As news ombudsman for The Palm Beach Post for more than 20 years, the issues readers raised about the newspaper continually fascinated me.
My phone, desk and weekly column were the equivalent of the water cooler for readers’ daily conversations about the quality of news journalism.
I genuinely enjoyed the interaction — hearing their myriad questions, concerns and suggestions. And readers generally knew it.
I’m still listening to the comments of those who, whether from near or far, have stayed in touch.
Today, I would love to hear yours.
As the news business becomes a subset of the information technology revolution, I’m rooting for my colleagues who are working to make newspapers’ work.
But as I said to readers of my farewell column, I’m excited about how all the things we were doing at the paper — particularly news analysis and commentary — translate to the Internet.
HanifOnMedia provides needed, important, helpful, topical and even whimsical information and perspectives on the human condition.
We’ll give particular attention to the new media technologies, and issues glaringly absent or not getting due attention in the public domain.
And amid all of that, there is a need for some spiritual perspective.
I’m thankful for new opportunities to hear and share insights as I travel around Palm Beach County and around the world. I plan to continue chronicling events and activities that others may have wanted to attend, or just wondered about.
My curiosity will continue to help keep me motivated. But so will your comments and experiences. As much as I have my own thoughts to contribute, I love fostering the conversation.
As we share this journey, I’m still listening.
