CFN – As I sit here in the very early hours of the last day of 2011 I’m looking back at what was an interesting ride. 2011 probably won’t go down as my favorite year. A lot of personal changes in life; becoming single again at my advanced age; moving, finding out how odd and weird humanity can get; and what friendship can really mean, and I think even how they put the goo in those Caramilk chocolate bars….
Many of you know we are under pressure to change the name of CFN to something non city centric like Seaway Today.
I am proud to announce that we are not changing our name. We are staying Cornwall Free News. Why you may ask? Good frikking question! Like any good business I have mentors and even consultants. The one constant for two years now has been our difficulty in getting sponsors from outside of Cornwall Ontario. You see even though Cornwall is on our masthead we really do cover issues that are far outside this fair city’s borders whether it be NHL scores and tid bits to International stories.
This week I wrote a story about the Port theatre turning 70 for example and the son of its founder saw it in Florida and left a comment.
When we go to other cities to do coverage or seek interviews people get confused at times and of course advertisers nearby ask why should they advertise on CFN when their business is in Brockville or Ottawa and they have local media. All valid questions and hurdles we’re trying to figure out; but that I have a hunch time can fix.
In March of this year we became the number one ranked News site in this region ahead of long time news sites like The Standard – Free Holder, Corus Radio owned The Cornwall Daily, and the Seaway News which nobody seems to want to read online.
It was Cornwall that truly made that happen. Also the immense support I received recently when certain slugs at City Hall took steps to not only make sure that our advertising from the city was cut; (all programs have not been renewed including for the first time the mayor and council not wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and our Arts & Culture Partnership) but that lies were spread about CFN such as that we’re unmoderated and “OFTEN” filled with profanity and vicious personal attacks.
Many of the nearly 8,000 of you who read us 25 or more times per month spoke up about those lies. I know Cornwall is my adopted home town as I celebrate my eighth year here, but there are still challenges to be faced. For one we have to make up the lost revenue from city advertising and we have to nearly triple our income to so that we can hire some staff and save some of the wear and tear on yours truly!
Luckily we have some new writers coming on board for 2012; from Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto. I’m still searching for a few from Brockville, Morrisburg, and parts all over. We also have a new contributing graphic Artist.
John Lister of Cornwall Ontario ( Webberman.ca and Fashionography.ca) has now done his second header banner for us.
Our motto for 2012 is “INTENSELY LOCAL” and that’s what we’re going to be especially if you, our valued viewers play your parts too!
Without your emails, comments and letters we wouldn’t have guidance as to what you like or don’t. You can always contact us at info@cornwallfreenews.com
We hope you all have a healthy and joyous New Years! May 2012 be your best year ever!
Jamie Gilcig – Editor
Happy New Year, Jamie, and congratulations. Per ardua as astra, as the saying goes. I believe you would have Stieg Larsson’s admiration.
Good Luck Jamie
A query though as is always my way…How can you hold a Motto “INTENSELY LOCAL”, While and I quote “When we go to other cities to do coverage or seek interviews people get confused at times and of course advertisers nearby ask why should they advertise on CFN when their business is in Brockville or Ottawa and they have local media. “
Happy 2012 Smee!
All the best in 2012 admin!!
This newspaper “rocks”!
I like the way it “rocks” things up to make one think about things.
It “rocks the boat” so to speak, to make us aware of the things that are hidden under the water line of the boat.
Good luck! (May the waves be big enough to expose more disclosure, so that we the readers are able to make decisions based on this disclosure.)