By Joe Feuerherd
NCR Publisher and editor in chief
Thank you for your support for the independent Catholic news, analysis, and commentary NCRonline provides here each day. Our weeklong "webathon" was, by any measure, a huge success. Between June 21-25 combined online and pledged "snail mail" donations to NCR exceeded $35,000. More than 750 NCRonline visitors contributed to the webathon. (Meanwhile, we're still counting the hard checks and there was additional $2,500 donated online the day following the formal close of the five-day webathon.)
Frankly, when we launched the webathon we had no idea how the NCR community would respond to this first-ever web-based appeal. The information NCR provides -- in print, online, through conferences and other platforms -- is expensive to produce, but we all live in a media environment where electronic information is considered "free." Fortunately, NCRonline visitors understand that quality journalism requires resources.
NCR is a good steward of the funds we raise. Over the next weeks and months (beginning Thursday of this week with the launch of our new "Distinctly Catholic" blog) you will see the coverage and features on NCRonline expand. And much more of the coverage you have grown to rely on is coming -- stay tuned.
Our team of reporters, correspondents and columnists, and all those who make NCR possible, are truly grateful for your support and privileged to serve our readership. As always, please feel free to contact me at jfeuerherd@ncronline with any questions, concerns or suggestions.
