Reader Response: Independent Journalism That Serves You
Here's a chance to tell me what stories serve you most.
Tell me what stories you want to see. I’m taking this Saturday off because I’m tired AF, but I wouldn’t want to leave your inboxes empty.
So in the mean time, since The Backbone is nearing 50 subscribers, I wanted to take this time to check in with you on how you’re liking the newsletter so far.
Unlike some prominent journalists, I’m not in the Epstein files. Unlike the Washington Post, I didn’t lay off a third of my newsroom's staff last week. Unlike David Smith, I’m also not the head of a massive media conglomerate intent on painting Baltimore as a war zone. That means I’m competing against a bunch of powerful people (most of them, creepy old men) with a lot more money than me that they can spend on market research and advertising for their shitty transphobic rags.
I’m also committed to not passively collecting a bunch of your personal data like a freak, so the only way for me to learn about what you’d like to see more of is if I ask nicely.
Here’s my ask: Answer the next six questions, or shoot me an email reply to the newsletter with your thoughts.
It’ll take less than five minutes, cause frankly, we’ve all got a lot of shit going on.
Are you based in Maryland? |
Which subject that The Backbone covers do you want to read more about?Polls on here only let you pick one option, so pick your favorite. |
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Which topic the Backbone covers do you LEAST want to read more about? |
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Have you ever shared The Backbone with a friend? |
Would you ever consider paying for a subscription to support The Backbone?I'm trying to figure out the best way to make this newsletter sustainable. Right now, my journalism doesn't cover the costs it takes to produce. But I also think it's important for there to be quality news that's not behind a paywall. |
If you took the time to fill this out: Thank you. Tune in next week for more of The Backbone’s regular coverage.
Did you see last weekend’s coverage? I explored the area surrounding the planned ICE detention center in Hagerstown, and what we lose when we forget our history. Less straight-up news than my usual, but I hope you like it anyway.
Also, there were Shetland ponies.
Do you have a story that needs telling? To send a tip, you can email backbonenews@proton.me, or reach out on Signal (@marsbars.81). Both Proton and Signal offer end-to-end encryption. Don’t use a work device.
I promise to treat your stories with the rigorous care and attention to detail they deserve.
