Longmont Herald to Build LongmontHerald.com
A Website Independent from Substack
Who?
Me, with a little help from my friends.
I’m working to build something similar to what Macie May did at the Longmont Observer and Longmont Leader, but right now we are a much smaller team. The Observer had several volunteers, including Sergio Angeles, who built the site, and the Leader had an entire team managing their site.
Right now, it’s just me and a fantastic photographer, Mat Bobby, who is very generous with his time.
I’ve realized I can only do so much as one person. Until more volunteers join in, this is what the Longmont Herald will be—a work in progress, built with passion and persistence.
What? Where?
I own the domain longmontherald.com, and I’m working to get it up and running.
For now, I’ll continue publishing on longmontherald.substack.com, but the goal is to fully transition to the standalone website once everything is set up.
When?
I’m already working on it, but since I’m also writing articles at the same time, it will take a few weeks.
Best case scenario: Two to three weeks.
Worst case scenario: Over a month.
I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but I know my way around a computer. I’ve taken coding and WordPress classes before, but let’s just say it’s not my natural talent—writing is.
Why?
Freedom.
Right now, Substack limits income by relying solely on subscriptions and doesn’t allow ads. While I’ve gained a few paid subscribers (thank you!), it’s not enough to make a living.
With a self-hosted website, I can run both ads and paid subscriptions, creating a more sustainable income.
I’m being honest—I need to make a living. Don’t we all?
Right now, there are 27 paid subscribers and 237 free subscribers to the Longmont Herald. That covers my phone bill, car insurance, and gas, but not much else.
It’s tough, but I believe in this, and time is on my side for now. And I’m not giving up.
What I Won’t Do
I’m not going to make people in an article pay to be in an article.
I have a code of ethics, and I will never ask anyone to pay to feature them in an article on this website. That’s called sponsored content, and frankly, it lacks journalistic integrity in my opinion.
Will I accept a free baked potato with delicious toppings while covering a local restaurant? Yes. Yes, I will. Without question. But that’s different because that’s part of what it takes to create and write an article.
I’ll accept ads on the new website, but advertisers won’t control what I write. If a business pays for an ad, that doesn’t mean I owe them favorable coverage. No one can buy coverage here. If I write about something, it’s because it’s newsworthy, not because a check cleared.
How?
I’ll continue posting on Substack as long as it makes sense. Longmontherald.com will go live ASAP, but I won’t fully transition until it can support:
Ads for revenue
Paid subscriptions
Email notifications for new posts
Until then, I’ll keep both sites running and update you along the way. Thank you for reading, supporting, and believing in the Longmont Herald. This is just the beginning. We’re going to build something beautiful!
A Call to Action for All Writers, Photographers, and Marketers
The Longmont Herald wants to grow, and we need YOUR talent to help tell the stories of our incredible community.
Are you a writer, photographer, marketer, or creative looking to build your portfolio, gain experience, or simply contribute to something meaningful? Join our team of locals shaping Longmont’s next big publication!
This is a volunteer opportunity, perfect for:
Aspiring photographers who want their work showcased.
Writers passionate about local news, arts, and culture.
Marketing enthusiasts ready to connect.
Creatives who want to leave their mark on the community.
This is a volunteer opportunity perfect for anyone wanting to:
Gain hands-on experience in digital publishing.
Build a robust portfolio or resume.
Be part of a growing, hyper-local publication.
Let’s create something amazing together!
👉 Interested? Email Adam at longmontherald@gmail.com to learn more.
Be part of our story. Be part of the Longmont Herald.
I am hoping and praying for it's success.