It is amazing how much things can change from one week to the next. Our first week, my publisher, Pat Cavanaugh, and I drove from one end of the county to the next, meeting with people and sharing our vision for the paper. In addition, we had to put the paper together and get it to the printer. And you know if you read Pat's column last week what a time we had getting it all done.

Well we regrouped on Monday and tweaked some of the processes, and the results were like night and day.

We got through our second week of production with greater ease than we did the week before. Now, I'm not saying every thing was perfect because as with any new thing, there will be some growing pains, but we are off to great start.
One of the things that helped make the process easier was the response we got from our readers. You called, sent e-mails, or told us when you saw us what you thought, and we are striving to incorporate the ideas that you shared with us into the paper.

Just as I told you that our process was like night and day, I must share with you that our publisher was too.

The first week, he almost wore a hole in the floor of our office pacing back and forth like an expectant father. Every four minutes he asked us how long it would take to finish and promised he wasn't going to ask again, only to start the questions again four minutes later.

But last week, he was a seasoned pro. He only asked us every six minutes how things were going instead of every four minutes. He was calmer, although still concerned, like a good father should be. He encouraged us to step out a little further and spread our wings a little wider, but always with the watchful eye of someone who has accepted the responsibility of something new.

You should know that Pat takes his role as the publisher of The Rockdale News very seriously. His first concern is always giving the people of Rockdale news about the people in the Rockdale - nothing more, nothing less. So I appreciate the questions because it shows he really cares about doing a good job for all of us.

We have a full week ahead, gathering information, writing stories and putting together a product that we can all be proud of.

As editor of The Rockdale News, I want you to know that I am always accessible. Whether you have a concern about something you've read or you just want to say hello, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

I truly believe that we - you the reader and we the staff - are creating something special that reflects the face of our county.
Have a great week.

Tisa Smart Washington is the editor of The Rockdale News. She can be reached at twashington@rockdalenews.net.