The READER celebrates one year

It’s hard to imagine that one year ago this week, Cameron and I were scrambling together the return issue of the Sandpoint Reader. Seriously, how is it possible an entire year has flown by? While we try not to toot our own horns around here too much, we thought we’d share with you what we learned our first year being back in publication, what our most and least favorite moments have been and perhaps make some predictions for the future. Thanks for a great year, everyone! -Ben Olson

What have you learned in the first year being back in publication?

BEN OLSON:

I’ve learned that print media is far from being dead. There were quite a few people who scoffed when I shared my plans to bring the Reader back in 2015. Granted, we live in a digital world, but that doesn’t mean the printed word must die.

When I planned the first issue a year ago, we were hoping to sell enough ads to fill a 12-page paper. During the first week, thanks to the help of salesperson Jen Landis, we sold too many ads to fit and had to expand the paper to 16 pages. As far as omens go, that was a good way to start off.

Since that first issue, we’ve grown in many ways. We are now at 20 pages, which is a good fighting weight for us to be at. While we started with a 3,000 copy circulation, we are now currently printing 3,700 copies every week and we still run out at certain locations. The website has been up and running and has been a great addition to our print edition. Our Facebook page has gained 1,200 likes since last year, and we are increasingly using social media to share our news stories with you as soon as we get them.

CAMERON RASMUSSON:

Having cut my teeth in a daily news environment, adjusting to a weekly work schedule was an interesting challenge. In some ways, it’s a more forgiving and flexible format, but it brings unique challenges along with it.

Sitting in the editor’s chair after years of beat reporting was another tricky prospect. I feel I’ve grown along with the paper to some degree, but I hope to refine my abilities as we tackle another year here in Sandpoint.

What has been your favorite moment working for the Reader?

BEN:

The Cape Horn fire near Bayview sticks out in my mind as a high point in my reportage last year. There were very few photographs released from inside the fire zone at the time, and what photos that were published usually were shot with a low quality phone camera or otherwise lacked in quality.

I was able to get a tour through the burn zone with a media relations agent and spent the day photographing fire damage, meeting with firefighters and learning first hand some of the difficulties involved with their jobs. It was a very rewarding experience, and the posts went viral, reaching over 70,000 people that week.

CAMERON:

I was pleased with the work we did on the refugee controversy. No matter where you stand on the issue, I think most can agree it’s helpful to put a human face on it. The former refugees we talked to illustrated the vast diversity among those whose lives have been disrupted by violence and destruction.

What has been your least favorite moment working for the Reader?

BEN:

One thing to always remember is that you can’t please everyone. While we try to give a wide variety of content for people to read, there will always be the haters. I saw the haters in action during Mayor Rognstad’s campaign against Mose Dunkel, when people were aiming all sorts of ugly accusations our way. One incredulous remark said we were part of some sort of liberal conspiracy that spanned several states. Others were hauling out ancient monikers like “yellow journalist.” And, just recently, I was the lucky recipient of a hateful phone call full of veiled threats and intolerant opinions. Such is life for a small town journalist.

CAMERON:

I’d probably echo Ben’s comments about some of the uglier comments we’ve received. We try to put forward a good faith effort to engage multiple viewpoints, so it’s a pity that doesn’t reach some people. Then again, you can’t productively engage people who’d rather scream than converse.

Do you have any hopes or predictions for where the Reader will be at the end of 2016?

BEN:

We’ll be right here, doing what we do. I’m hoping that we can increase the page count to 24 so that we can sell more ads and Cameron and I can start paying ourselves a decent wage. I’m also hoping to bring on another employee to take some of the workload from us, as it’s always a daunting task putting another paper together every week. I wouldn’t want to do anything else, and I’m eternally grateful for those who have helped the Reader become a standard in Sandpoint.

CAMERON:

Well, 2015 was a landmark year in many ways, and as far as I can see, 2016 stands to be even wilder. I can already tell we’ll have no shortage of stories to work on, and I hope we’ll rise to the challenges they’ll present. For now, however, I’m content to be doing what I love in a town I love.