Beating the Drum to Keep Salem-News Alive and Well

Every day, over 20,000 people read stories on Salem-News.com. Please keep us going!

(SALEM, Ore.) - Every now and then, you hear the soft drone in the background, building to rhythm and slowly taking over all other sound in the atmosphere.

Today I am beating the drum. It is becoming louder and will soon reverberate throughout each page of our news site.

If you like what we're doing, or even just appreciate the effort, please help us keep doing it!

Salem-News.com is important to tens of thousands of people around the globe, and we have a commitment to them, as well as a true vision to improve humanitarian conditions through our work.

In fact, we stay so busy communicating, writing, editing, shooting and producing video in creating this resource for everyone at no cost; we sadly neglect to take care of the very real needs of the company itself.

We need contributions, and regularly, so I’m asking. Simple contributions from readers are our mainstay, along with limited advertising revenue.

Advertising- and the fear of advertising!

In addition to the charter advertisers you see and some topical ads, our ad space is mainly sold to companies such as Google, Ad.com and 24/7. These aggregator groups actually do most the selling to advertisers, which helps our small staff; we have the right to refuse those ads that go against the grain of our mission at Salem-News.com.

Advertisers get a great “bang for their buck”: in comparison to the other 185 million documented websites in the world, Salem-News.com is in the top 60,000 of all sites: the top 1% of the global online market.

What type of advertising do you see? It was a subliminal bonus since the very beginning, our readers have enjoyed advertising that does not corrupt our content. We have refused anything that intrudes: NO pop-ups, pop-overs, pop-unders or take-over ads. None.

Not a great economic business decision perhaps, but we respect our readership and their experience with us is primary. That way, they stay longer, and read more.

Too often, the truth isn't comfortable, but that's the reality of news - we tell it like it is.

In some cases, advertisers have real, dyed-in-the-wool fear, and that dissuades them from supporting Salem-News.com, even though our numbers are so impressive. We understand. Old habits die hard, and so does mainstream programming.

Didn't your Mom say 'The Truth Hurts'?

Indeed, our news is sometimes raw, harsh, and rather indiscriminate, but it is true. Some advertisers have objected to our coverage of legal medical marijuana, others have taken issue with our reports about the U.S. and Israeli military policy, or the way we don’t mince words about racism, sexism, elder financial abuse, and the rights of children.

Salem-News.com is “New Media”, and our methodology is simple: tell it like it is. Sugar-coating the news never helped anybody. That case study has been put to bed, or should have by now.

If we make a mistake, we correct it, with our humble apologies. We are human, but we try to keep our bar rather high. We have the luxury of being a newsgroup in “this day and age” with the ability to quickly receive information from innumerable sources in order to present the most accurate report possible. That is our goal.

We are the Change you have been asking for!

Salem-News.com is a multi-service News company driven by the passion and journalistic integrity of over ninety writers keeping our content on the move, relevant, and on the cutting edge. We are not a blog. "New Media", yes. Most definitely.

There are many ways to help Salem-News.com, first is to donate. Any amount is very appreciated, whether check/money order received via snailmail or electronically with the assistance of PayPal.

Next, advertise with us, or sponsor a specific topic, or writer’s work. These helpful options are available to you, our valued readers, and we encourage you to choose one or more of them and become a participant in this New Media trailblazing.

We can also use physical donations of computers, cars and more, including buildings and property. Contact me if you would like to brainstorm.

Our news ethics do come with a sacrifice, but we believe in what we do, and over 20,000 people share our vision every single day.

If you are with us, if you believe in what we do, then please support us with a one-time or recurring donation. We really are all in this together and we want to keep it going- with power!

So this is me, beating a drum. Or perhaps it is the heartbeat of Salem-News reverberating around the world. Can you feel it? Help us keep the beat! Join this veritable drum circle. We're holding a spot for you.

To donate:
PayPal: bonjtheartist@hotmail.com
Or, Mail to:
Salem-News.com
P.O. Box 5238
Salem, OR. 97304

------------------------

Bonnie King has been with Salem-News.com since August '04, when she became Publisher. Bonnie has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry; TV Production Manager at KVWB (Las Vegas WB) and Producer/Director for the TV series "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", posts as TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC), and KFBT (Ind.), Asst. Marketing Director (SUPERSHOPPER MAGAZINE), Director/Co-Host (Coast Entertainment Show), Radio Promotion Director (KBCH/KCRF), and Newspapers In Education/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER). Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate viewers. View articles written by Bonnie King

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Chris August 12, 2012 5:02 pm (Pacific time)

I understand all the problems this site is having with the financial situation, and feel the way your running it is just perfect. As a reader and an awake individual about the topics you report on , I say dont worry...the people who are aware of the sad, sad things going on in this world will read. And I KNOW people are coming around and realizing we dont live in a fantasy movie. Free speech is a must. If you dont like the editor commenting then you have no understanding for the purpose of debate!

Tim King: That is very nice, thank you and we will keep pushing on.

Anonymous May 26, 2012 5:48 am (Pacific time)

You are not getting a penny from my hard working dollars. I don't support progressive, lying, anti American, anti Israel, pro marijuana, pro abortion, pro gays and all the other scum you support. Shame on your paper, it's a disgrace. I only read this crap to get a good laugh and thank God every night for giving me a brain and not to believe a word of your liberal paper is telling me.

DJ: Reminds me of what an American once said to Barrie Zwicker: "I know what you say is true, but I still don't believe it." You figure it out.

