Some ads aren't welcome

It's hard to say it, but there are some ads that are just not welcome in All Things Country Magazine. With the economy the way it is, and the lack of ad sales during the past two months you really wouldn't think you'd hear that from a publisher. But you will from me. And I guess that might just be my downfall. But, hey ... it's my book and I can make that decision.

There aren't too many things in life that you really have a choice in. Thinking back to a recent post about the price of gas is just one example. We wake up every morning wondering what the world will bring us for that day and how much the gas prices have gone up or down. Our paychecks are dictated by the government. Heck .... our schools, our churches, our banks - everything is dictated by somebody, somewhere in the world.

But, my magazine - nope. If I don't want to run your pain pill clinic advertising in my paper - I don't have to. Sure, the money would be nice. Probably big money too. They can afford it. A small business person, they can't afford to advertise. A semi-legal pain clinic - with a sign on the building that says weight loss - they can afford it. Sad, isn't it.

I think about what my readers would think when I accept advertising for the magazine. If I go into a store - and find it's not a business that I can promote with a clear conscience - then I turn around and leave. I have been known to accept liquor store ads, but hey - every once in a while I have a drink. I certainly don't run ads from bootleggers! And I don't mean to offend people by running them, but I'm not telling my readers to drink if they don't want to.

Running this magazine is tricky business. I have certainly found that out over the years. This magazine rules my life, it really does. It's like my baby. I care about it. I worry about it. Every single page means something to me - and I absolutely hate it if I have an advertiser that doesn't like their ad. I take it personally, because I design nearly every ad in the magazine too. I design every page. I type up every story - well the ones that are sent in. If they are emailed in, I get a reprieve :-)

So, when you are reading All Things Country every month, know that you are appreciated. By me, at least. I appreciate each and every comment, each and every ad placed with us, each and every poem written about us or for our book. I appreciate each of you that take the magazine with you on your trips - the pictures are awesome.

Spring is just around the corner, and I'm sure ad sales will pick up. And rest assured, you'll never see an ad for some shady business in my book. No matter how bad I want to sell an ad. And if you are in a business that you think would be a good fit with All Things Country, please leave them a copy and recommend us. I'd appreciate that also :-).

Have a great day everyone! Blessings to you and your family.
Pam