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We planned to select our new name at a staff retreat after evaluating suggestions from readers and input from shamanic journeywork, along with practical and legal considerations. As the date for the retreat approached, we had some unanticipated staff turnover, and I decided to defer the event until new staff was in place. It was important to me that the people who would be implementing the name change participate in the decision process. As we go to print, the renaming project is moving forward, and I hope to announce and implement the change before year-end. Here are a couple of predictions I think I can be more accurate about. In the October issue, we will launch a series on socially responsible investing. In 2000, our readers expressed interest in learning more about this important topic. In addition to traditional financial factors, socially responsible investing assesses the effects of business practices on the social and physical environments. Personally, I began to ponder the merits of socially responsible investing after the WTO riots in Seattle. It seemed to me that if more people spent their money in ways that empowered positive values, corporate policies would automatically mirror those values to maintain and attract customers. Unprecedented examples of corporate greed and abuse are coming to light almost daily. This should invite our thought and action. People with busy schedules usually make spending decisions quickly, based on convenience, best price, or Madison Avenue hype. I want to provide useful information that will empower people to make better decisions for themselves while collectively impacting the world in positive ways. We are also changing the format of The New Times. We are taking our first step this month with brighter cover stock. Ultimately, you’ll see us with a glossy, magazine-style cover that allows for better color reproduction. We intend to attract new readers and advertisers to support the higher quality. The inside pages will still be printed on newsprint so we can continue to offer an affordable way for businesses in our community to impart their important messages. We’ve had a number of staff changes in the past month. Penny Cooke accepted another position at the end of July. David Young, our editor, joined our sales staff. Charles Alkire stepped into the role of editor. Amanda Patrick returned as office manager, having completed her undergraduate work. We have a great team that is enthusiastic about our work and where we are going. We will miss Penny, as will many of the clients she worked with so closely. I appreciated her devoted efforts and her commitment to the work of The New Times. I think of The New Times as an agent for positive change in the lives of our readers. As such, I try to appreciate the changes I had in mind as well as those that come along unplanned. |
I expected
to use this space to announce a new name for The New Times,
but I’ve learned that events here sometimes occur on a schedule
other than my own. Our staff often refers to The New Times
as a distinct entity, a feminine energy that is independent
from any of us, individually and collectively. She was born before
any of us were on the scene, and she will continue on after all
of us have left. She sinks her roots down deeply, and she allows
changes to gracefully unfold in their own time.