MARGO NOTE: I am reviewing my charter [1] in the light of the move. All input welcome.
First published April 26, 2001, in Webdiary entry "What's the point?"
I believe:
* * * that there is a vacuum of original, genuine, passionate and accessible
debate on the great political, economic and social issues of our time in the
mainstream media, despite the desire of thinking Australians in all age groups
to read and participate in such debates * that newspapers have lost their connection with the readers they serve * that the future lies in a collaboration between journalists and
readers.that widely read broadsheet newspapers are essential to the health and
vibrancy of our democracythat they are yet to adapt to a multi-media future pressing on the
present
The mission of the Webdiary is:
* * * to help meet the unmet demand of some Australians for conversations on our
present and our future, and to spark original thought and genuine engagement
with important issues which effect us all * to link thinking Australians whoever they are and wherever they live. * to insist that thinking Australians outside the political and economic
establishment have the capacity to contribute to the national debate * to provide an outlet for talented writers and thinkers not heard in
mainstream mediato experiment in the form and content of the Herald onlineto assist in the integration of the newspaper and smh.com.au