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> What do you want to read about in the News-Dispatch?
NDReporter
post Aug 31 2010, 07:36 PM
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I want to know what stories you want to read. I'm always looking for story ideas that will get you interested and tell you something you didn't know before.

So what is going on in La Porte County that needs to be in the paper? Along with that -- What are we already covering that you like, and what aren't we covering that you'd like to see?

Thanks for your input! Alicia Ebaugh


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Bellah
post Aug 31 2010, 09:50 PM
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QUOTE(NDReporter @ Aug 31 2010, 08:36 PM) *

I want to know what stories you want to read. I'm always looking for story ideas that will get you interested and tell you something you didn't know before.

So what is going on in La Porte County that needs to be in the paper? Along with that -- What are we already covering that you like, and what aren't we covering that you'd like to see?

Thanks for your input! Alicia Ebaugh



I really appreciate the chance to answer this question. I have "lurked" on this forum for some time, and never joined or felt need to reply, until now... hopefully, it is worth it..

Stories I would like to read about:
Well in reading the many comments on the ND online page, sometimes important topics come out of the discussions on there. I suggest that ND staff review what is being said on there and determine if a story can come out of the discussion... Granted, a lot of it is opinion and plan venting, but every now and then, something good gets discussed. It would be nice to see it taken further into a full fledged story.

Other topics I have had interest in learning more about..

New business that open up in town, what brought the business to MC, why did they see an opportunity here, and what they hope to gain from or bring to MC?

What are the children of our town doing to better our town? or do they even want to? High school or Middle school kids, do they see them selves in MC in the future? working or raising a family of their own? If not, why?

What are the struggles that people in our town face? Unemployment, lack of education, crime, poverty, homelessness? What does MC do to offer help? is it enough? What lead to these situations for these people? Does our city work for its people, or only for the "rich people from IL, that live on the lake." (note: this is not my opinion, rather, a definition I have heard many times by many people in this town).

More stories on positive things in the community, church events, clubs (boy/girl scouts, etc.) What are the people in LP county doing to better the community? It doesn't take a lot to find out.. stopping by a local library, or church, or club event will often lead you to what people who have a sense of community, are doing in our community.

I know that most of these ideas are more "human interest" stories, and need the right individual to be willing to give you a glimpse into their life to write. However, I also feel that these stories can spark something in the reader to feel a connection to others.. After all, isn't that what life is about? Finding a common ground?

Thanks for offering this option, Alicia. I hope to read about one of these idea's in the future in my subscription to the ND.

~Bellah
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Southsider2k12
post Aug 31 2010, 10:34 PM
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QUOTE(NDReporter @ Aug 31 2010, 08:36 PM) *

I want to know what stories you want to read. I'm always looking for story ideas that will get you interested and tell you something you didn't know before.

So what is going on in La Porte County that needs to be in the paper? Along with that -- What are we already covering that you like, and what aren't we covering that you'd like to see?

Thanks for your input! Alicia Ebaugh


I cross-posted this on the facebook page for you A!

QUOTE(Bellah @ Aug 31 2010, 10:50 PM) *

I really appreciate the chance to answer this question. I have "lurked" on this forum for some time, and never joined or felt need to reply, until now... hopefully, it is worth it..

Stories I would like to read about:
Well in reading the many comments on the ND online page, sometimes important topics come out of the discussions on there. I suggest that ND staff review what is being said on there and determine if a story can come out of the discussion... Granted, a lot of it is opinion and plan venting, but every now and then, something good gets discussed. It would be nice to see it taken further into a full fledged story.

Other topics I have had interest in learning more about..

New business that open up in town, what brought the business to MC, why did they see an opportunity here, and what they hope to gain from or bring to MC?

What are the children of our town doing to better our town? or do they even want to? High school or Middle school kids, do they see them selves in MC in the future? working or raising a family of their own? If not, why?

What are the struggles that people in our town face? Unemployment, lack of education, crime, poverty, homelessness? What does MC do to offer help? is it enough? What lead to these situations for these people? Does our city work for its people, or only for the "rich people from IL, that live on the lake." (note: this is not my opinion, rather, a definition I have heard many times by many people in this town).

