Parting of the ways
Our editorial explains the enforced decision to close the printed paper.
Written by Alison Prince
Thursday, 30 April 2009
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2 comments
It is not easy to be philosophic when something alive and much loved has to be extinguished. The Arran Voice has in every way except financially been a success. It has proved itself to be useful and enjoyable, and increasing numbers of readers have come to appreciate its robust freedom of comment and its readiness to fight for causes it upholds. Even its slightly oddball humour has had devotees, and its crossword and Sudoku will be missed (the latter particularly in the CalMac office at break times.)
All this, the lost laughter included, is a cause of great grief to those of us involved with the paper. The sense of connection with our readers remains intense, and our policy of throwing the ownership of The Arran Voice to the community will stand as a continuing structure. Voice for Arran, the company limited by guarantee set up by local people, remains alive and filled with potential. It is time now for some creative thinking about the future, and any opinions and suggestions short of those that are flatly abusive will be very welcome.
We continue to believe strongly in the principle of joint community ownership. Those who have lived on the island for a long time will remember that the Arran Banner was first mooted by Marc Head, and set up by means of subscriptions from the public. That same admirable approach to community involvement remains an honest and tenable one. In the present economic chaos caused by uncontrolled speculation, ethical, community-based businesses have emerged relatively untouched from the economic carnage, as the success of the Co-op demonstrates – but the basic need of a small business is to grow mature enough to meet its overheads by a secure and tenable margin. The Voice, narrowly but fatally, did not quite make it to that position.
It remains only for us to thank the many people who have worked so hard and given us so much help. Among countless others we remember Fiona Laing for her tirelessly obliging help in distribution, the shops and newsagents who have coped nobly with fluctuating demand and supply and Archie McNicol who helped distribute to Brodick shops in the early days. We are hugely grateful to the businesses who have advertised with us and given prizes for competitions. Equally, we thank the many people who have given their time and expertise so freely to write for us, particularly the young people whose entries in the Wee Voice column have been such a delight. A special mention must go to Jason Watts, who has chosen a marvellous poem for us week after week, and to Min for her charming and witty cartoons, while Stef Holmer has made his mark with his highly individual take on weather forecasting. Much appreciation goes to Dave Payn and The Wee Scunner for their brilliant crossword puzzles, to our fishing correspondent John Kinsman, to Lorna Sherry for book reviews and to Douglas Hamilton, whose CD Collection pieces have been much enjoyed. Among countless others are Nan McMurdo, Rory Cowan, Kelly Donnelly and Stephen Mason – and above all, we thank the many people who have helped us to survive financially, often with a request that there shall be no public acknowledgement of their generosity.
Should anyone wish to get in touch with us, please e-mail info@voiceforarran.com. As new plans start to formulate, we will be happy to share them with those who still want to be our readers, and, as ever, to listen to your views.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
1 view 2 commentsIt is not easy to be philosophic when something alive and much loved has to be extinguished. The Arran Voice has in every way except financially been a success. It has proved itself to be useful and enjoyable, and increasing numbers of readers have come to appreciate its robust freedom of comment and its readiness to fight for causes it upholds. Even its slightly oddball humour has had devotees, and its crossword and Sudoku will be missed (the latter particularly in the CalMac office at break times.)
All this, the lost laughter included, is a cause of great grief to those of us involved with the paper. The sense of connection with our readers remains intense, and our policy of throwing the ownership of The Arran Voice to the community will stand as a continuing structure. Voice for Arran, the company limited by guarantee set up by local people, remains alive and filled with potential. It is time now for some creative thinking about the future, and any opinions and suggestions short of those that are flatly abusive will be very welcome.
We continue to believe strongly in the principle of joint community ownership. Those who have lived on the island for a long time will remember that the Arran Banner was first mooted by Marc Head, and set up by means of subscriptions from the public. That same admirable approach to community involvement remains an honest and tenable one. In the present economic chaos caused by uncontrolled speculation, ethical, community-based businesses have emerged relatively untouched from the economic carnage, as the success of the Co-op demonstrates – but the basic need of a small business is to grow mature enough to meet its overheads by a secure and tenable margin. The Voice, narrowly but fatally, did not quite make it to that position.
It remains only for us to thank the many people who have worked so hard and given us so much help. Among countless others we remember Fiona Laing for her tirelessly obliging help in distribution, the shops and newsagents who have coped nobly with fluctuating demand and supply and Archie McNicol who helped distribute to Brodick shops in the early days. We are hugely grateful to the businesses who have advertised with us and given prizes for competitions. Equally, we thank the many people who have given their time and expertise so freely to write for us, particularly the young people whose entries in the Wee Voice column have been such a delight. A special mention must go to Jason Watts, who has chosen a marvellous poem for us week after week, and to Min for her charming and witty cartoons, while Stef Holmer has made his mark with his highly individual take on weather forecasting. Much appreciation goes to Dave Payn and The Wee Scunner for their brilliant crossword puzzles, to our fishing correspondent John Kinsman, to Lorna Sherry for book reviews and to Douglas Hamilton, whose CD Collection pieces have been much enjoyed. Among countless others are Nan McMurdo, Rory Cowan, Kelly Donnelly and Stephen Mason – and above all, we thank the many people who have helped us to survive financially, often with a request that there shall be no public acknowledgement of their generosity.
Should anyone wish to get in touch with us, please e-mail info@voiceforarran.com. As new plans start to formulate, we will be happy to share them with those who still want to be our readers, and, as ever, to listen to your views.
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