By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director
Some Changes and Reminders
As we begin a new calendar year, I’ll share some changes we are making and offer a few reminders that should be helpful. And I probably won’t resist including some accomplishments!
There will always be some challenges with the relationship between the Bulletin and the website. They are two very different media. (Think about the difference between reading a newspaper and getting news online.) One minor change we are working on involves the use of photos, particularly with monthly columns. While photos work well on the site, they simply do not reproduce well in the printed Bulletin. Therefore, we’ll either eliminate photos from the Bulletin or replace them with line art.
Speaking of that difference in media, we will continue the content shift we started several years ago. The website will continue to emphasize news, events, and the interests of local (subordinate) Granges. The Bulletin will be driven primarily by monthly columns and reports—still appropriate for local Granges, but not as time-sensitive.
We’ll continue to encourage subscriptions to the website. The number of people subscribing to the site has been steadily increasing. We have at least 10% more subscribers than we did a year ago, and that number continues to grow! Let’s continue that trend. As many have said, with a monthly Bulletin and monthly meetings, the site is one way to stay connected to the Grange on a regular basis. We work at keeping posts relevant and timely—no spam and no complicated algorithms deciding what you should see! Your subscription is confidential. We don’t share your contact information with others. Subscribing (and unsubscribing) is easy-peasy.
Technology advancements often help us, but they can also create more challenges. The use of A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) is currently near the top of the list! As a reminder, we should all use AI very deliberately. It doesn’t always get things correct or complete. Bear in mind, you may be using it unknowingly. If, for example, you search the Internet, the results are generated by automation. One of the major concerns with AI is diminished critical thinking among users. Don’t let this happen to you. As a quick example, I have used spell and grammar checking for a long time, but I always review suggested changes to make sure AI has not changed the meaning of what was written. In short, keep your brain active. Don’t let AI do your thinking for you!
We will continue purging the site of posts and columns that are over 2 years old. This may result in some broken links, but it will keep the site up to date and manageable. It also reduces server space. If you experience any problems, please let me know!
Note that our policy regarding Fraternal Concerns has not changed. “We will not, therefore, post Fraternal Concerns regarding sickness and death. Exceptions may be made when concern involves a current or past state officer or other person well-known throughout the state. This policy also avoids potential privacy issues.” The entire policy is available on the website on the Program Books and Information Page. Please submit any fraternal concerns, but understand the need to limit publication.
I’ll continue to report changes and reminders. While this is not a paid position, I truly believe that I work for you, Grange Members in Maine. If you have concerns, questions, or ideas, please let me know. Remember to submit your Grange’s events and news!
FACT: In 2025, over 250 columns and posts were added to the website! 10,000 emails were sent to subscribers and ODDs using our automated system!