More stories on positive things in the community, church events, clubs (boy/girl scouts, etc.) What are the people in LP county doing to better the community? It doesn't take a lot to find out.. stopping by a local library, or church, or club event will often lead you to what people who have a sense of community, are doing in our community.

I know that most of these ideas are more "human interest" stories, and need the right individual to be willing to give you a glimpse into their life to write. However, I also feel that these stories can spark something in the reader to feel a connection to others.. After all, isn't that what life is about? Finding a common ground?

Thanks for offering this option, Alicia. I hope to read about one of these idea's in the future in my subscription to the ND.

~Bellah


Welcome to the site, excellent first post!
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ZAS
post Sep 1 2010, 08:54 AM
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A couple of ideas from the perspective of a person that only reads the online version:

1) a series that takes a personal view of how everyday people contribute to the fabric of LP county. Many interesting people out there that make LP interesting and might have a very interesting viewpoint- Might not even need to be in print format, but as a blog;

2) incorporate Twitter and a blog on the website (Michael Gresham talked about how this could be incorporated on WIMS, and as a listener from Chicago, I complete/strongly agree);

3) interesting businesses in LP county;

4) consolidate the Herald-Argus and News Dispatch;

5) Political analysis; doesn't have to be partisan, but you can analyze why candidates are campaigning a certain way. See Ward Room on NBC Chicago .com for an example;

6) Incorporate video from events and related to stories for use in conjunction with online stories- even create a YouTube page.

7) Create a working relationship with a radio station and video/news to share stories and increase readership: i.e. Sun-Times is aligned with NBC and Tribune is WGN.
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Homey
post Sep 1 2010, 09:06 AM
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good ideas Zas


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taxthedeer
post Sep 1 2010, 11:48 AM
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QUOTE(NDReporter @ Aug 31 2010, 08:36 PM) *

I want to know what stories you want to read. I'm always looking for story ideas that will get you interested and tell you something you didn't know before.

So what is going on in La Porte County that needs to be in the paper? Along with that -- What are we already covering that you like, and what aren't we covering that you'd like to see?

Thanks for your input! Alicia Ebaugh

I'd like for the N-D's website to have a place where readers can upload their own photos and video like several other news sites.

That's what I really appriecaite about this site because you could do all of that either here or on the facebook page. Even though this forum don't have that large of a membership and most accounts are inactive, it generates tons of traffic, especially when breaking local news happen (ie. peak of 160 unique hits when the ISP break occured).

I know that I've already complained about this in the past but they need to put the print edition job ads online. Linking to Yahoo HotJobs is absurd.

Maybe I'd like to see more investigative reporting. Such as, What's being done to control the county's exploding mule deer population? What's being done to stop roadside littering? When and Why did Marquette change it's name from St. Mary's? Has Marquette ever considered resurrecting it's football program? Why are there so many vacant business properties in Michigan City compared to other nearby Northwest Indiana communities? Why don't Michigan City High school hire their own graduates to coach Michigan City High School teams like Merrillville does? Who was the idiot that thought that Michigan City was ever going to have a population of over 100,000? What were those people that boarded the Eastland thinking, what did they do with all the food when they didn't show up for the picnic?

I enjoy Parkhouse's Home Cookin' on Sunday and Drew White's Unwritten No More on Monday.
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Ang
post Sep 1 2010, 12:07 PM
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Tax, in the upper right corner of the N-D website is 4 links, one is local jobs. Don't go through the classifieds sections cause that's takes you to yahoo


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Ang
post Sep 1 2010, 12:22 PM
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I like the idea of the political analysis also. Mike does an OUTSTANDING job with candidate forums here, but the N-D should include some type of coverage for that also.

I'd like to see a section about what's going on. For example, the Parks & Rec dept should have a weekly update on local P&R events, not just special events, but a list of everything that's going on--like the weekly softball games, who's playing who, what time and what field. etc. Same with the MCAS, Sr. Center, etc. Give Pop Warner a spot, too for their games. Sometimes people aren't directly involved with a program but like to attend as a spectator. For example, I do not have a child in Pop Warner, but I would love to go the LP/MC game and have no idea when or where it is.

I realize that the paper does give event info, but not the little stuff. That should be included as well.


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MC Born & Raised
post Sep 1 2010, 12:47 PM
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QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Sep 1 2010, 12:48 PM) *

I'd like for the N-D's website to have a place where readers can upload their own photos and video like several other news sites.

