The Ann Arbor Chronicle

continued

to “create a daily news site that reflects and embraces the energy, oddities, and character of our community.” In a story on the Fifth Ward primary recount, Askins faithfully reports the process and the outcome (Carsten Hohnke still won)—but also “the smell of democracy in the morning” (coffee from an institutional urn) and someone’s inscrutable write-in vote (Hillary Clinton for drain commissioner). In September the site was running ads for Shaman Drum Bookshop and the Old Town Tavern. Morgan says the ads cost $100–$300, and says she and Askins hope to bring in enough revenue to support themselves and eventually to hire freelance writers and even columnists. There are some limited opportunities for reader comments—but, as the founders fiercely note, “it’s not a blog.” Instead, the Chronicle is very much like a traditional newspaper with an “ultralocal” focus—pitched to readers “who’ve lived here all along, who pass through here briefly, or those who choose to stay.”   

[Originally published in October, 2008.]