Dear Ashland Source readers,
If you’re reading this, you value news and content that accurately reflects Ashland County. I hear from so many of you that opening our website to read the local news is part of your daily routine.
If that’s you, thank you.
You might be aware, but Ashland Source is part of Source Media Properties — a local, independent news company dedicated to gathering and reporting news in Richland, Ashland and Knox counties. (Ashland, of course, is the best of the three in so many ways.)
Our business model is a little different from the conventional newspaper. We are supported by ad revenue, grants and by members, whether individual or corporate. So far, it’s working. We currently have 1,130 members. If you’re one of them, thank you.
But here’s the thing — we need more support. In order to grow and continue to provide you with valuable news and information, please consider signing up.
We are in the midst of a year-end membership drive. Our goal, as a company, is to add 200 new members by Dec. 31. It’s a pretty lofty goal, but I know we can do it — especially with Ashland County’s boot-strap work ethic.
If we reach the goal, it’ll directly affect our ability to continue covering these communities (including Ashland County!) in the years to come. In fact, our goal is to expand our coverage capacity and depth of coverage in Ashland, Richland and Knox counties. This is a huge deal.
Memberships start at $7 a month. You can sign up here.
And I have a deal for you. Use “Dillon21” at checkout to save 20%.
I’ve also decided to make this interesting. There is a friendly competition going on between me and fellow reporters. And I despise losing.
So here’s the deal. If Ashland County tallies the most new members by Dec. 31 — meaning we outpace Richland and Knox counties toward the same 200-member goal — I will give someone (maybe you?!) a $100 Visa Card.
If you sign up to be a member today, or anytime before Dec. 31, your name will be placed in a hat from which I’ll draw on Monday, Jan. 3.
I have also committed to jumping in the freezing Charles Mill Lake waters for the annual Polar Bear Dip if we net 25 new members by Dec. 31. We’ll then donate $250 to the dip’s cause. My plunge into the sub-zero waters will be live-streamed on our Facebook page for your viewing pleasure.
I’ll include some numbers each week in my Weekly News Roundup email sent on Sunday morning so we can all keep track of our progress. (If you don’t receive that weekly email, you can sign up, for free, at this link.)
I know we can do it, Ashland. We have until Dec. 31. Please help me give away $100, freeze my buns off and get to 200 new members.
Thanks for considering. And thank you for reading Ashland Source.
Sincerely,
Dillon Carr, Ashland Source reporter
