“Eagle-Eyes” has been asking me if I’ve read “this or that” blog, or checked on those “e-newsletters” dealing with the future of newspapers in our society. Then “Hammerhead” wants to know when I’ll post a blog about something that will really “hit the nail on the head” for our Petaluma360 readers.

When I checked the stats provided by two different web site counters, regarding the number of visitors to my blog site on Petaluma360, I received two widely different set of figures. So, if someone asks me what difference all these blogs make – if any – all I can’t say is, “I honestly do not know.” In fact, I’m beginning to wonder just what “stuff” citizens of the greatest democracy in the world does read these days.

For example: this past week the Argus-Courier included an insert titled, “2007 Petaluma Almanac – A Guide to Our Community.” This annual supplement, dated June 27, 2007, consists of 39 pages of useful referral information. The categories range from “Know your community” to “Guide to city government.”A few days later, The Press Democrat included the “Sonoma County Grand Jury ‘Final Report’ for 2006-2007.” This 40 page insert includes reports on significant issues related to quality of life for Sonoma County residents. Some of these investigations focused on: wastewater, access to recreation areas, school safety, and disaster training. I wonder how many citizens opened either document, or even set them aside for future use?

Hmmm, now that I think about it; I also wonder if either newspaper would be interested in conducting a poll of it readers that wouldreport on how may of its readers actually read these inserts as compared to – let’s say, articles reporting the release of “you know who”from jail or who won the “Ugly Dog” contest? How about it A-C, PD, any takers?

FYI, “Eagle-Eyes” discovered the following quote by John F. Kennedy that, IMHO, relates to this concern about the public’s interest, knowledge and involvement in current affairs: “Today, the eyes of all people are truly upon us, and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national state and local, must be as a city upon a hill, constructed and inhabited by men aware of their grave trust and their great responsibilities.” I would be interested in your thoughts and comments. Stay tuned.