Certain issues are worth revisiting every so often more than others.
Due to input I’ve notice lately from Houston Herald readers (all of whom are highly valued), I thought I’d discuss a couple of things I’ve probably touched on before in this little corner of your local fish wrap.
STAYING IN TOUCH IS EASY
Every now and then, a comment will be posted on the Herald Facebook page (actually, more of a complaint) about how someone was a bit miffed at having missed an event in the community because they weren’t aware it was taking place. And that’s a shame – it’s too bad when someone misses out on an opportunity to witness or take part in something that interests them.
I think we at the Herald understand our duty to not only present information about what has happened, but to also get the word out – as much as possible – about what is going to happen.
The “as much as possible” part is key, because our cast of a thousand people (minus about 997) who might gather such information are unfortunately never, ever going to be aware of everything. That’s just not the nature of a newspaper; there’s always something that slips through the cracks.
But sometimes someone will lament missing out on something that has been well documented by the Herald prior to its occurrence. In turn, I simply suggest taking advantage of one or all the available avenues that collectively provide a very viable chance to stay in touch.
Obviously, there’s the printed version of the newspaper (award-winning, I might add).
Then there’s the constantly updated website (also award-winning, for those keeping score), the Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, cell phone text alerts (that are available for free to anyone), email, a daily electronic newsletter and even the good old telephone.
I once heard someone say that being disconnected is akin to “choosing to be disconnected.”
On that note, here’s something to ponder: A complaint about being uninformed that’s posted on the Herald Facebook page sometimes represents a fascinating oxymoron. Think about it – posting a complaint about missing out on something on the very medium where it was well documented with plenty of notice and lead time.
That’s happened – multiple times – and it’s one of those things that make you go, “hmmm.”
Anyway, we’ll do our best to get stuff on all of those sources in a timely manner. Then it’s up to ya’ll to check it out.
DON’T KEEP SECRETS
Speaking of not being able to be aware of everything that goes on in a community, there’s a logical, responsible and downright easy way that anyone and everyone can help with that situation: Share.
Being the somewhat analytical nincompoop I am, I find it remarkable that informing the newspaper is so far down so many peoples’ to-do list when they’re about to be or have been part of (or even in charge of) something they themselves find newsworthy. Pretty often, when someone calls or emails and asks something like, “why didn’t the paper have someone at the big tomato tossing tournament in Turley?” the answer is, “because we didn’t know tomatoes would be tossed in Turley.”
My recommendation is to move the sharing thought process up the list a bit, and then take advantage of one of the many ways that pertinent and relevant information can be conveyed to the Herald. It’s nice when we get word before the thing happens, but we also love submitted stuff. That said, feel free to take the reins and send in material about an event, ceremony, competition or anything else you want to see get some coverage.
Maybe the best way (for alerting us before or providing the goods after) is email by using news@houstonherald.com. But if you hate email, you still have several choices, like going onto the website (see “your stories” near the top of the home page), dropping by the Herald office (on Grand Avenue in downtown Houston), using the U.S. Postal Service (P.O. Box 170), or simply using the phone.
And I would suggest whenever possible employing a technology that’s not at all uncommon these days (and might be as close as your own pocket at virtually every moment): Photography. As has been said, a picture is worth a thousand words.
My reverse take on that is no picture and no words are worth diddly. In terms of news and information, that is.
Thanks for reading and thanks for sharing.
Doug Davison is a writer, photographer and newsroom assistant for the Houston Herald. Email: ddavison@houstonherald.com.
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