Dear Readers,
I hope this editorial finds you well. It is with a keen sense of the cherished relationship we hold with each one of you, that I take up the task of addressing a recent shift in our publication model at the West Plains Daily Quill. I'm aware that our move to publish e-Edition papers six days a week, alongside two physical prints, has come as a surprise to some. For this, I extend my sincere apologies. Communication, much like the news we deliver daily, can sometimes be a tricky business. While we had multiple stories announcing this change, it's become clear that not everyone received this message. For those of you who found yourselves puzzled on a recent Tuesday morning, staring at an empty doorstep, I express my heartfelt regret.
Here at the Quill, we are not just colleagues but a family; a family of dedicated professionals who are deeply rooted in the West Plains community. We love our town, its residents, its quirks, its stories. Whether it's covering local sports, reporting on town hall meetings, or celebrating our community's achievements, each one of us is committed to providing you, our valued readers, with the news that matters.
Each person on our team works tirelessly, striving to inform, entertain, and enlighten you every single day. We are your neighbors, your friends, your family members. Our primary goal has always been to serve you, not to mislead you. I can assure you, there is not a single person at the Quill who has any intention of betraying that trust. We consider it a privilege to be welcomed into your homes, through our words and stories, each and every day.
In saying that, let me be clear: I am always open to a conversation about reader concerns. In fact, it's this dialogue that helps us serve you better. We are committed to addressing your queries, resolving your issues, and continuously improving our service. I have always maintained that owning our mistakes is an integral part of our commitment to you.
However, over the past week, we've experienced some instances of name-calling and accusations of illegal activities directed at our staff. While we understand change can be hard, it should not be necessary to point out that such behavior is unacceptable. The West Plains Daily Quill is not a faceless entity. We are people. We are the same people you greet in grocery stores, cheer with at local sports events, and worship with on Sundays. To attack the Quill is, in essence, to attack your fellow community members.
This shift to e-Editions wasn't taken lightly. It was a carefully thought-out decision, aimed at modernizing our operations while making our content more accessible. We understand that this is a significant change, but please know it was done with the best intentions at heart: to keep up with a rapidly evolving industry and to continue serving you, our readers, in the best way we can.
Let me reassure you that the heart of the Quill remains unchanged. We will continue to do what we do best: deliver high-quality local news that speaks to the heartbeat of our beloved West Plains. Whether on paper or on your screens, we're committed to being your reliable source of news, as we have been for so many years.
To those of you who were taken by surprise, I extend my sincerest apologies. I invite you to connect with us, call, email, or even stop by our office. We would love to hear from you and assist in easing this transition. After all, we are here because of you, and for you. As we embark on this digital journey, we look forward to your companionship, feedback, and support, as we've been blessed to receive for so many years.
Thank you for being part of our journey so far, and for staying with us as we stride into this new chapter. Your trust, your engagement, and your continued support mean the world to us.
