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EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK: Changes are ahead in 2017

The beginning of a year has always seemed to me the best time to make change. I’d like to say that means New Year’s resolutions have worked out for me, but the truth is I don’t really make them. But I do always start a year with a clean, organized apartment, vehicle and office. Some years, I have new systems for home filing or some such thing. When possible, I also like to launch new work-related things at the beginning of year.

Several times in the past few months, I have written about additional changes planned at Minot Daily News, and the beginning of 2017 seemed like a good time to roll some of those out. One of the things that is keeping me busy this  month, when things are slower because of the holidays, is mapping out some of those changes and planning their roll-out.

While the truth is some of these things are still in the works, I thought I would share a little about the upcoming changes.

— There will be changes coming to our sections of the paper. Some will disappear or change dramatically. New ones will be added. As a result of these changes, there will be more diverse content once you get beyond the local news and sports that is our bread and butter.

— There will be more columns from North Dakota writers and they will appear on a more regular schedule.

— Letters to the editor will appear more often. As in as often as we get them. Please, please, join the conversation and send me your letters!

— Our community calendar will appear in the same spot in the newspaper six days a week, so it will be easier for you to take a look a quick glance at what’s happening.

— Coverage of outdoors – primarily hunting and fishing news and information – will become a function of Sports and will appear on a regular scheduled basis. Meanwhile, recurring outdoors-type features will move to the front page, to entertain and to hopefully inspire new generations.

— There will be more focus on news and sports features.

— Readers will get to know the News and Sports staff better.

— We will be soliciting more commentary, photos, ideas and more – from readers

— We will make it easier for you to plan your weekend and to make sure you don’t miss any of the events going on in the region

— Aspiring journalists and writers will be offered new opportunities

That’s a general outline of some of the things coming in 2017. I don’t want to be too specific, or else I would end up with egg on my face if some part of the plan shifts in the next few weeks. Plus, I want to keep a few things as potential surprises.

One might not think so, but making changes like this is an enormous undertaking. Some of the things we will launch in 2017 have actually been in the pipeline since late 2015.

Of course, I realize not everyone will like all of the changes. People have a very personal relationship with Minot Daily News and know what they like and what they want. Some readers will see parts of the paper they like disappear or change, and that is just a reality of the industry. Hopefully, most will understand that change isn’t really optional in media – it’s a must. Additionally, I think most people will enjoy and be better serviced by the changes.

Either way, don’t hesitate to let me know as our progress and growth continues. Progress and growth are, after all, part of the transition from one year to the next.

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