YDR Insider

Knowing that we were sure to get a lot of responses from readers confused by or unhappy with our new model for online subscriptions, I crafted this framework of a standard response before we launched the effort:

 Hello,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this matter. I can tell by your response that this is important to you.

Such local content requires the dedicated resources of local reporters, photographers, designers and editors. The internet has transformed our newsroom from a once-a-day
production effort into a round-the-clock news and information hub. We must provide all the content the community has come to expect from a traditional newspaper as well as be the leader in online news. We are now videographers as well
as writers. Our social media network includes Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and dozens of blogs.

Quite simply, we reach more readers more often and in more ways than ever before. All of this is terrific. But we must
flourish as a business if we are to flourish as a news source. We cannot afford to give away this content online.

We offer a number of online subscription plans, and if you choose to subscribe, I’m sure that you will find more than your money’s worth.

You can receive unlimited access to everything we offer at ydr.com, GameTimePa.com and FlipsidePa.com, as well as everything offered at InYork.com and YorkDispatch.com if you opt for an online subscription through Press+. You can
do that through the process offered when you click on a story and a box with a green border pops up.

Or, if you prefer, you can get a subscription to what we call the “e-edition”. This is an online replica of each day’s newspaper. You will see the same paper you would have received if you got home delivery. You can view this on any computer, and we have a special app for this if you use an iPad tablet. You can subscribe to the e-edition at this site.

And of course, there is home delivery. If you do not already have a subscription, you can subscribe by calling 717-767-4663, or online at inyork.com/subscribe.

I do hope that we can be your No. 1 source of news and information for York County. Like you, we care deeply about what happens here.

Mostly, I want to thank you for taking the time to write. This is important to you, and I wanted you to know that we hear you, and take your thoughts into consideration.

Regards,

Randy Parker

Managing Editor

York Daily Record/Sunday News

I am no fan of form letters, so I always tweak this and adjust it to the individual concerns raised.  I try to be religious about getting back to folks quickly – I have handled many of these from my cell phone, some even at poolside while on vacation. And if they get back to me with a response to my note, I again get back to them quickly with a personal note.

We have received far fewer questions and complaints about online subscriptions than we ever expected. I have personally responded to a few dozen readers – more on that in my next post.

In any case, our goal is to respond quickly and personally to all questions and comments about online subscriptions. If someone took the time to share their thoughts on this, we owe them the courtesy of a response.