In today's instant gratification world, loyalty from readers and advertisers is rare. I thank every single reader and advertiser for your support of independent reporting.

I started reporting several years ago when it used to be traditional news. Who, what, where, when. Things have changed over the years and today's reporting style is different.

I did not intend to venture into journalism, again, when I moved here. My blog is a model for the present and future of media and some people realized what I was doing right away. I have tailored this blog to Humboldt.

Whether it was in Philadelphia, Atlanta or here, I have earned trust and respect and I was known by face and name, even in large cities.

Today's reporting is live. Everyone is combining facts and commentary whether they admit it or not and this is not a recent phenomenon.The key is for commentary to include facts and allowing people to decide for themselves. Today, presenting both sides is sometimes challenging when people only speak to preferred media.

Commentary or news will be received through each person's filter. When large corporations and funders control most of the news you see and hear, speaking the truth takes courage. Live reporting and people accessing news and information via social media requires you to engage the reader and give them a feel of what is happening and get information out fast.

Likes and comments don't mean anything if your numbers include bots, anonymous accounts, multiple accounts from the same people or a demographic that isn't there for serious news but to read comments or people reading who don't result in revenue.

My blog and Facebook page is moderated because my readers and advertisers deserve a space where there is responsibility for your words, where they feel safe and where the information is not gossip. I very rarely allow links.

I do ban and delete people and that does affect my likes and numbers every week. I am okay with that because I know who reads me and I am effective with my reporting. It can be disheartening to get several likes a week and then see the numbers that go down but it doesn't affect me because the likes/follows are superficial just like the medium.

I have built this blog from scratch, a following with hard work and despite many challenges. In larger cities, I had a steady paycheck.

When even my critics and haters read me; when others try and copy every idea and my vision, that is a compliment.

In today's instant gratification world, loyalty from readers and advertisers is rare. I thank every single reader and advertiser for your support of independent reporting.