When I was asked to start writing columns and stories for the paper I did not know what I was getting into.

With each new assignment I was given it became more and more of a challenge for myself.

I did however learn and grow with each new story that was given to me. The same goes for my columns.

I will be honest with you though I am not very fond of the columns, but felt it was a way to reach out to the public.

With each new edition of the paper I have started to get a better grasp on things.

I have learned to use writing as an outlet for myself. I have made several mistakes, but have learned from them and have continued to become more efficient as a writer.

When our company switched web design for the News-Gazette my mistakes were broadcast worldwide.

Some people have caught these errors and have thrived on them. I was distraught at first.

But after insight from my publisher I have decided to take the high road.

I realize now that sometimes bad press is better than good press at times.

That means people are reading our paper more. It is a sad realizationa but it is true.

We have received an abundance of good comments also though.

The funny thing is that I appreciate both the good and bad things that are said on the web just the same.

The difference between those making comments, good or bad, is that I at least put my name on the things I write. I put myself out there wholeheartingly to the public.

What I did not understand at first is how mean and hurtful people can be.

I have been guilty of that myself. We all need a way to vent sometimes.

We pick on those less fortunate to make us feel better.

If by saying harsh words makes people feel better then I am okay with that. Sometimes getting things out in the open is the only way to relieve tension.

I do not claim to be God and am not perfect, but do try to do my job to the best to my ability.

People do not understand in this type of field you have to be fast and efficient at what you do.

The News-Gazette publishes two papers a week, and both Theresa and myself have to come up with several story ideas for each edition of the paper.

Sometimes there is not a whole lot of time to interview someone and then write the story.

We also have a limited staff and a lot of responsibilities to what we do.

Being a reporter for a newspaper is a difficult job. People either hate you or they love you. They are your best friends when they need something from you. But then they are your enemy when you write things about them they do not want out to the public.

The same goes for politics. People use others to get what they want. But if you say or do the wrong thing then that person does not know you anymore.

I vowed from the start to be respectful and unbiased to everyone no matter who they are.

Every story that I work on, no matter how menial is treated with the same importance as the others.

Some of you may not like our choices, but this is what we feel the public wants to hear about.

I try to not only write about the bad things occurring in town but also the good.

Lets face it though, people will not admit it, but they are enticed about idle gossip in the area.

That is what sells papers. We are all in the business of making money. That is what pays the bills, issues paychecks, and advances our careers.

Continue to send your comments to the paper in letter format or on the web. The newspaper enjoys the conservations being made between various individuals.