The anniversary of the first publication of St. Thomas Source coincides with the Christmas holiday. Our first issue appeared miraculously on Dec. 17, 1998.
It has been a long and arduous two years – both rewarding and challenging. We were the first to bring an Internet-only news publication to the Virgin Islands. Skepticism and a reluctance to commit are the natural companions of new undertakings. And yet in this community there have been many, many people who have set aside their concerns and supported this endeavor from day one – people who have written, edited and advertised not knowing what the payoff would be, or even if there would be a payoff.
There has been a payoff for those who have stuck with it. Those who have written checks for advertising have seen results. Those who have spent long hours writing and editing have been rewarded by the exponential growth in readership and by those who have patted them on the back and said "good job."
Nonetheless, we are still very much in the growing pains phase – still at the mercy of a lack of education and understanding about what the Internet really means.
During a very bad uphill day recently, I wondered to myself, "Who really cares? Despite our incredible numbers, despite the quality and quantity of what we offer the Virgin Islands community – is this effort worth it?"
I turned back to my computer to go at it again and found the letter which follows. It was my Christmas gift and one that I offer to all of the people of the Virgin Islands who have supported us during these days, months and, now, years.
Yes, it does matter. Thank you all – and a special thanks to those of you who have written the checks.
Dear Sir:
I am writing to thank you for the story "Inmates double as elves, spread holiday cheer." You published a photograph of my son Mason Grinnell. He is an inmate on St. Thomas. Because I live in California, I have seen my son only twice in the last nine years, when he was briefly transferred to Arizona. I have precious few photographs of him.
He has only 13 months to go before he is home with his family. He has matured much over the years; this is evident in the fact that he is able to work outside the facility.
Again, I simply wanted to thank you for the story and the photograph. You have made his mother very happy. It is a nice Christmas gift for me.
Sincerely,
Nancy Grinnell
Happy Holidays to you all.
Shaun A. Pennington
Publisher