Friday January 27, 2003
F2S and Dutton Peabody | Publication Schedule | Reader Poll | Local Author
F2S and Dutton Peabody
by Martin Davis
One week ago, I launched F2S to strengthen local news coverage in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. In so doing, I felt a bit like Dutton Peabody, editor of the fictional Shinbone Star newspaper in the movie “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence.”
Introduced in one scene as “Member of the Fourth Estate, founder, owner, publisher, and editor of the Shinbone Star,” he responded: “Why don't you tell them the whole truth: founder, owner, editor, and I also sweep out the place.”
It’s an apt description for how things work at F2S right now. But like Peabody, there are bigger plans afoot. In coming weeks and months, I look forward to having more to say about these.
Until then, allow me to express my gratitude for the extraordinary support F2S has received.
When I launched last Friday, I told an early supporter that if I could get 200 people to subscribe by the end of the first month, I would consider it a success. Since last Friday, this site has not just beat that number, but rocketed past it. And people have done more than sign up, they’ve contributed their hard-earned dollars to support this work.
For all these reasons, allow me to take a few moments today to say three things:
Thank You
Above all, Thank you. Not only for registering and contributing, but for the outpouring of support I have received in the form of comments, emails, phone calls, and text messages. Each one is highly valued. And each motivates me to do my level best in each issue.
Stick With Us
This publication is about our community and the people who make it great. And in coming days, you’re going to begin seeing that reflected more-regularly in these pages.
I have been soliciting local writers to contribute, and I have received many wonderful pieces that I’ll be rolling out for your enjoyment.
Other plans are underway to bring even more features to this site. I look forward to saying more about those in the weeks and months ahead. Watch for information as these features come online.
Help Out
As noted above, this publication is about this community, and I want you to help grow it. There are many ways you can do that:
Recruit - F2S has grown purely on the strength of word-of-mouth advertising. It’s growing because readers are sharing it with their friends. Keep spreading the word, and encourage your friends to sign up.
Donate - This is a labor of love, but there are costs involved. Consider supporting this work with a monthly contribution. All funds will go directly to supporting this work.
Contribute - If you’re a writer, artist, or local historian, consider writing for F2S. While I cannot guarantee publication, I will give every piece thoughtful consideration. Here are the only requirements: a) The work must focus on local news and events (currently, we do not publish marketing or promotional pieces), b) pieces should be in the form of commentaries or analysis, c) pieces that are civil in tone and focused on solutions as opposed to complaints stand the best chance of being published. Send your pitches to me at editoratf2s@gmail.com.
Reader Poll
Results announced next Friday.
Local Author
This week, marks the one-year anniversary of my first book, “30 Days with America’s High School Coaches.” Whether you’re interested in social emotional learning, are the parent of an athlete, or just enjoy good stories about extraordinary coaches, you’ll enjoy reading this book.
If you purchase a copy and are local, I’d be happy to arrange meeting you for coffee and signing your copy.
Are you an author? Tell us so we can promote your book. Send an email to: editoratf2s@gmail.com.
Publication Schedule
At this time, F2S guarantees publication every Monday and Thursday. However, thanks to the overwhelming response this publication has received, I will be trying to publish at least one piece every day, except Saturday and Sunday.
Help me find the stories that people want to read by submitting a News Tip.