Since its inception, The Vashon Loop has been two things: free to all and primarily supported by the Vashon business community. We aim to keep the first and change the second, and we are asking for your help to do this. Our reasoning is simple: The past three years have been extremely challenging for small business owners around the world, and our Island is no exception. As we look to the near future, the waves appear as choppy as ever, and perhaps worse.
As a fellow business, and as an advertising platform that wants to keep rates low and affordable for our community, we asked ourselves: “What can we do to help?” In October, an idea began to percolate as our Editorial Team offered a Wintertime Advertising Special to local businesses. In these conversations, we learned that February (not January) is the roughest month of the year for Vashon businesses. In fact, many expect to go into debt every February.
Everything we love about Vashon town, from the reliable hours, needed goods and services, entertainment and sustenance, and fantabulous holiday celebrations that bring us all together, exists because of our people. The same is true for our “not In town” businesses. These are our neighbors, friends, and family. Again, we asked ourselves, “What can we do to help?”
In November, we made two decisions that are one part moral and one part good business. First, every business that advertised with us over the Wintertime – and those who initially stepped up to support our business – would receive a free month of advertising in February.
Second, we want to give our readers the opportunity to financially support The Vashon Loop! Notice, we said “opportunity.” The Vashon Loop will absolutely remain free for all readers, in paper form and online. That won’t change. However, since our September inaugural issue, readers have been reaching out to us, asking the same question, “What can we do to help?”
Now we have an answer! Beginning in January, we will be sharing highlights from The Vashon Loop on Substack. The founders started Substack because (1) what we read matters, and (2) good writing is not only valuable but worthy of support. This platform offers readers monthly or yearly donation options. Watch for our January Issue, where we will give an easy tutorial for readers who want to support our paper.
Of course, if you’d like to become a founding supporter of The Vashon Loop right now, we are happy to accept check or cash contributions. Checks can be sent to The Vashon Loop, P. O. Box 2221, Vashon, WA 98070.
We are an LLC, and this newspaper is a labor of love. This means your contribution is not tax-deductible. It is, however, gratefully appreciated and we will put it to good use!
