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Mission Statement—Reader's Survey by Christopher Menkin Editor/Publisher
http://two.leasingnews.org/cartoons/placard01.jpg The 452 readers who responded to our survey want us to “stay the course.” There were two anonymous messages, and a few other signed messages, that centered around “cronyism.” While it is natural for me to print e-mail from old friends, and promote those who gives us “leads” and “inside information,” I got the message. In 2004, it is my intention to limit the repeat e-mail of the “regulars” or “old friends,” and strive more to get a “new mix.” It also appears the overwhelming majority wants press releases: want us to continue the candor; less leasing association news, as they get it direct; and had some recommendations, such as putting press releases in one area near the end, and not knocking ourselves out by going “to press” every day. There were very few negative comments, almost 100% positive and encouraging. This has renewed my faith in my original purpose of sending an e-mail about what was happening in the leasing industry. The last year I have been taken to task by attorneys on the telephone and in depositions, The answer is to provide: “Independent, unbiased and fair news about the Leasing Industry.” We do not represent any leasing association or special interest, nor are we seeking any financial benefits, except for advertising to help meet expenses. The subscription has always been free. We did eliminate a “click on the headline” html edition as we only had 28 paid readers. We have an estimated 7,500 “free” readers. The publication grew from a casual e-mail to friends to where it is today. The policy, or terms and conditions, if you will, of Leasing News is also on the web site. And it is printed in every e-mail edition. http://www.leasingnews.org/policy.htm The Leasing News Advisory Board is chosen by the publisher. They are not financially compensated. They participate in the overall direction of our electronic newspaper. As with a printed newspaper, it is the editor's sole discretion as to what is printed and not printed; not the board of directors or any We also follow the printed newspaper policy that if an opinion or viewpoint is expressed, the writer or writers will be named in the by-line of the article. Opinions and viewpoints are allowed when the article is signed by the writer. Leasing News will continue to be a crusader of ideas; a provocateur of thought. I am presently interviewing leaders in the leasing industry to replace those who have recently resigned or retired, and will review those who would like to support us with the entire advisory board. Thank you readers for responding to our survey. You have encouraged the staff here at Leasing News to continue to provide information, act as an ombudsman, answer specific questions that readers may have, help provide solutions, sources, contacts, tools, resources, and make available the truth of what is really happening in the leasing industry. “Don't Ever Give Up!” Christopher "Kit" Menkin, Editor/Publisher January 13,2004 The Mission of “The World” newspaper “An institution which should always fight for progress and reform; never tolerate injustice or corruption; always fight demagogues of all parties; never belong to any party; always oppose privileged classes and public plunder; never lack sympathy with the poor; always remain devoted to the public welfare; never be satisfied with merely printing the news; always be drastically independent; never be afraid to attack wrong, whether by predatory plutocracy or predatory poverty.” October 30,1911 Frank J. Cobb, editor, “The World” His statement is a quote from the publisher Joseph Pulitizer's retirement speech on April 10,1907.
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