When watching a series on Netflix, the program will automatically roll over to start the next episode when the episode you are watching is finished. This will continue to happen up to a point when you will get a pop up on your screen that asks, “Are you still watching?”
As I continue to churn out a column every week, I occasionally have a similar question. Are people still reading my column or am I just playing to a sleeping audience?
A friend recently told me that someone told him my column is too long. I asked for his opinion, and he said, “Most folks may find it a bit tedious to finish your column. Content has been accurate and thorough but more than most want to know.” I appreciate the honesty.
Why Am I Doing This?
Since I rarely hear from anyone else that reads my column, these opinions may be having an outsized influence on my thinking, but it has motivated me to step back and reconsider why I’m doing this. I may be telling people more than they want to know, but my intent is to tell people what I think they need to know.
To research the facts for my columns I read significantly more material than the length of my column. I then boil this down to a condensed version of the information I find. I have tried to keep my columns to less than 1000 words and usually spend 4-5 hours for each column.
I have been volunteering to write this column because I want to help to keep our local newspaper relevant. Some people have observed that the quality of the publication was better in the past. I too have concerns occasionally about the accuracy of the news stories that are published, but I hope that this will improve.
Taking a Break
For more than two years I have faithfully produced a weekly column. After 116 consecutive columns, I need a break. I have notified the Triplicate of my intention to step back and provide space for another writer to step up. Next week will be my last column for a while.
If you are interested in writing a column for the Triplicate, please contact Joe Warren, Publisher and Corporate Executive Editor for Country Media, Inc at jwarren@countrymedia.net. The Triplicate has been very easy to work with and I appreciate the opportunity they have given me to express my opinions.
For comparison to my prior columns this column is about 500 words.
Last Gratuitous Plug
If you know a student interested in submitting for the Art of Democracy contest, they can get an application packet at the Democrat Office - 285 L Street, Crescent City (11 AM to 3 PM Thursday, Friday, Saturday). Prizes: $750 first, $500 second, $250 third. Deadline: 2 PM Saturday, June 15.
Kevin Hendrick is a 31-year resident of Del Norte County. kevinjameshendrick@gmail.com
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