Thankful to be found on Facebook! – by Whitman Parker

Not long ago, I wrote a column decrying the use of social media, going so far as to say you would “never find me on Facebook.” In fairness, I also said, “one should never, say never!”

Fast-forward five years… I’ve eaten my words, big-time. Not only did I recently trade my Blackberry for an iPhone, my dandy new iPad is everything others said it would be and is forcing me to re-think the future of this publication.

Although big marketing ideas and projects constantly percolate in the cyber-side of my brain, The Review’s print version will remain intact, albeit with upgrades like the shiny new magazine cover I couldn’t resist adding!

I am thankful this publication is moving ahead at cyber-speed, reporting on the news and events happening in town—often in real time! Thanks to technology, our website and Facebook page are updated every day, keeping our readers more informed than ever. Recently, photos posted on our sites of the archeology dig, (see the story on page 4) were viewed by 2000 people…in 24 hours…from around the world! The following day, a slew of folks visited the dig site in-person after viewing the photos online. I think that’s a pretty cool use of technology.

Please visit our website at JacksonvilleReview.com or our Facebook page to check-out our new 4-minute “Jacksonville Now” video—it’s an overview of our JacksonvilleNowVideographictown that will make you proud you live here. Produced by the Review and hosted by our favorite media guy, Joe Camarlinghi, this is the first in a new series we are creating to showcase the best of our town. Future episodes will focus on specific subjects such as local shopping, dining, recreation, wine tasting, hiking/biking trails, lodging and more.

I am thankful for many things, including advancements in technology that enable the Review to get better and better…in print and online in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!

Posted October 29, 2013