Holmes County herald., 1962-12-27
Parting thoughts =.
By Jack Shearer

Hind sight is ALWAYS herter than anv other kind. Bur
sometimes this matter of looking back cen be qute a
discouraging t SIX. That's mainly so because you think
over all of those things you should have done or pan
ned 70 do. but simply never 60 around to ac>ullv 40
ing.
In manrallv REVIEWING nv Is mon. lbs at the II raid,
m fill d with all sorts of thoughts -. some OF success
and Others of failure. A weekly newspaperman learns
much about people and things. faces many propl@mS'
and encounters . lot of uniqua experiences. he emery
from these a great deal older and wiser. was no eXcep-
ton.
On the success side, | I'm proud that at times, at les,
we published a newspaper that would compare faVor-
ably with onv other in this section of the country, as
far as quality is concerned. At the same t1Ne, We achiev-
ed excellent leadership and have att med a c'rcu'atlnn
hat will compare favorably with any weekly IN the
state. Despite this f'ct, our advertising rates renamed
extremely low.
There were Others. of course, but my most diScourag-
mo failure was an inability TO convince more area mer-
chants of the benefits OF newspaper "oVertiSlhg. OuiSi
m d;a NAV make boastful claims, bur there is absoIutely
none that can equ rhe newspaper as an effec'rVe l'o'hs
for tbe merchant to reach his public. | sincerely hope
that the new owners will have more success IN this area
of endeavOr.
Every man, whether he be involved in the business
world, in agriculture or in public service work, feels
that the task he performs is important to the better
ment of the community. 1t is this feeling that gives his
life meaning and purpose. No doubt, he is correct, too
for each performs a vital service.
As a journalist. | feel that the newspaper Is the Single
most important factor in building a good community
Without the hometown press, the merchant would nave
no means of telling the public of the goods and services
he offers.
A good newspaper tells the good things about good
people in a good community. Without it, these successes
and achievements would not be recorded. This, | think,
is the most important function of a weekly newspaper
man.
While a newspaper serves as a cohesive influence for
any community it is also the only means OF commurlca-
ton by which individuals and organizations OF the area
NAV have a permanent record or history OF events. BY
doing these things, a good newspaper can build a good
community, but it must have widespread support.
AS a public trust, the press has a responsibility TO the
people. Likewise. however, the public has a responsible
lily to the press. A newspaper can continue TO exist ana
build the community only as 1t receives that SupPoIt.
The most tragic event possible for a town or county IN
nv estimation. is to lose its newspaper because OF ap,a-
thv or indifference. Only then, unfortunately can inc
affected citizens realize Just how important the loss was.
Finally, let me say that during these past two years,
all things that | did were done because | felt that they
must be done. Naturally, | have made mistakes. But |
can sincerely saw, without exception, that each was an
honest mistake.
Due to space limitations and for fear that | would
omit some names, | will not attempt to pubically thank
all of those persons who have been SO good to me in
Holmes County. Their words of praise and encourage
ment, even at times when they were not deserved, have
meant more to me than | could ever express.
We are part of all that we have met; and it IS SO with
nv stay in Holmes County. My heart will always be
with the fine people of this county and the Herald,
likewise. The new editor, Paul Tardy, is the type OF
man that deserves your support. pray that you Will
give it to him in even greater portions than have re-
ceived.
In closing, it is my wish that peace and prosperity
abide with each of you in this Great Season and in all
the days to come.
30 Jack Shearer = 30