And the perfect quote just arrived. George Bush, Sr., when he was VP: in 1988 said: "I'll never apologize for the United States of America. Ever. I don't care what the facts are."

Julie December 16, 2011 11:06 am (Pacific time)

Running a small business is no piece of cake. It's always easy to be critical from the outside, that's human nature. I think most people appreciate what you guys are doing, and I hope that's the main message of other commenters too. I don't have a subscription to any newspapers or even cable because of the economy, but if I were to invest in any media it would sure be your website. I don't know why Salem people are so slow to catch on to new things, I guess its the state influence. Or maybe they're not too smart! Good luck preserving, we need you guys.

Todd November 21, 2011 9:14 pm (Pacific time)

I agree with anon. It is very unprofessional to insert snide comments from the editor in the section where folks get to state their own views. The writer of the story has already laid out their opinion so to comment further does not garner respect from your readers.

Have you thought about hiring a sales staff?

Editor: So Todd, you think all of the personal assaults should just be published? No way man, you would not believe the terrible things people write sometimes. I have no obligation to any public comments, that is not how it works and you would quickly understand it from my perspective. We have dedicated our entire lives to Salem-News.com and we didn't do it so that every Tim Dick and Harry can use the section incorrectly or without the thickness of skin to handle a retort. If nothing else we are very very consistent and what we do as editors in the comment section is akin to calling a talk show. Do you think Rush Limbaugh is obligated to give you unfettered free speech when every bit of space and time represents cost? The comment section is not necessary, it is something Matt Lintz built into the site at my request to give to people to use, but not abuse. This, back in the time when I worked at KATU and Bonnie at the Statesman Journal. We had plenty back then, of course, but we weren't leading a brave media project at what is increasingly appearing to be a pinnacle in time. We can't afford to hire a sales staff, this has been built from the ground like few projects in history and we do everything to simply hang on. It takes everything we have to keep this where it is, we have almost a hundred writers and content from many sources beyond that. We only want peace, we only seek justice, we are not in agreement with needless war or rampant poverty. We believe that all balance is off track and out of sync. We also believe that a strong voice is sometimes needed in our comment section, thanks.

Anonymous001 November 15, 2011 3:25 am (Pacific time)

I really support what you folks stand for, but think you would have more readers if you would not have the snide retorts to readers in the comment section. It would be better to say nothing at all, if you have "nothing nice to say." I especially reject Dan Johnson's crude attempts to pontificate and lack of willingness to accept that maybe he could learn something from one more educated and experienced in certain matters. Keep up the good work, and I hope you gain more readers.

Brother Bill November 15, 2011 9:55 am (Pacific time)

I can't believe a group like this ever has to ask for money, but I guess that's the way of the world. Everybody bitches about not having good news sources and doesn't appreciate it when they get it. If its any consolation, if Jesus Christ showed up, they'd drug him and put him in mental health court. I hope you can find the means to sustain your business before a big dog comes along and buys you out. Its easier than starving and they know it. Your local businesses should take notice, unless they're all bankrupt from not advertising already.

"Skipper" Osborne November 1, 2011 10:38 pm (Pacific time)

Bonnie, get in touch with me so that I may become a more consistant supporter: ASAP!

Anonymous November 1, 2011 5:48 pm (Pacific time)

if you would go for quality instead of quantity, it would help.

Hank Ruark August 11, 2011 11:49 am (Pacific time)

To all: In 50 working years across a wide range of media channels, print and electronic, have never experienced open, honest, ethical, sensitive and democratic handling of facts, issues, feelings, and situations to equal or surpass what S-N offers its readers. Please note that this freedom of real democratic expression is also made completely available in Comments section, which proves every day in every way what the First Amendment was meant to provide -- demanding from every reader personal contrast and comparison not otherwise ever available. We owe Tim and Bonnie full and continuing support in any way possible from each of us.

COLLI August 10, 2011 6:37 am (Pacific time)

Pick-up any newspaper or open any website and it is almost certain that you can find something you disagree with or dislike. The bottom line is whether that newspaper or website states facts as facts, conjecture as conjecture, and opinion as opinion. If it does these things, it is a news source that may be relied upon. Salem-News.com is such a news source. Salem-News.com speaks-out against things such as genocide, child-abuse, elder-abuse, animal-abuse, apartheid-like governments, and prejudice of every sort. It always supports what it perceives as truth and justice. While you may not agree with every piece published, you must recognize the relative rarity of Salem-News.com in that it is an honorable entity run by honorable people who insist on "Telling it like it is". If Salem-News.com were to fall by the wayside, it would be the world’s loss!

August 9, 2011 3:53 pm (Pacific time)

I think you should ask your readers what they like and dislike about your service so that you might be able to gain a larger market share by meeting their needs.

I would be interested in more local news, for example. I know that your format does not allow for that, but perhaps you would have more local advertisers if you could draw more local readers.

Just a thought.

Tim King: That is a really good idea, and believe me it matters. There is good news in this regard, we are going to launch OregonNewsJournal.com in the coming weeks and it will be 100% Oregon and NW news. There is so much information sent to us, it is a shame that we aren't getting it all out, and yest the direction of Salem-News.com has gone very large, and that is good because we are reaching and helping many people, but the new site will restore the local information and there will be no competition with the SNc flow. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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Beating the Drum to Keep Salem-News Alive and Well

Advertising- and the fear of advertising!

Didn't your Mom say 'The Truth Hurts'?

We are the Change you have been asking for!