That's what I really appriecaite about this site because you could do all of that either here or on the facebook page. Even though this forum don't have that large of a membership and most accounts are inactive, it generates tons of traffic, especially when breaking local news happen (ie. peak of 160 unique hits when the ISP break occured).

I know that I've already complained about this in the past but they need to put the print edition job ads online. Linking to Yahoo HotJobs is absurd.

Maybe I'd like to see more investigative reporting. Such as what's being done to control the county's exploding mule deer population. What's being done to stop roadside littering. When and Why did Marquette change it's name from St. Mary's? Has Marquette ever considered resurrecting it's football program? Why are there so many vacant business properties in Michigan City compared to other nearby Northwest Indiana communities, etc.

I enjoy Parkhouse's Home Cookin' on Sunday and Drew White's Unwritten No More on Monday.


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NDReporter
post Sep 1 2010, 01:45 PM
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I really appreciate everyone's feedback, even business ideas that I can pass on to my editors (especially adding more event and sports calendars, etc). I'm seeing a few things I can do already.

I'm specifically looking for story ideas that I or other reporters can do in a relatively short period of time (like feature stories on particular people, groups, businesses etc., or stories on an issue that has arisen in the schools or about town). It's fine to say you'd like to see more human interest stories, but without guidance I don't know where to go to find them. I have little time to search for ideas myself, so any specific ideas are always welcome. I also love investigative reporting, but I don't have a lot of time to do it, so those story ideas have to be really unique or important.

On a level of 1-10, how interested would you be in, say, a story about the food service at Michigan City High School. They have such a huge selection of food, it's crazy. And apparently they've won awards for it, too? What if I combined that with info on a study that found kids who eat lunch at school are more likely to become overweight? What about how the schools try to create healthy meals on a budget, and whether you can pack a healthy lunch for your kids for the same amount of money per student?

Although I'm being very unscientific, I'm just trying to gauge where people's interest lies.


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taxthedeer
post Sep 1 2010, 02:06 PM
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QUOTE(Ang @ Sep 1 2010, 01:22 PM) *

I like the idea of the political analysis also. Mike does an OUTSTANDING job with candidate forums here, but the N-D should include some type of coverage for that also.

I'd like to see a section about what's going on. For example, the Parks & Rec dept should have a weekly update on local P&R events, not just special events, but a list of everything that's going on--like the weekly softball games, who's playing who, what time and what field. etc. Same with the MCAS, Sr. Center, etc. Give Pop Warner a spot, too for their games. Sometimes people aren't directly involved with a program but like to attend as a spectator. For example, I do not have a child in Pop Warner, but I would love to go the LP/MC game and have no idea when or where it is.

I realize that the paper does give event info, but not the little stuff. That should be included as well.

Thanks for the tip on the jobs link, I still got Yahoo HotJobs, when I find out if any LP/MC Pop Warner games are to be played I'll be sure to you know, the team that I followed did not play La Porte last season because they were in opposite divisions, same with Merrillville, I was a little disappointed with that.
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Bellah
post Sep 1 2010, 06:50 PM
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@ taxthedeer: regarding the local print job ads online. if you select classifieds then use the drop down menu in the middle of the page to select employment it should take you to the local print ones. I check it often on the HA site as I work with people in both communities that are "job searching"

@Alicia: how about something about the recent influx of heroin use and abuse in this county? I had a client tell me that it is easier to get heroin, and cheaper than the get marijuana in this area, as well as the lack of treatment for this addiction in this area. I am sending client's to SB or Ft. Wayne for quality treatment. Or, does the general population of the area, not feel this is something that need's attention and why?

or... business's I have noticed that have popped up lately.. Santoyas (sp?) the mexican buffet, the small place out on 212(looks like a hotdog place or something), the new purse store on Barker. Im sure there are tons more.

MCAS does a small article every now and then on a graduate from the school system and what they are doing in the community now. I imagine something like that could be expanded to a whole article.

I promise I have tons of more ideas. Just need to think about it for a day or two.

Lastly, when reading the articles that are interesting in the paper, they seem to be too "quick". Im not asking for a book, and I clearly understand the space restrictions, but it seems like just as the article gets going, its over.

