By Bill Baker, J.D.
Editor and Publisher, The San Bruno Beacon
In 1995, when I started The San Bruno Beacon, the internet was young and the technology for creating an online newspaper was limited. Before there were blogs, before there was Google, and before almost any major newspaper publication was online, The San Bruno Beacon began its online presence.
While the list of internet projects I have worked on has grown over the years, The San Bruno Beacon is still my sentimental favorite because it stands as a testimonial to the proposition that one person can make a difference.
Many people I have communicated with have told me they were inspired to make a difference in their community and/or become more engaged in local events as a result of reading The San Bruno Beacon . This, in and of itself, has been worth the time and effort that has been put into creating The San Bruno Beacon and making it a reality.
Today, The San Bruno Beacon is read by people all over the world. While the majority of Beacon readers come from the United States, we also have readers in China, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Australia, India, Malaysia, Poland, Turkey, Japan, France, Austria, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, etc. Truly an International audience.
The range of opinions that I receive from Beacon readers, about Beacon articles, run the gamut; from outright praise and support to nasty invective, denunciation, often comical personal criticism and everywhere in between the two extremes. To say the least, the comments are often passionate and never dull.
Yet, whether they are good or bad, Beacon reader comments are proof that the Beacon provokes thought and discussion about today's issues and events. In today's world, where apathy has created many of the extreme problems we face, people need to become more connected to the political, social, and economic processes affecting their lives. People need to stand up to the forces that are adversely affecting their lives and let their voices be heard.
Every person has a right and responsibility to make their community a better place by becoming an active part of the public arena where the decisions affecting their lives are made.
Among the interesting e-mail messages I receive are the ones where a Beacon reader agrees with me and insults me in the same message. Conversely, there are the messages where a Beacon reader gives me all the reasons why they disagree with me and then praises me for the great job I am doing. Nonetheless, whether you agree with me or not, I do read all messages I receive from Beacon readers and I do respond as time permits.
Whether you agree or disagree with me, I appreciate the fact that you take the time from your busy day to read the Beacon. 