The Beachcomber is a community newspaper, and as such, it’s a place for all kinds of local news. Most of what one finds in the paper is written by our staff — Natalie Johnson, Susan Riemer, Elizabeth Shepherd and myself — reporters who craft news stories based on the journalistic principles that govern most newspapers these days.
But we also have room for community members to weigh in — and indeed we welcome contributions. Our staff couldn’t produce this paper week in and week out without the support of the community.
How do Islanders participate? The most obvious way is by writing letters to the editor. Remember: No more than 300 words and no more than one letter a month. Email them to me at editor@vashonbeachcomber.com.
Every week, we also have two to three pages of commentary — first-person opinion pieces written by Islanders who are not on our staff and do not get paid for these contributions. The operative word here is “opinion.” These commentaries are sometimes provocative; the opinions belong to the writer, not The Beach-comber staff; and often, they provide a give and take, a way for the community to engage in broadly shared discussions and debates about Island issues. A case in point: Vashon Allied Arts’ proposed new performance center, where we’ve had people on both sides of the issue write in-depth, personal commentaries.
Occasionally, Islanders active in the community will write short news items that appear under the “Scene & Heard” photo. Joan Sells, for instance, has written an occasional news item about the community council. Verna Everitt has written about an upcoming event at the historical museum.
Speaking of “Scene & Heard,” that’s another way Islanders can participate. Our staff can’t make it to every noteworthy event. But perhaps someone there — at a retirement party or a community fundraiser — snapped a good photo. Send it in with a thorough description of the event. We’ll do our best to get it in the paper.
Our weekly calendar is, of course, open to the community. Indeed, nearly everything in it is sent to us by community members. Send those items to Susan Riemer.
We also have a lively couple of pages devoted to the arts each week. Elizabeth Shepherd, the paper’s arts editor, is your go-to person. Let her know about your upcoming event on Vashon. Be clear and concise. If it’s truly an arts event, she’ll include it.
We also like to hear about special honors or awards for our FYI page. Send those to Natalie Johnson.
We don’t put news items in the paper exactly as they come to us. We usually rewrite them, using our journalistic voice or style, so as to give the paper some consistency and clarity. But please don’t let that dissuade you. We want to hear from you. We want your voice in the paper. And more likely than not, there’s room for you, should you care to weigh in.
So make it a resolution for 2012. Engage with your local paper and have a voice in the community.
— Leslie Brown is the editor of The Beachcomber.
How to contact The Beachcomber
The main number is 463-9195. There are no personal extensions.
• Leslie Brown is at editor@vashonbeachcomber.com.
• Natalie Johnson is at reporter@vashonbeachcomber.com.
• Susan Riemer is at susan@vashonbeachcomber.com.
• Elizabeth Shepherd is at arts@vashonbeachcomber.com.
Interested in an ad? Email publisher@vashonbeachcomber.com.
As for deadlines, remember it’s noon Thursday for the calendar or the arts page and noon Friday for a letter to the editor.
Contact us! We want to hear from you.