~Bellah
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taxthedeer
post Sep 1 2010, 10:07 PM
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QUOTE(NDReporter @ Sep 1 2010, 02:45 PM) *


On a level of 1-10, how interested would you be in, say, a story about the food service at Michigan City High School. They have such a huge selection of food, it's crazy. And apparently they've won awards for it, too? What if I combined that with info on a study that found kids who eat lunch at school are more likely to become overweight? What about how the schools try to create healthy meals on a budget, and whether you can pack a healthy lunch for your kids for the same amount of money per student?


If the schools are trying to battle the teen obesity problem, how come their ticket stubs to athletic events come in the form of a McDonald's coupon for a buy one get one free Big Mac or Quarter pounder?
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Ang
post Sep 2 2010, 08:12 AM
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Tax, those tickets are donated by whom ever the coupon is for. Since the MCAS is trying to cut costs, it uses those coupon tickets vs. having to buy tickets outright. People don't typically consider it, but buying tickets can become a little pricey--especially when is team is doing well and spectator attendance goes up.

The regional/sectional basketball tickets alone cost upwards of $500--or more. So, if the school can use tickets donated from some organization, who cares if they have a fast-food coupon on them?


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Ang
post Sep 2 2010, 08:17 AM
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Alicia, I've heard several different rumors about how ISP came to be in Michigan City. Most often, I've heard that the guy who originally owned the land wanted to donate it to the City for the high school, but he was spurned by the powers that be and out of spite, he donated it to the state for the prison instead.

Can you do a story on the history of the prison and how it came to be here? That would be cool.


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post Sep 2 2010, 08:35 AM
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That is actually a cool pathway to go down. Some historical stuff would be awesome. I remember the ND used to have an older guy who did some pretty awesome writing about City's history. A whole generation is coming up without that kind of stuff. Places like Pullman Standard and Barker Haskell mean nothing to kids here today.
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lovethiscity
post Sep 2 2010, 06:31 PM
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I would like to see just a little investigative journalism. Writing about only what is being told by public officials can be very miss-leading at times. For example:
1. The paper was told an outside lawyer was retained to investigate the resulting safety issues at MCSD as a result of the IOSHA scandal. This same lawyer testified to the city council the the scope of his contract with the MCSD was to look at Ron Meer only, nothing else
2. When the residence status of former zoning board member Nolah Nasser came up several times. Jason Miller was told and put in the paper that she lived on Cleveland Ave. at the same address as Tim Bietry. While in fact she owned no property in the State of Indiana. (Jason realized the misinformation almost immediately but failed to report it.)
In other words why does the paper believe everything it hears? Ask a question once in a while.

(Mrs Nasser was quietly dismissed months later and replaced by some goof. A story on the goof that took her place on the Zoning board would make for fun reading)
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edgeywood
post Sep 2 2010, 06:46 PM
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QUOTE(NDReporter @ Aug 31 2010, 08:36 PM) *

I want to know what stories you want to read. I'm always looking for story ideas that will get you interested and tell you something you didn't know before.

So what is going on in La Porte County that needs to be in the paper? Along with that -- What are we already covering that you like, and what aren't we covering that you'd like to see?

Thanks for your input! Alicia Ebaugh


Investigative reporting and follow-up on previous stories. Seems like memories are bit short around here.

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edgeywood
post Sep 3 2010, 07:26 AM
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QUOTE(edgeywood @ Sep 2 2010, 07:46 PM) *

Investigative reporting and follow-up on previous stories. Seems like memories are bit short around here.


I spoke a bit too soon...today's story on the continuing issues in the Pines is a great example a follow-up on an investigative report!
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taxthedeer
post Sep 4 2010, 09:52 PM
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QUOTE(Ang @ Sep 2 2010, 09:12 AM) *

Tax, those tickets are donated by whom ever the coupon is for. Since the MCAS is trying to cut costs, it uses those coupon tickets vs. having to buy tickets outright. People don't typically consider it, but buying tickets can become a little pricey--especially when is team is doing well and spectator attendance goes up.

The regional/sectional basketball tickets alone cost upwards of $500--or more. So, if the school can use tickets donated from some organization, who cares if they have a fast-food coupon on them?
I used to work with this guy who believed that things like this was some kind of foreign plot to make americans fat and lazy and kill us all off through our diet and take over the country.
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