Do you have a neighborhood newspaper? We do. And I think it's something very special. It only comes out six times a year, but it's the kind of publication you keep on the coffee table and when people visit from out of town it gives them a great sense for what the neighborhood is like.
It's a Journal, really, not a NEWSpaper - no stories of crime or politics - just stories about neighbors and what they are doing to keep the neighborhood vital.
I suppose a case can be made for the end of printed news media. I will not be surprised if my Kindle replaces my morning paper. But a neighborhood paper may survive merely because it's such a great reminder of the life that takes place in the neighborhood. It's something you want to keep around the house for a few months until the next one arrives.
There is a chapter in Simple Community devoted to the importance of sharing stories as a way of encouraging more enriched community. A community paper is a great way to share stories.
If you have a neighborhood paper that you really like, please tell me about it. In the next issue of our's there will be a story on Simple Community encouraging book groups to take a look at the book and see if it sparks more community life.
If it works I'd be happy to help make it happen for other neighborhoods too.