[fvc-wat-disc] Guelph Politico

[Jennifer Ross]

Thanks, Sharon.

I understand the Guelph Mercury is ending the paper version of the
newspaper; that led me to believe an online version, complete with
reporters and news, would still be available.

So, while it really has little to do with Mr. Donaldson's efforts, which I
welcome in any event, does this mean Guelph Politico would be something one
could hold in one's hand, or would they both be online versions, or am I
wrong about a Mercury online version?

Jenn

On Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 9:50 AM, Sharon Sommerville <
sharonsommerville at gmail.com> wrote:

> Good Morning Everyone,
>
> A couple of weeks ago Adam Donaldson posted an excellent interview with
> FVC-WR about electoral reform on his blog site Guelph Politico. His
> interview was a refreshing change from the attacks on proportional
> representation which is prevalent in the main stream media.  With the
> demise of the Guelph Mercury, Adam is hoping to expand his blog into a full
> time media outlet for Guelph to fill some of the void left by the Mercury.
> Below is an email from Adam which explains the transition of Guelph
> Politico.  I am forwarding Adam's email to you as someone who takes an
> extra interest in political life and might be interested in where the
> Guelph Politico is heading.
>
> Best regards,
> Sharon
>
> Dear Friends and Neighbours,
>
> Like you, I was saddened to hear about the closure of the Guelph Mercury on
> Friday. I'm sure that you will agree with the words of Nelson Mandela
> that, "A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of
> any democracy," and that in losing the Mercury, Guelph has lost a vital
> voice and outlet for the Royal City.
>
> It's hard to imagine anything can fill the void of the Mercury, and while
> I don't wish to appear to be dancing on the paper's proverbial grave, the
> show, as they say, must go on, and Guelph needs to be assured that there is
> still an independent media in our city that's available and accessible.
>
> In case our paths have never crossed, my name is Adam A. Donaldson, and I
> have a blog called Guelph Politico. I have operated Guelph Politico for
> going on eight years covering seven elections and the political landscape
> in Guelph throughout that time. Politico has been recognized by numerous
> people in the Guelph political community as a good source for information
> and for fair and balanced coverage and analysis of politics in Guelph. But
> now the time has come to expand.
>
> Politico is in the midst of a transformational period itself now. In the
> next several weeks, I will be launching a crowd-funding campaign for Guelph
> Politico with the goal of turning it into a full-time media outlet for the
> City of Guelph. My plans, and this goal, were in the works before the
> Guelph Mercury announcement was made on Monday, but now there's an even a
> greater imperative, at least for me, to make this happen.
>
> So why did you get this email today? I wanted to send the word far and
> wide across Guelph that I am here, or in the event that you already knew I
> existed, that I'm still here. Guelph Politico obviously can't do all the
> things that the Mercury did, and it has a very particular slant, in that
> it's politically focused, but I am very enthusiastic about covering Guelph
> news and telling Guelph stories, and now, more than ever, new outlets need
> to be found to tell them.
>
> Through Guelph Politico, I will continue the things I've already begun
> doing: podcasts, live blogging from city council meetings, and articles and
> editorials about issues. Should you wish to send press releases, story
> ideas, or other information that you think should be of public interest to
> the community I will be more than happy to receive them. I can't promise I
> will cover everything, but I can promise that I will cover as much as I
> can, and in time, if my crowd-funding efforts prove successful, perhaps
> more.
>
> In the media landscape, it's a brave new world out there. There are lots
> of possibilities and as of yet no right answer to the question of what the
> future of media will look like. I hope to do my part in keeping Guelph
> informed in these transitional times, and I hope you will see the value and
> opportunity in Guelph Politico.
>
>
> Thank you for your time,
>
> Adam A. Donaldson
> Guelph Politico
> http://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca
>
> P.S.: Feel free to share this with any people in your circle who you think
> might be interested.
>
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-- 
No other Western democratic country concentrates as much political power in
the hands of one person as Canada does with her Prime Minister.
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