Running errands around town, I’ve met many people who have given me feedback about the newspaper.

I’ve been pleased to hear many positive comments about our work to cover the community we call home. 

One reader told me we played an integral role in revealing, and getting community leaders to respond to, the needs at our local animal shelter. Another appreciates our coverage of city and county government, and many have complimented our feature stories and sister product, Vicksburg Living magazine. 

Some call us to request that one of our reporters cover their event or organization as a story. And there are many others who have been touched by The Post as longtime readers, advertisers, or as previous employees.

Each of the examples above touch our core mission: to tell Vicksburg’s stories while producing the highest quality product the community’s economy can support.

As I reflect on readers’ feedback, I recall a mentor and friend who told me to respect those who constructively tell you what you do wrong as much as you like those who praise what you do right.

I took his advice to heart and I have recognized its value first-hand since becoming publisher of The Vicksburg Post.

Of the constructive criticism I’ve received, a couple of questions and comments stand out, and I’d like to use this space to address the size of daily editions of The Vicksburg Post. 

The size of our newspaper is directly related to the number of ads placed each day. Many readers are surprised to learn the investment they make in purchasing a subscription covers delivery cost only. Advertising income pays reporters who write the stories, photographers who capture the pictures, and the press and mailroom crew who operate the machinery that produces the print edition. It also pays for the ink and newsprint, or the paper your newspaper is printed on.

We can print a larger newspaper by partnering with local businesses.

If you own a business, keep your marketing dollars local by turning to the talented team at The Vicksburg Post for your marketing needs. We offer a combination of print and digital marketing solutions, some of which are on platforms other than the products we publish, and I am confident we have a program that fits your individual needs and that will reach your potential customers.

At The Post, we often talk about selling win-win situations. When we help local businesses with effective marketing solutions, it is a win for the business and a win for us. Really, advertising with The Post is a win-win-win situation. The advertiser and The Vicksburg Post do well, and our readers get to enjoy a larger print edition with more content.

Catherine Boone Hadaway is publisher of The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at catherine.boone@vicksburgpost.com.