The Popcorn Stand: It’s good to be back

Those of you who have known me over the years know I’ve written a column in various forms called The Popcorn Stand, which has been featured here in The Recorder and the other publication I’ve worked for, the Nevada Appeal in Carson City.

The Popcorn Stand is named in honor of my favorite sports columnist, Pulitzer Prizewinning Red Smith, who once referred to one of his columns as a Popcorn Stand. The Popcorn Stand now returns as my column every Saturday on the Opinion page of The Recorder. In this form of The Popcorn Stand, I plan to take a tongue-and-cheek — but mostly positive — look at this community and the surrounding area. This column will also be serious at times, but for the most part it will be designed to take a light-hearted look at what makes this community and area so special. First, for those of you who don’t know me, I am now the Editor of the Porterville Recorder. Or as I like to say in today’s society in which supposedly the longer the title makes the person sound more important, I’m the Executive Editor of the Porterville Recorder Division, Newsroom Branch.

And I’ve got to throw in “executive” as if that makes me sound really important. Like if I just told you I was the Editor of the Porterville Recorder, you wouldn’t pay attention to me. But if I was to refer to myself as the “Executive” Editor of the Porterville Recorder, then everybody would stop to listen like in those E.F. Hutton commercials (look it up Millennials). I must say I have been overwhelmed by all the well wishes I’ve received from so many people has been overwhelming. All of the well wishes from everybody does mean a lot to me.

I’ve been on the job for a week now and I’ve hit the ground running, but I’m still getting my feet wet. Publisher Bill Parsons and myself have talked about this many times to each other and to the public. Our goal is to make sure the front page of the Porterville Recorder is completely filled with local photos and stories every day. Oh sure there will be exceptions for major national and world stories, but generally speaking the front page of the paper will be filled entirely with local news. We may not be able to fill the front page entirely with local news every day for now, but eventually a front page every day filled completely with local news will be a reality. I do plan on getting out in the community as face-to-face contact people is a necessary part of this job.

When I’m in the office free to contact me any time at 784-5000, extension 1048 or cwhisnand@portervillerecorder.com. My time is valauble, though. I mean after all, I’m a busy and important man. Seriously, if you have something to share with me you think is going to take a lot of time I prefer an e-mail. Time management is a key part of this job and emails help me manage my time better as opposed to lengthy phone calls. This is a great community and The Porterville Recorder can be a great paper. Together we will make that happen.