Happy 10th birthday, Chelsea Update.
It’s a happy milestone I hoped I might reach when I launched this daily Chelsea-centric news source on July 23, 2012.
Today is proof positive that dreams can come true – if you work super hard, have the community’s support, and do your very best to be accurate, fair and unbiased in your coverage. Readers, advertisers and donors have rallied around my efforts.
There were people who thought I was nuts to quit my full-time newspaper job to launch my own news site, and then there were those who thought it was a wonderful idea, and some of them remain my biggest cheerleaders and mentors.
Truth be told, I had no idea how well it might be received by the community, but I put my faith in all of you and you came through for me. So, thank you. I could not have done this without your support.
And as I look back to those early years, oh yes, it was a struggle. My livelihood depended on my success, and I stubbornly wanted to do this my way – without interference from investors or a safety net provided by a non-profit status. I wanted Chelsea Update to reflect the community I’ve been a part of since 1999, and I did not want anyone telling me what I should or shouldn’t publish.
It may be all about the money or the bottom line in the real business world, but I didn’t want that to be the driving force behind Chelsea Update. This has always been, and will continue to be, my way of giving back to this community.
I wanted Chelsea Update to provide a showcase for all the wonderful people, the unique businesses, the groups and organizations, the super fun events, and the terrific school district. I’ve always tried to accent the positive and to put Chelsea’s best foot forward.
So, every decision made in the last 10 years has been mine and mine alone and I own every one of them – good and bad. And I know this little publication has some detractors out there, but I must be doing something right – because for two years during COVID, I did not lose a single advertiser and the community continued to support my efforts with non-tax deductible donations.
I sincerely hope this will continue, today and in the years ahead. (So, a shameless plug here – you can donate to my efforts on the home page of www.ChelseaUpdate.com or send a check made out to Chelsea Update and mailed to 18829 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118. If everyone who reads Chelsea Update each day or folks involved in groups or clubs that Chelsea Update has supported with stories would donate even a small amount, this would make such a huge difference and serve as a reminder to my staff and I that all the hard work involved in publishing this news site for you seven days a week, 365 days a year is appreciated.)
When I started Chelsea Update, I took on the role of publisher, editor, business manager, copy editor, and reporter – and as such, this little news site would either thrive or tank solely on my shoulders. This still holds true today.
Had I known back then what I know about its popularity now, I may have done some things differently – at least on the business side. I knew the editorial side of the equation, but let’s just say my business savvy has not been quite as good. I’ve been playing catch-up ever since.
My dad would have helped me with this but unfortunately, he died before Chelsea Update launched. And sometimes I swear that I hear him congratulate and/or chastise me for some of the business decisions I’ve made over the years. The problem for me is … “it’s just business” doesn’t sit very well, especially when people’s feelings and the community’s image are involved.
I’m proud to report that no matter what has happened in town, the tiny staff of dedicated and hardworking reporters Lisa Carolin and Crystal Hayduk, as well as photographers Alan Ashley and Burrill Strong have hung in there with me. They’ve been just as an important to the longevity of Chelsea Update as my efforts have been, and I cannot begin to thank them enough for their friendship and loyalty.
A lot of news has taken place in the last 10 years, and I have published thousands and thousands of stories and photos. I look forward to publishing thousands more as Chelsea Update begins its next decade of publication.
Stay tuned. There’s lots of news and extensive coverage of the 2022 Chelsea Community Fair to come. Perhaps I should take a nap today because the weeks ahead will be very fun and very busy, beginning with the Sounds and Sights Festival July 29-30.
Thank you, Chelsea for your support.
Thank you, Buzz, for your doggy patience when I’m on my laptop for hours and hours almost every day, editing, uploading and scheduling stories for you, the readers.
With your support, I look forward to Chelsea Update continuing to bring to you all the news that’s fit to publish for years to come.
