I know that the title for this post might seem critical to some readers, but I believe it is a legitimate question to ask. Today’s edition, introduced their “Sonoma Sunday” section which privides “a place on the page for dialogue with the community.” Congrats to Pete Golis, the PD’s editorial director, for this article and for recognizing the significance and the role of “community journalism.” (Some folks use the term “citizen” or “amateur” journalist.) However, the question still remains, “What took the PD so long to do this?”

Mr. Golis’ article is well written and provides both a historical and a logical explanation for initiating this new column called, “Voice.” His professionalism comes through when he states, “Some old-fashion journalist will view this as sacrilege. So be it.” If one goes back in time and checks out some of his references, the Pew Research Center in particular, has been researching and publishing reports that document the public’s use of information and communication technology (ICT) for the past several years.

Here, in Petaluma – Oiur Community – the Argus-Courier has reported on the innovative projects initiated by PetalumaNet, as early as the mid-nineties. For example, one project designed to make greater use of ICT was labeled “Speak Up, Stand Up and Be Counted!” How many readers remember PEN (Petaluma Electronic Network), our city’s first portal website created in 1996? PEN was changed to Petaluma Community Network in 1999 to transmit the message that it wasn’t technology that was important, but the community and its citizens and our need to be better informed through greater use of ICT.

Then, in 2002, Michael Estigoy changed the site’s name, again, to Petaluma Online. He raised the functionality of the site to new levels by adding search engines, community forums, and even space for blogging. (BTW, Michael posted a blog yesterday, that pertains to this very topic. Go to http://michael-estigoy.petaluma360.com/

Well, I could on and on with my blah, blah, blahs (correction, blogging), but I will post additional thoughts related to the topic of “change” later. In the mean time, Hammerhead believes that Pete Golis’ closing sentences about the value of newspapers hits the nail on the head when he states, “The message is: We shouldn’t be afraid to compete. In fact, we don’t have a choice. We will either accept the challenge – or become irrelevant.” Stay tuned.