The Narco News Bulletin

A Newspaper Free to Everyone

Your Donation Is Needed to Keep Authentic Journalism Alive

By David B. Briones
Webmaster, Narco News

January 18, 2007
This report appears on the internet at http://www.narconews.com/Issue44/article2508.html

If someone had asked me last summer where I would be four months later, the last thing I would have thought or said would have been, "somewhere in country called América." But then the position of Narco News webmaster became available, I applied, interviewed, and before I could even blink, found myself on a plane leaving the comfy confines of the United States to become a new member of The Narco News Bulletin project.

And what a ride it has continued to be. The moment after arriving south of the border our other new companero, Chris Fee, and I began a crash training course provided by the outgoing web-guru and managing editor, Dan Feder. It was Dan who single handedly transformed the design of the Narco News website to what you see today. In addition to training us to the technical aspect of the project, Dan, as managing editor, was also able to show us the ins and outs of what makes Narco News tick. If anyone is curious to see what it was like before Dan's arrival, check out the first issue. Needless to say, the site has come a long way since it's humble beginnings.

In what seemed only another blink of an eye, Dan had completed his task and was on his way out of town. Normal life, and normal needs, soon sank in. Upon being introduced to other members of the Narco News team, it didn't take long to confirm the suspicions I had before arriving: the sincere attempt to keep authentic journalism alive and the willingness to sacrifice in order do so. This applies to the top down from there, as I soon learned upon visiting Al's (Al Giordano, Narco News Publisher) humble abode. He lives simply and thriftily in order to preserve funds for the operation costs of the newspaper, of which I am admittedly one.

It is for that very same reason that I've learned how to live more efficiently, among other things that help stretch the dollar for all its worth, upon my arrival. The satisfaction does not stem from a large paycheck, but rather from working for a newspaper free to everyone, one that does not accept any form of advertising in order to preserve the independence of the publication. We rely on you, kind reader, to help keep the gears of this newspaper well oiled, so we may continue to be a reliable source for authentic journalism against the blockade of the mainstream media.

Please make your donation online via this website:

http://www.authenticjournalism.org

Or send a check, made out to "The Fund for Authentic Journalism," to:

The Fund for Authentic Journalism
P.O. Box 241
Natick, MA 01760

Whether you are able to help only through a small donation, or if you're able to give a larger amount, every single dollar is used to its maximum. Your donations help to meet our humble needs as we continue to report on momentous events from the south of the US border.

So I thank you in advance for helping to make sure that basics such as office, food, electricity, water and gas are maintained for those of us dedicated to this project and its mission. Your donations are greatly appreciated and never taken for granted.

From somewhere in a country called América,

David B. Briones
Webmaster, The Narco News Bulletin