In thinking about the 10 years that have passed since the birth of Toledo Free Press, I was surprised to discover how much of that time we had shared together.
It was March 2008 when then- Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller contacted me about a feature TFP wanted me to participate in called Brain Gain. Fascinated by the irony of having this category be one with which my name might be associated, I agreed. Strangely, the subject of TFP staff writer Racheal Tafelski’s effort had to do with a blog I’d been writing for about a year titled “Just Blowing Smoke.”
A number of changes have occurred in the years since, and new postings for that effort ended a while back. But the name remained in over 200 efforts that transitioned to TFP beginning later that year. While I have occasionally questioned the sanity of those in charge for allowing such material in print, I have never questioned the dedication, the abilities or the professionalism of the people involved.
Now for those of you who don’t know, I spent over 30 years in the newspaper industry before I ever produced a word in print. As I consider the years and changes that have slipped by, I’m reminded of an exchange I had with an executive upon the opening of their new production facility. After having their Pulitzer Prize plaques pointed out to me, I asked, “Would you consider yourself an award-winning newspaper that occasionally makes a profit, or a profitable newspaper that occasionally wins an award?”
I failed to get a legitimate answer to that question at the time, but have no doubt what the response would be from those at TFP celebrating their 10th year: “Why can’t we do both?”
My friends, five straight years of being voted Ohio’s Best Weekly Newspaper prove that you can, even at a time when things are trying for so many of those around you.
Congratulations and my best wishes for the 10 you’re celebrating and for the 10 and more I know are ahead.
Tim Higgins can be reached at letters@toledofreepress.com.
