Print or Online it’s Still About Trusted Resources
by Karen Pickering
I just returned from American Horse Publications Convention in Colorado Springs. Education has been first and foremost in my mind as of late. The way we receive information and communicate has changed dramatically. If we can’t figure something out we just jump online and do a query for the problem we’re having or use a trusted resource to get information. Many of us have smart phones that go with us everywhere. It’s how we communicate, take pictures, share stories and even make purchases. In addition, we can take online courses, watch YouTube how-to videos or ask our online friends for help. It’s great, but leaves many of us on information overload. Our inboxes are packed full of advertisements enticing us to try the latest gizmo, or purchase x to solve all our problems. Maybe it’s time to unplug and go back to our trusted resources for information.
Some say the day of print magazines may be coming to an end. With all the online resources most magazine publishers are focusing on giving readers more resources online such as digital editions, apps and websites. Regardless, always be sure and get your education from a trusted source. Anyone can throw up a website and offer their “services.” Print ads continue to offer more credibility (Fact: Print ads are still the number 2 driver of website traffic). Many of your trusted publications do have online assets so I highly recommend you use them if you don’t want to pick up the print version.
Change is exciting as long as we don’t get overwhelmed by all the choices and education that come along with learning how to use your “smart” phone. For me, I enjoy reading a book or magazine, anywhere, anytime, without having to plug in and recharge. What’s your favorite way to get educated? Let us know!
Today’s Quote: “Be curious, not judgmental.” ~Walt Whitman
Published August 2013 Issue
Owner/Publisher Karen’s lifelong love of horses began at a very early age when she wore out a couple of rocking horses before convincing her parents to get her the real thing. That ill-tempered bay gelding, Brandy, was a challenge for the young horsewoman, but it drove her ambition to become a horse trainer. After attending Canyonview Equestrian College’s Horsemanship Program, Karen realized she needed work that was a little more lucrative than training, so she took a job with Customs Brokerage to pay the bills. There, she discovered an affinity for computers and a talent for creating informative, entertaining newsletters. The Northwest Horse Source began as such a letter in December 1995, with a distribution of 1000 copies for its 12 black and white pages. Now 29 years later, it’s an online magazine and website with a reach of over 10,000 per month and growing! Not bad for the results of one woman’s dream to work with horses!
Today, Karen remains involved with every aspect of the magazine and treasures the community of thousands who share a common passion.
