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http://media.lakewoodobserver.com/issue_pdfs/Observer_Vol_07_Issue_21.pdf
They get it, they really get it!
After 7 years of the Lakewood Observer coming out every two weeks, and nearly 9 years of 24/7 interaction on the Deck, people are starting to get it! Many on the Project have thought we need to ram it home every issue, where the founders have always had a more laid back approach, and thought of it like Scotch. An acquired taste, that once acquired and understood becomes a measuring stick for all other libations. Yes, so much copy and advertising is coming in that we are once again looking to go weekly, and perhaps within the next few issues we will give it a try. Many non-profit leaders, and some civic leaders have now got the idea. It is always better to put your words out there, fresh, while framing the issues, to over 90% of Lakewood, than it is to allow mainstream media to take the words, miss the point, and completely screw up the message with their personal bias.
This past month many elected officials realized what so many other cities are realizing: the Observer is the gold standard for reaching out and interacting with the population. It is catching on with new readers, and participants online, many who are discovering discussions on the Deck, still the most traveled website in Lakewood. Always more lurkers than participants, but those participants bring it, and are ready with the hard questions, and to help with the hard answers. Yes a community that truly reaches out to bring everyone into the discussion is a healthy community, and Lakewood is finding its way home more and more everyday.
For that I am thankful, and with great pleasure announce the Rockport Observer, serving Rocky River and Fairview Park. This has been launched with the full support of the city halls, schools, chambers of commerce, and the residents and businesses that have worked for 6 months to bring this project there. Stay tuned; it is always interesting to watch as individual people, in individual cities find their voices, and start using them.
But my heart will always be in Lakewood. It is the best city in the region, because of the residents, not in spite of them. Because of the numerous businesses that start here, and grow here, like Melt with 3 locations, and Graftech with 6 locations, and well, the Observer with 9 locations. Lakewood is the home of real innovation, and real living. Let's work together to keep it that way. A perfect place to raise a family and start a new business. To buy a home and make a stand. To live life in safety and comfort.
Finally, I have been visiting the "Occupy Cleveland" site Downtown, and all I can think of is that we can accomplish the same thing here in Lakewood and around the world, simply by shopping locally, supporting the little guy, and letting them all know that together we have a positive impact on our community and region.
peace
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