Mary Madison
Contributor
I'm often astonished, but not surprised, where people place their priorities, of even simple things. Like the newspaper. Many people I talk with exude that they don't read our local papers – only the Tallahassee Democrat. They've given reasons, like “it has nothing interesting in it” or “it's nothing more than a 'fish wrapper' and I'm not spending money on it” or “the editors don't write what they submit or change what they write.”
I quickly beg to differ on all their reasons and strongly support their choice of what they desire to read, and then I give my reasons for supporting our paper. I remind them of the name Tallahassee. Except for the obituaries, the Democrat is primarily concerned about Tallahassee news and only publishes items pertinent to Tallahassee when it comes to their government. Just like any local newspaper, it must print city and county actions before a resolution.
Another reminder I offer is that interesting reading is somewhat like what is said about beauty – it is in the eye of the beholder. Well, knowledge is in the interest of its reader. As for the money, many have to agree with me that they spend more than $1.50 a day on items they never use.
About the editors – I've seen submitted articles that lacked proper grammar, and the penmanship was that of a kindergartener – even typed. Submitting an article is not like writing a Dear Friend or Dear John letter. It should almost be print ready; the editor is only a proofreader. I submit articles on a regular basis, and I assure you the only changes the editor does is for enhancement; they research many of my articles' subjects and add value to it, but they never substantially change anything.
I give kudos to guest columnists and staff writers who share their personal stories. Many of these stories are so relatable to me and mine. The most recent is from Columnist Mickey Starling's “Childhood reflections...” (June 8).
His first paragraph paused my continual reading because, like Mickey's intense fashion, make-up and bling, bling jewelry has never been an overwhelming thing for me. I like nice clothing, but they don't have to come from an expensive clothier. Garage sales, Goodwill, Salvation Army, Lighthouse and consignments are my “go to” stores. As a teen-ager and beyond I was a dressmaker, and expensive clothes were not on my radar. I've always classified myself as a neat, clean “Plain Jane” kind of person. After reading Mickey's entire article, I had a few more “amen” assentive concurrences, to be continued. Mickey's article makes me truly appreciate the value of everything and everyone in my life, because I can thank God that He has always guided me to “take some time to be still and take inventory of where I place my priorities.” Thanks, Mickey, for the memories.