates heeded my ill advice – feeling that being robbed of a promised spare class to get caught up in English, in late May, merited a boycott, everyone complied, and our beloved teacher recognised what was going on and left the classroom. What hurt most, was that when I apologised, he shrugged and simply stated that he knew it was me behind it….Ouch. Step-parenting certainly reinforced the need and reason to guard my words and actions, again a lesson I treasure even today.

Then, a few days later, in respond to much the same social question, my reply- ‘nothing to complain about!’, again furthered conversation. This, too, occurred with people who know me socially. I assure you that I can whine and complain! There are a trusted few who are my vents, and two of them live out of province so venting with them is safe! They know me well and love me anyway! Here, too, I have learned that complaining is usually an exercise in futility. When I project negative energy into my sphere, I become negative. That doesn’t mean I/we can’t voice an opinion, in public or private, that encourages change. I use my pen carefully but letters to the editor can bring results! As I look at the world around me, I am so blessed; I have enough and to share, or goods, time and energy. What more could I possibly desire?

Am I coasting on easy street? Sometimes. Do I bear scars? Absolutely. Have I learned from my mistakes? I hope to God I have! Part of my chosen, public, journey is this column, and my public speaking. I try always to be open and honest, seldom graphic and dramatic. There was another conversation this week that moved me deeply. Someone expressed their appreciation for me telling of parts of my life story, for in identifying with me, they drew strength and courage for their ‘each day’. That is one of the nicest compliments one can receive.

There, the truth is I still struggle with being good, and I still strive to remain positive and I am still encouraged by encouragers. I’d say that pretty much sums up the majority of people I know. I do love a quick quip, and a sharp comeback, but, please, only at my own expense… Heck reviewing even that last few days and I didn’t succeed with that one! A saint I ain’t- yet!