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John Homan: Change can be a good thing

We changed over this week from a long-standing daily newspaper to a thrice-a-week product (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday) in both Harrisburg and Marion.

What do you think so far? Impressed? Disappointed? It's OK to feel either way. The reason for change is pretty simple - find a way to be marginally profitable or go the way of the dodo bird as in extinction.

It's extremely tough in today's world for newspapers to thrive from a financial standpoint, much different from say 20 or 30 years ago. Our company - Paddock Publications, based in Arlington Heights - is hopeful that moving from five days a week to three days a week and from a broadsheet to tabloid will enhance our profit-making capability.

For those of you who don't like the changes, I sympathize. But would you rather have an enhanced version of your hometown newspaper three days a week as is the case this week or no paper at all? I prefer the former and would hope you do, too.

Newspapers are like any other business in the region. They count on the backing of the community in order to be successful. If you - the consumer - don't show an interest in advertising or subscribing, well ... I think you know what the end result will be. So, when I say this is your newspaper, I'm not kidding. You will help determine our longevity moving forward.

While it's true that the golden age of newspapers may be in our rearview mirror, I believe there is still great value in a community publication like ours. You simply can't consistently get the school, club, church and city news in a regional paper that you can get from your hometown paper.

The photos are also so important to publications like ours. People often buy the paper to see either themselves or their family and friends in print. And that's fine.

We want to recognize you - our readers - when you do great things. Our staff is clearly smaller in numbers than it was decades ago, but the quality remains. I assure you that we will continue to report upon the key issues of the day. With your help, we will be here serving you for years to come.

Please don't hesitate to let us know what we can do for you.