Ending the year with a big story, smiling when a subscriber sticks up for me (hey, journalists deserve to earn a living too!) – and continuing to do a career I love, in the best town in the Okanagan.
Peachland, thank you. Year Four was actually the best yet for The Phoenix – yes, despite a meltdown in October (my heart is usually found on my sleeve, many of you probably know this by now 🙂
As I type, this little news outlet has 338 subscribers. And 80,146 people visited the site in 2023 – almost twice as many as in 2022! Increasingly, my subscribers are people I do not personally know. Which means word of mouth is working. To those who say the nice things – thank you. It’s the #1 reason people subscribe!
Advertisers have made all the difference this year. From Lakeside Auto, to Johnston Meier Insurance, Westside Curb Appeal, Beyond Ink, Bosley’s, VantageOne, the District of Peachland, Orion, the RDCO, Better Than New Renovations and BC Transit – I appreciate your business! It’s been a tough year for community groups – yet many supported the local news through advertising. Thank you, PWPA, Peachland Community Police, the 50+ Centre, Peachland Chamber, the Hub, PSSS, PWC, and the PCAC! Also, Mary Kletchko, my favourite graphic designer is behind all these ads – working with each one of these clients, making them happy.
Scoops! Starting with what everyone is talking about right now – the World of Wheels packing up and moving to West Kelowna. How did this story come to be? From subscribers, of course! A couple of you let me know the decision had been made. From there, it just took convincing a World of Wheels board member that waiting to release their announcement January 15 wasn’t the greatest idea (think of the rumours between now and then!) From a reporter’s perspective, this was a fun one to write. Let’s see what happens on Beach Avenue this May Long! Sounds like plans are afoot….
Annd Facebook. Losing my social media accounts isn’t as terrible as I had thought. Back in August, the feds’ failed attempt to get big media more money (my opinion) – backfired. Meta, the owners of Facebook and Instagram responded to the Online News Act by blocking public access to posts from news outlets. So, I no longer use these platforms (beyond occasional lurking, lol.) It’s definitely freed up my time, and I’m focussing more on those email newsletters. My 2024 goal is to keep fine-tuning this for you. Feedback is always welcome!
Finally, just….thank you. For the kind replies to newsletters. For speaking up for The Phoenix on social media. For renewing before your subscription is due. For upgrading the amount you pay. For letting me know why you’re not renewing (an opportunity to improve.) For your feedback, messages, and Letters to the Editor, your questions and your patience. Simply, the Phoenix does not exist without your support. It’s just a huge bonus I’m dealing with nice people, too 🙂
Based on this, 2024 has good things in store. Early in the year, The Phoenix will publish its 1,000th story! Before then, I’m taking some time off to relax + to plan Year Five of this small business. So I’ll see you in January!
My gratitude is to you, Phoenix supporters. I’m wishing you all a safe, peaceful, restful holiday season.
–Kristen