Newsroom Notes: Communication vital for writers and readers alike

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Have you ever opened your newspaper and wondered, "Where in the world did they come up with the idea for that story?" |ret||ret||tab|

In the case of Springfield Business Journal, I certainly hope not, but chances are, there has been a time or two when you, the SBJ reader, wondered why you read what you did in the paper.|ret||ret||tab|

The thing most important for readers to understand is that while the SBJ editorial staff can't make everybody happy every week, we do try to include stories and items of interest to our readers in each issue of the paper. |ret||ret||tab|

Having participated in several editorial staff meetings here at SBJ, I can tell you firsthand that we don't plan our coverage solely on what we want to write about, but rather, what we think our readers will find interesting, informative or entertaining.|ret||ret||tab|

Here's where you come in. Since we don't know each of our readers personally, it's not always easy to decide what news items interest you so, you can eliminate some of the guesswork, and tell us. |ret||ret||tab|

Tell us what you want to see in terms of news coverage. What business issues would you like us to take a closer look at on your behalf? |ret||ret||tab|

And it doesn't have to stop with news coverage there's the Ozarks Profile, a weekly feature that brings readers information about individual members of the business community; From the Ground Up, which showcases current construction projects; and Business Spotlight, which profiles businesses in the southwest Missouri community. |ret||ret||tab|

The lists are another weekly feature in which reader feedback is important. As with news coverage, we try to find interesting people, projects and businesses to include, but we can't be everywhere at once: what we include is limited to what we see or hear about. |ret||ret||tab|

If there's a person, a project or a company you'd like know more about, let us know.|ret||ret||tab|

People in the News and Awards and Achievements are two segments of the paper dedicated to spreading the word about new hires and promotions, and achievements in professional development, certification, sales, company milestones and other accomplishments. |ret||ret||tab|

But again, we can't write about it if we don't know about it. When you or someone in your company racks up a success, let us know.|ret||ret||tab|

Most of you have likely noticed our new design by now, but one aspect you might not know about is the Letters to the Editor section ... because no one has sent a letter yet. Let our managing editor, Jeff Wescott, and the rest of the business community know what's on your mind.|ret||ret||tab|

Now, for those of you who fear the hassle of phone calls, faxes or dropping a letter in the mail, there's good news. Each member of the SBJ staff has his or her own e-mail account, which means you can get in touch with us when it's convenient for you. Those addresses can be found each week in the staff box on the Opinion page of the paper.|ret||ret||tab|

There are a lot of ways for you, the reader, to be involved with SBJ, and that's important since we put it together with you in mind, it's really your paper, too. |ret||ret||tab|

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