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I’m Patrick Strickland, the managing editor of Inkstick Media, and I’m reaching out to tell you something you already know: Good journalism, especially the kind of reportage we hope to continue publishing, costs money. That’s where you come in. As a small nonprofit newsroom, Inkstick needs your help to keep the ship afloat. Newspapers are packing up and shuttering around the US, a growing number of journalists are unable to make ends meet, and many of the once-numerous foreign bureaus the world over have closed their doors for good. We will never place Inkstick behind a paywall, but if you value our work, you can help us [ [link removed] ] expand our coverage and better compensate our reporters and contributors.
Of course, this appeal comes at a perilous moment. Much of the planet is in dire straits. Donald Trump is set to return to the White House in January, and across Europe, far-right parties have made monumental gains in elections. The wars in the Middle East continue without pause. Around the globe, more and more people are displaced each year, whether by the ever-worsening climate crisis, conflict, or poverty. We aim to tell these stories and others thoroughly, honestly, accurately, and ethically.
At Inkstick, we will continue to publish the kind of journalism that neither shirks in the face of power nor disregards the humans who deserve to be at the center of their own stories. Nor will we cover the US as if it is cordoned off from the rest of the world. I joined the publication last year as the managing editor, and since then, we have tried to double down on our mandate to report on complex issues — the global weapons industry, US foreign policy, the ever-present threat of nuclear conflict, and war, to name a few — through the eyes of the people surviving and enduring them. In that respect, our editorial goal is simple: human-centered journalism, on-the-ground reportage, and analysis that raises a dissenting hand when standing across from whoever is in power.
This mission is one about which I feel strongly. Since I started out in journalism 15 years ago, I have worked as a foreign correspondent in the Middle East and Europe, as well as a reporter and editor at local newspapers in my hometown, Dallas. Yet, the simple principle I have done my best to let guide me has remained the same since I first joined the profession: good journalism should shed light on how the news of the moment impacts everyday people. As I enter my second year at Inkstick, I can assure you that my colleagues and I aim to keep that principle at the forefront of our editorial approach.
Sure, this appeal is part of our end-of-year fundraising drive, but this year also offers special perks. Between now and Dec. 31, NewsMatch will match your new monthly donation 12 times or double your one-time gift, all up to $1,000. In other words, you can help us boost our newsroom and earn up to $30,000.
As a subscriber, you no doubt value independent journalism. If you can chip in a little extra in the spirit of NewsMatch, your contribution will help us launch a strong fundraising campaign while also supporting the type of journalism we put out into the world. What do you say? Will you give today [ [link removed] ] so that we can double the impact of your donation?
With Warmth,
Patrick Strickland
Inkstick relies on donations, and fundraisers like this one, to exist. We appreciate your patience with extra emails during these times. If you’d rather not hear so much from us, you can opt out of our end-of-year campaign by clicking here [ [link removed] ] and adjusting your Substack preferences. Thanks for being in Inkstick’s community.
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