NSBNEWS.net is a mess right now. That's my reality. And I'm actually pleased to be in this position. That's because we are growing at rapid speed to provide comprehensive daily news coverage for greater New Smyrna Beach. I make no apologies for our current state of affairs. My vision for a first-class news organization that truly serves the public's interest is getting closer to reality.
There are those who keep asking me why I don't focus on the advertising. My answer is the marketplace will determine that. Each day that goes by, we are building an even better news medium and when I am satisfied that I have done my absolute best, I will pursue the revenue to support and grow this venture. But I can't do that until I have this Web site where it is firing on all cylinders.
To even get this far since our April 2008 launch is a miracle. NSBNEWS.net is the first and only daily online newspaper that doesn't have a print newspaper, Television station, radio station or cable outlet to fall back on. But make no mistake about it, online daily newspapers are the wave of the future. Newsprint is on its way out. Don't believe me, looked at all of the stacked up newspapers in the gas stations and supermarkets.
Why would anyone pay for news that is a day or a week old when you can get it online for free and often the same day?
More and more of you are finding us through the Web's many resources: Facebook, Twitter, search engines, etc. Over the next several weeks we will be fully integrated electronically and our advertising/marketing program will be complete. In addition to these keypad features, our media alert e-mail list continues to grow. With that option, we e-mail breaking news to you. It's also another way for our advertisers to reach you as well.
But back to what's at hand now. In addition to the Home page local and county breaking news, rotating wire service headlines and our exclusive video presentations, we have lots of new features, bloggers and news elements that are being added, even as you read this blog. Plus, we are continuing our in-depth news coverage with issues like "Show Me The Money," and the "Top 100 stories of 2009." Plus, Peter Mallory and I offer our daily blogs. You can vote in our InstaPoll and post comments in our Speak Up forum and at the bottom of stories.
Here is a brief summary of what's new and/or upgraded in our newly expanded inside pages:
BUSINESS page -- Stocks report with several local companies, business news flash, business cover story, electronic business calendar, chamber of commerce fundraiser news, NSB blogger Ken Gelineu's "Cyber Speak," Google feeder Technology and Business headlines, local/county business briefs, links to chamber of commerce and advertising authority.
COMMUNITY page -- City web links, everyday people feature, community news flash, community news, Edgewater blogger Jeanette DiCara's photographic "Slice of Life," Volusia/County state news, electronic photo gallery, community fundraisers, obituaries, births, marriage licenses, jail docket and twice-daily NSB cops police reports.
DINING page -- Rachel Ray's national blog, dining news flash, dining cover story, dining stories, electronic dining calendar, restaurant reviews, dining guide/menus.
ENTERTAINMENT page -- Rolling Stone news feeder, Billboard Hot 100 feeder, Entertainment news flash, entertainment cover story, fine arts, night scene, living, entertainment electronic calendar, Hollywood scene feeder, Rolling Stone movies.
OPINION page -- NSB blogger Palmer Wilson's "Unfinished Business," Edgewater blogger Kerry-Anne Purkiss' "Sound of Silence," Edgewater blogger Gerry Tatham's "Modest Proposals," Edgewater blogger Darlene Vann's "Musings," Edgewater blogger Michael Visconti's "American Patriot," NSB blogger Marilee Walters' "Heart of the Matter," Opinion news flash, Making the Grade, Party Lines, Cartoon, Word on the Street, Quotable, Henry the comic.
REALTY/ENVIRONMENT page -- NSB blogger Bill Roe's "Real Talk," Local Law Briefs, Google Law feeder, realty news flash, Real Estate News, foreclosures, building permits, property deeds, NSB blogger Capt. Budd Neviaser's "The Outdoorsman," local environment, Google Environment feeder.
SCHOOLS page -- High school blogger Angel Marie's "Teen Times," middle school blogger Cheyenne Drews' "Stingray Blogger," schools news flash, schools cover story, schools electronic calendar, local higher education news.
SPORTS page -- NASCAR news feeder, local motorsports news/notes, sports flash, local sports news, sports electronic calendar, Google sports feeder headlines.
WELLNESS page -- NSB blogger and mental health counselor Shane Porter's "Get Psyched," mental health tips/notes, Wellness news flash, Wellness cover story, local religion stories, Wellness electronic calendar, physical activity tips/notes, Google health feeder headlines.
As always, your feedback is welcomed. Please e-mail me at henryfrederick@nsbnews.net. Enjoy your day.