Making the News

I’ve had several epiphanies over the past several months. Some good, some bad. Mostly bad if I’m to be honest. As I’ve discussed in the past, failure is a common end for someone trying to build something from nothing, or more aptly, trying to build something from nothing that actually makes money. As far as my success to failure ratio, it really depends on what you deem success.

I’ve had several colossal failures of which I truly believed in, but lacked the monetary ability to see through. I’ve had one business that has become at least somewhat profitable, but not enough to survive off of (my notary business and its tributaries). And I’m working on another, which I have high hopes for but low expectations. I’ve learned that you can love something and not need it to be perfect or an instant success, as long as it doesn’t break you to keep it operational.

Treasure Coast Today seems to have some potential. From the little audience I’ve accumulated in the two weeks or so I’ve really committed to the project, I think it’s feasible. I have zero marketing budget but am using free guerilla tactics as much as possible. In other words, Reddit and Nextdoor. The ability to add custom articles was really the turning point. That’s when I realized that a hyper-local news site, partly ran by AI, but with the editorial guidance and customization of a human, could really provide a quality service to the community. And with a quality experience, hopefully comes quality sponsors. Or at least that is the idea.

Will it be a success? We know I don’t have the answer to that. But I intend to see it through as long as I’m able. If all else fails, it’s another lesson and another skill in the toolbelt.