Cathy Cobbs is the managing editor of the Reporter’s monthly print editions. This is the column she wrote for the February edition.
It’s not every day when people my age get a chance to experience a “first,” except, perhaps, “my first knee replacement” or other aging-related
horrors.
But this is an exciting inaugural event – my first column (and issue) as managing editor of Reporter Newspapers. Being a registered and card-carrying member of the imposter syndrome club, I am waiting for the powers that be to realize what a terrible mistake they made (before I have a chance to prove it).
In the meantime, let’s talk about the February print issue, and the interesting news it contains. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary with renewed energy and an eye on the future with its new capital campaign. Logan C. Ritchie met with AJFF Executive Director Kenny Blank and wrote a great story about the festival’s past, present and future. Our associate editor Sammie Purcell weighed in on the 10 AJFF films she’s excited to see.
This issue also contains a comprehensive report by reporter Sarra Sedghi on the top six hot pot restaurants to try, along with an in-depth analysis of the different ingredients and preparation methods unique to East Asian cultures.
Our city pages will keep you informed about government machinations in Brookhaven, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Tucker and the impact it will have on people in those communities. This month’s issue focuses on the drama surrounding a controversial proposal to close Spalding Drive Elementary School in Sandy Springs and information about a reduction in vehicle thefts, homicides, robberies, and property crimes in Atlanta.
It also contains heartwarming stories about two strangers coming together to help a paralyzed firefighter and a tribute to a beloved rabbi whose humor helped
thousands of people get through tough times.
Programming note and confession: I love holding a printed publication in my
hand. Turning the pages, looking at the pictures, re-reading articles, as I glean a
new bit of information or different nuance in the text – it’s delicious.
However, I realize that I am one of a dwindling number of consumers who prefer to become informed using something that doesn’t beep, buzz, or update minute-by-minute the “news” of the world.
The reality is that the printed word is not a sustainable forum for those who
want to be fully informed in a timely manner. But I don’t think that the printed product is obsolete if we position it correctly. We curate our Reporter Newspapers content so that you can catch up on the news you may have missed, or take the time to do a deep dive into a subject that involves careful analysis and thought.
Our daily online Rough Draft newsletter is the primary vessel that gives you breaking local and national news. And our weekly newsletters, like Crosswalk, Scene, and others, provide a deep dive into specific and fascinating topics. We believe that both the online and printed editions complement each other, and honestly, it’s two different and wonderful experiences. (Click here to subscribe to our newsletters.)
As always, thanks for investing your time in our print publications, our curated newsletters, and our online news product, Rough Draft Atlanta. I welcome your input – good, bad or otherwise – at cathy@roughdraftatlanta.com.
P.S. You can read the print edition online here.