Many newspapers have retreated behind paywalls, requiring subscriptions to access their content. Recently, Forbes Magazine profiled a billionaire with a plan to “save America’s newspapers” that will include paywalls around all the content his papers produce. Seriously, have we learned nothing from Jeff Bezos and the Washington Post?
That will never happen at The Hardwick Gazette, where open access to news and information is a guiding principle. The Gazette will always be available to everyone.
But it costs money to provide dependable local news. In this digital age, reader support is vital to keeping The Gazette going. And the most reliable support comes from sustaining members who donate to The Gazette every month.
If you receive our free weekly newsletter (hardwickgazette.org/subscribe), check out the headlines and regularly read at least one story, this message is for you.
If you aren’t a sustaining member already, please consider donating $5 a month or more. It’s less than you used to pay for print copies of The Gazette, and it really helps provide a solid financial foundation.
There’s a special thank-you gift to those who make a monthly commitment of $10 or more: an attractive, large Hardwick Gazette ceramic mug. Trying not to brag, but these are real beauties.
The Gazette is a community resource, and a community enterprise. It can’t happen without your support. Please do your part to strengthen the service you depend on by visiting our website (hardwickgazette.org) and clicking the “Donate” button.
John Walters
Northeast Kingdom Public Journalism board member
John Walters is the sole author of The Vermont Political Observer, readable for free (but donations cheerfully accepted) at thevpo.org. Walters has had a long career in print and broadcast journalism. He’s been an observer of Vermont politics since 2011, including a three-year stint as political columnist for Seven Days. He is on the board of NEK Public Journalism. He lives in East Montpelier with his loyal spouse, two house rabbits and two cockatiels.
