Post by admin on Nov 10, 2009 8:31:36 GMT -5
Now that we are getting past silly season, it is time to look forward. I know that we have gained a few new participants and readers over the past couple of weeks. It is a shame, but the hardball topics, which are emotionally charged, always do get the most attention. That is why I am writing this post, to provide some reminders.
For those who are new, let me start with the history of this site. This site was created when the original PEOPLE site was close down due to its admin leaving town. On the original site, Marc Le Vine was the moderator until he was appointed to council. At that point, I took over.
The original PEOPLE site was very political and issue oriented in nature. When I began this site, I was adamant about adding much more in the way of community topics to it. I did just that. When the PEOPLE group was basically DOA, I kept this site up and running as an open community site.
There is no question that it is the past political activism and attention that has given this site the popularity it had and still does. Not long ago, I tried a little experiment where all the hardball and political topics were hidden. That proved to be a disaster. Readership and participation really went south.
I have constantly received feedback from people who like having all the various topics on this site. The open and honest approach is what works best. Much of he community element that has been added has been the result of feedback from participants. I also listen and respond to what people want to see here. The home pages are a real reflection of that.
As the admin, I certainly do post and opine quite a bit. The big reason for that is simply to give people something to read. In the bigger picture, my role is simply to provide a playing field for the home team, which is you the Freehold Borough residents.
I think by now, readers understand that it is a myth that only certain opinions are allowed. All are welcome, we just have better than most rules of conduct on this web site. Even the regular APP site has allowed things we never would. That has to do with conduct, not peoples view points.
I think most people get it that it is also a myth that this site is all about bashing the town and council. On the contrary, there are many, many posts and topics that reflect both in a very favorable way. From what I have seen, the only people who think the history of this site is one of bashing are the very ones who do not want open and honest discussions. Lets face facts, there is no place where a person can go in this town to air out their views and concerns without being degraded or ignored except here. I think that is why this site is read, people want their concerns aired out. This past election season saw that people are still concerned about the negatie impact of illegal immigration on our town. In the very near future, I will post a very hard hitting write up that will require this town to look in the mirror.
Another measure of success that this site can point to is the quality of readers and participants. I know many of them and I am well aware that they are people who are active, engaged, and concerned about the betterment of Freehold Borough. These are people who do love this town. If this site were what some claim, we would not attract that caliber of people.
With silly season behind, the election watch board will be dead for another year. It is time to continue focusing on all the other things in our town. It is great to see people posting about their groups they are involved in, or their favorite restaurant, favorite teacher, and so many other things that are found in our borough.
I invite all readers and participants to join in and add their own flavor. This site belongs to you, the people. It is free advertising, a way to find out whats happening, as well as a great archive of past events and happenings. Feel free to join in and shape this site as you wish to. And don't forget the calendar feature which all participants can take advantage of!
For those who are new, let me start with the history of this site. This site was created when the original PEOPLE site was close down due to its admin leaving town. On the original site, Marc Le Vine was the moderator until he was appointed to council. At that point, I took over.
The original PEOPLE site was very political and issue oriented in nature. When I began this site, I was adamant about adding much more in the way of community topics to it. I did just that. When the PEOPLE group was basically DOA, I kept this site up and running as an open community site.
There is no question that it is the past political activism and attention that has given this site the popularity it had and still does. Not long ago, I tried a little experiment where all the hardball and political topics were hidden. That proved to be a disaster. Readership and participation really went south.
I have constantly received feedback from people who like having all the various topics on this site. The open and honest approach is what works best. Much of he community element that has been added has been the result of feedback from participants. I also listen and respond to what people want to see here. The home pages are a real reflection of that.
As the admin, I certainly do post and opine quite a bit. The big reason for that is simply to give people something to read. In the bigger picture, my role is simply to provide a playing field for the home team, which is you the Freehold Borough residents.
I think by now, readers understand that it is a myth that only certain opinions are allowed. All are welcome, we just have better than most rules of conduct on this web site. Even the regular APP site has allowed things we never would. That has to do with conduct, not peoples view points.
I think most people get it that it is also a myth that this site is all about bashing the town and council. On the contrary, there are many, many posts and topics that reflect both in a very favorable way. From what I have seen, the only people who think the history of this site is one of bashing are the very ones who do not want open and honest discussions. Lets face facts, there is no place where a person can go in this town to air out their views and concerns without being degraded or ignored except here. I think that is why this site is read, people want their concerns aired out. This past election season saw that people are still concerned about the negatie impact of illegal immigration on our town. In the very near future, I will post a very hard hitting write up that will require this town to look in the mirror.
Another measure of success that this site can point to is the quality of readers and participants. I know many of them and I am well aware that they are people who are active, engaged, and concerned about the betterment of Freehold Borough. These are people who do love this town. If this site were what some claim, we would not attract that caliber of people.
With silly season behind, the election watch board will be dead for another year. It is time to continue focusing on all the other things in our town. It is great to see people posting about their groups they are involved in, or their favorite restaurant, favorite teacher, and so many other things that are found in our borough.
I invite all readers and participants to join in and add their own flavor. This site belongs to you, the people. It is free advertising, a way to find out whats happening, as well as a great archive of past events and happenings. Feel free to join in and shape this site as you wish to. And don't forget the calendar feature which all participants can take advantage of!