The Internet - Friend or Foe

Most of us would have to admit that the advent of the internet has changed our lives. Many do all they can to avoid this seemingly impersonal technological advancement and others immerse themselves into it as their own, new community.

I find myself somewhere between these two extremes. As a younger man I was excited by technology and its possibilities. It was amazing to observe the things a computer could do. Often, I was more amazed by the process than the effectiveness or efficiency of the end result. Today, as an older man, I tend to focus more on the end result and less on the means.

Now I search for information, shop, transact business and even watch movie trailers via the Web. These have all added a certain level of ease to my life. While I am appreciative of this newfound ease, it has also quickened life’s pace and increased people’s expectations. This has increased stress and pushed us all to ever higher levels of productivity.

This last week at The Reflector, I made a serious error. We had planned on covering some significant events in a local community. The newspaper for the week was extremely large and we found ourselves repetitively juggling and moving our news content. The reporter who had prepared the article had left instructions to put the article into the newspaper, as the content was date sensitive. I missed it.

This resulted in disappointed and angry readers. I found myself unable to resolve the problem that I had created with my error.

Suddenly the internet not only seemed like a friend, but potentially a critical ally. I gave instructions to our staff to place the news article - one that will never be printed in the newspaper - on our website. I then instructed those disappointed by my error to direct individuals there for the needed information.

I hoped this would help, at least a little. Sadly, it did not fix the problem, nor could it, as I do not believe our regular print readers go to our website on a consistent basis.

In my last couple of weeks at The Reflector, I have had readers and a couple of advertisers inquire regarding our website. I am determined to make internet technology our ally.

It won’t happen instantly. Many changes will be gradual, almost indiscernible. You will likely see design changes to our w ebsite and even some items or elements that we have not offered previously. We will work to make your visits worthwhile.

If you find some information missing from the newspaper, please check TheReflector.com. We will begin using our site as needed to provide a safety net in the dissemination of news content.

Steve Walker

Publisher