Double digits.
From Monday to Wednesday this week, the number of people who started new subscriptions or returned after having previously canceled hit double digits.
Sometimes I think to myself, “No one’s really reading this column, it’s just more words on fire-starter,” and then you all go and do something that proves me wrong. Every single one of those new and returning subscribers — and several renewing subscribers — mentioned my column last week as their reason for calling.
Well, that’s encouraging. And humbling. Reminds me not to get too carried away with what I say.
But in all seriousness, thank you. To all of you new and returning subscribers who believe in what we’re doing and have decided to support us as we work to bring you the news you want to see, and to all of you longtime readers who stick with us, sincerely, from the bottom of my big ol’ heart, thank you. We can’t do this without you.
I do have an announcement that I think will be of interest to our supporters in our schools: For many years, the Quill participated in the nationwide Newspapers in Education program, offered here in Missouri through the Missouri Press Association. It was a program I loved dearly, having a background in education myself, and served to connect students with the world around them through the lens of local news and helping them build media literacy skills needed to fight against misinformation and improper use of artificial intelligence.
While the Quill has continued to support the development of media literacy through classroom subscriptions, we’ve heard from teachers that the NIE content, which was specifically designed to engage students, is missed.
And frankly, I miss it, too. I thought that material was fun and engaging and I never tire of reading the biographies of famous Missourians, or learning about the roles ladybugs play in agriculture.
So it makes sense, especially in light of your renewed support as a community and continued growth in engagement, that we bring it back. And that’s just what we’ll do.
Starting in August, just in time for the new school year, we will begin printing NIE material for teachers to use in their classrooms, and we mean all teachers. Whether you teach in a public school, private school, a homeschooling co-op, or even if you’re a parent looking for a fun way to engage with your children, we’re doing this for you.
Rather, I should say, we’re doing this for the kids. It is so important to me — and all of us here at the Quill — that we do our part to help equip the next generation with the tools they need to be informed, engaged citizens who use their talents and gifts to contribute to their community.
In my column last week, we talked about the price of the paper, and the value it offers. This is that. When you invest in us with your subscriptions and advertising, you’re not just helping us pay for paper and ink and delivery and all those pieces we discussed. You’re making it possible for us to uphold our commitment to serving the community.
But as you know, we’re still looking for your feedback. We launched a survey last week, and I’m pleased as punch that the results are coming in (also in the double digits) and the responses are thought-provoking so far. Some of you are being very generous with your praise (you’re too kind, thank you), and some of you have some real legitimate concerns and critiques, and I appreciate all of it.
But we have a lot more readers than two digits can represent. We’re still gonna need some more input.
The survey is up until Aug. 16, so please, scan the QR code and fill out the survey. Make sure your coworkers, parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles do it, too.
And, actually.
Do me a real big solid, would you, could you?
If you know anyone under the age of 35 — kids included — please have them fill out the survey, too. Even if they aren’t regular readers, they can tell us what they want to see, and we don’t have their insights yet. We’ll need them.
