Dear Readers
The Metro Independent is temporarily halting operations.
As many of this digital newspaper’s wonderful supporters know, the Metro Independent has essentially been a one-man operation since its inception in July 2013. I have been aided by amazing support from the communities the paper serves and many people have kindly provided pictures and content. The contributions of a columnist, an intern and freelance writers were greatly appreciated.
Typewriter / Photo by Roger Starkey
Despite the support from the communities, and the growing number of readers, I have been unable to grow the business or the staff. There are many reasons for this – too many to discuss in this letter – but the result is that I have not generated income and have been absent from my family too frequently.
Many loyal readers will have noticed that there has been less content on the Metro Independent recently and much less original reporting. The reduced content and quality is a result of my decision to reconsider the direction of the paper and my participation with it.
On this final day of 2014, I am stepping away from the Metro Independent to spend more time with my family and to devote the time necessary to determine the future for the paper.
It is my sincere hope that the paper can continue in the future and that it will provide the community focused news that was the cornerstone of the Metro Independent’s coverage. However, if the paper returns under my ownership, it will likely look much different, with content posted less frequently and an increased focus on in-depth reporting.
Thank you for your time and generous support
Roger
You were my main source of local information. Although I will miss your reports, I understand and respect your decision. Will this page be shut down completely?
Lynda
Thank you very much. I will keep the site up for historical information. I sincerely hope someone, or a company, will continue the Metro Independent and this site will become active again.
Best regards
Roger
Really sorry to read this. You have answered questions no one else would take the time to do. A lot of Caseyville users will be sorry to hear this. I saw an invitation to join or contribute and I let the chance go by. If you think of renewing this site, I would be happy to support you. I didn’t realize you were on your own.
If you choose to take another path I respect that, and you can be proud of what you have done. Regards, Phil Carlton.
Phil
Thank you. I am proud of some things I was able to accomplish, but I wish I could have done much more.
Best regards
Roger
Roger, Thank you for all of your hard work and efforts over the past year and a half. We appreciated the coverage of all of the Catsup Bottle happenings. Sincere best wishes for whatever your future holds! Take care.
Big Tomato
Thank you for immediately supporting the Metro Independent. Stories about the big bottle in the sky, presented with humor and respect, were some of the highlights of my time with the paper.
Cheers
Roger
Thank you for your insightful reporting. I enjoyed many, many of your articles. Time goes by quicker than you realize, so be part of your family and enjoy them thoroughly.
Thank you very much, Judy.
Mr. Starkey, I wish you the best in your future. I am sure that you will excell at whatever decision you make for your future. You are the best reporter that I have seen locally ever. You only reported the truth and never sugar coated anything which was so refreshing. If anyone critized you, you can bet your bottom dollar that you stepped on their toes with the truth. Your family is very lucky to have such a wonderful, truthful and devoted person in their lives. Hope to see you writing again soon.
Linda
Thank you for the incredibly kind words. I certainly did my best and tried to find the truth,not just publish what I was told. I was often attacked for taking that approach. Some even started spreading lies about me and my business practices when they could not attack the truthfulness of my reporting. As I move on, I do so with a clear conscience.
Best regards
Roger