When I first ventured into publishing, my focus was far from the community-driven work I do today. My early magazines were what you’d call B2B (business-to-business) or trade publications, catering to specific industries that, to most, might seem rather dull. My first magazine was for the homeland security industry, an area that required precision, technical expertise, and a strict adherence to facts. Over the years, I expanded into various fields, from the automobile industry to tattoo culture and medical marijuana. Each publication served a niche audience, often professional, sometimes consumer-focused, but always with a clear purpose—to inform, educate, and offer something valuable.
But nothing—nothing—could have prepared me for the sheer level of negativity I’ve witnessed since launching The Grants Pass Tribune.
In all my years of publishing, I’ve never experienced the relentless wave of personal attacks, unfounded criticism, and outright cruelty that I now see daily, especially on social media and in comment sections of other newspapers. It’s a strange and troubling phenomenon—one I can’t quite wrap my head around, even at my age, with my logical, no-nonsense approach to life.
I firmly believe in and defend the First Amendment—free speech is the foundation of journalism and democracy. However, what I struggle to understand is the obsessive need some people have to attack complete strangers for no reason whatsoever, except to be mean.
It’s one thing to engage in healthy debate or express disagreement over ideas, policies, or opinions—that’s the essence of a free and open society. But what I see today goes far beyond that. It’s malicious, personal, and often completely detached from reality. There are people who will tear down anything and anyone, no matter how positive the message might be, simply for the sake of being negative.
This isn’t just an observation—it’s something I experience firsthand, daily.
When I first launched The Grants Pass Tribune, I knew there would be challenges. I expected pushback from political figures, businesses, and individuals who might not like certain stories. What I didn’t expect was the constant flood of vitriol from people who, quite frankly, seem to enjoy being cruel just for the sake of it. Even when we publish uplifting stories—pieces meant to bring light to the community—there are always those who immediately jump in to twist the narrative into something dark, accusatory, or downright false.
Is this really what our society has come to?
I understand that the internet has given everyone a voice, and that’s a powerful thing. But somewhere along the way, that power has been twisted into something toxic. People feel emboldened behind a screen, saying things they would never dare say face-to-face. They attack character instead of discussing ideas. They spread rumors instead of seeking truth. They assume the worst in everyone, rather than giving people the benefit of the doubt.
Maybe I’m too old-fashioned to fully understand this new wave of hostility, but I do know one thing: I see it, I recognize it, and I think it’s shameful.
Despite all of this, I remain committed to what I do. I didn’t enter this field for praise or approval—I started publishing because I believe in informing the public and giving people access to stories that matter. I believe in holding power accountable. I believe in highlighting both the struggles and successes of real people.
And I won’t be silenced or deterred by internet trolls, online bullies, or those who thrive on negativity.
To those who continue to spread hate, stir division, and attack people for no reason—ask yourself: Why? What does it achieve? What kind of world do you want to live in?
Because I, for one, still believe in a world where we can debate without destroying, disagree without dehumanizing, and discuss without degrading. I believe in community over chaos. I believe in truth over toxicity. Perhaps that’s my problem?
And as long as I have a voice, a platform, and a purpose—I’ll keep doing exactly what I do.
