Opinion: Editor's Christmas wish: More feedback

Good thing, too, given that as of the press date of this issue, there are only TWO WEEKS until Christmas. I’m not quite sure how that happened – November’s something of a blur – but nonetheless, I suppose the calendar doesn’t lie.

Anyone who has children, or who buys youngsters gifts for Christmas, has probably experienced the phenomenon that I like to call “the list that doesn’t quit growing.”

You know what I mean. Probably around Thanksgiving, if not before, you had in hand at least one version of the 2006 What I Want for Christmas list. But as Dec. 25 draws closer, and toy and electronic manufacturers ramp up their efforts to get their goods under as many Christmas trees as possible, you’ve probably noted some additions to those lists.

Ah, to be a kid.

Remember how much fun that was – to make a Christmas list for Santa, or whoever brought gifts to your house, and to go to bed Dec. 24 secure in the knowledge that at least some of your must-have items would be under the tree in the morning?

As an adult, many of us are a bit more reserved when it comes to what we want for Christmas. Several weeks ago, in preparation for Springfield Business Journal’s Nov. 20 Executive Gift Guide, we asked our Daily Update subscribers: “What would you like to give yourself for Christmas?”

Know how many responses we got? One.

Marlene Chism, a relationship development expert in Springfield and an SBJ columnist, said she wanted to get some dance lessons. Even though Chism noted that she would only get lessons if time and money were no object, I love the fact that she’s not afraid to say what she wants.

There’s a pretty good lesson in that. If you want something, you have to ask for it. And so, readers, in the spirit of the holidays, I have a little wish list of my own. Never fear: Any bejeweled gifts that I think I need will land squarely on the list I give my husband, and gifts of the fuzzy slipper or refrigerator art are my kids’ domain.

But from you, our SBJ readers, the things I’d like for Christmas won’t cost a dime, just a little bit of your time and thoughts. Also, I should note that these “gifts” don’t have to be limited to Christmas – they’re welcome year-round.

• The feedback factor. I’m interested, as are my editorial cohorts, in what you think about SBJ and our business coverage. And this might surprise you, but that applies even when you disagree with or dislike something within our pages. So whether you send an e-mail (eolson@sbj.net), make a phone call ((417) 831-3238) or simply participate in our online polls via the SBJ Daily Update or at sbj.net, let us take a peek inside your heads.

• Coverage connections. We get a lot of requests for coverage, also known as story pitches. There are two wishes I have in relation to such requests.

First, please understand that we can’t cover every idea we get. Sometimes the timing’s off, and when that happens, we might come back to it later.

Or if we don’t think it’s a good fit for our readership – and you might not agree with that – we’ll give it a pass. Please don’t take it personally or let it prevent you from sending ideas in the future.

Second, if you seek coverage, and we follow-up with a call, be prepared to talk with us. We’re going to want details – and lots of them – so that we can share your story. In this business, it’s not uncommon for some of our stories to get shot down, so to speak, by lack of input from key parties. But that’s frustrating when it happens with folks who asked for coverage in the first place.

• And speaking of coverage, don’t be afraid to explore all your options for getting into the editorial content. It may not be the cover story you desire, but there are ways to get your name – or your company’s – in print. Got new hires or awards? Send them in for Newsmakers to Reporter Jeremy Elwood (jelwood@sbj.net). Could you be eligible for one of our lists? If you’re not sure, get in touch with Researcher Joyce Embree (jembree@sbj.net). There’s also From the Ground Up for construction projects, and Open for Business for companies that are new to open or that relocate – both managed by Reporter Cory Smith (csmith@sbj.net). And if these options confuse you, give us a call and we’ll help.

• Slant-free zone. When you do talk to us, don’t ask us what our angle or slant is. We don’t have one. It’s our job to present all sides of an issue, and that’s a responsibility that we take seriously. Whether a story is positive or negative relies solely on the information we get from our sources. We don’t have any sway on that. One of my college professors always said, “Let the sources tell the story.” And whether those sources are documents or people, that’s what we do.

• Stick with us. Whether you’re a new reader or have subscribed for several years, we’re glad you choose to take the time to read our efforts. Don’t go away – you’ll find that there are lots of exciting topics on tap for 2007, and if the past is an indicator, local business will be rife with news for the coming year and beyond.

My final wish is this: I wish each of you peace, contentment and a Merry Christmas.

You play an important role with SBJ, and we appreciate you.

SBJ Features Editor Maria Hoover can be reached at mhoover@sbj.net.[[In-content Ad]]