Daily broadens its horizons

The idea of an all-Joplin newspaper to compete with the Globe is an attractive one, but in reality the concept has its limitations.
By broadening its horizons, Liberty Group Publishing's Joplin Daily can turn itself into a more effective challenger to the stodgy Globe. That process started in Sunday's print edition with Michelle Pippin's page-one article about Operation Iraqi Freedom.
By remembering that Joplin is not an isolated island, but connects with the rest of the world, the Daily turned out one of its best print editions. Pippin's story and the photos that were provided to accompany it marked the first time that the Daily has grabbed my attention since it began.
If the page one story had been the only contribution Ms. Pippin made to the issue, it would have been more than enough. She topped it with her page-four column, as she personalized the news. Note, I said she personalized it; I did not say she made herself the story as some Liberty columnists do on a regular basis. By personalizing it the way she did, Ms. Pippin was able to hook the reader immediately and she never let go. This is the kind of column that should be a staple for the newly-minted competitor, rather than a rarity.
Ms. Pippin was not the only one who shined in Sunday's edition. Levi Payton had two well-written sports features, with the standout being a feature on Jonna Brothers, a McAuley High School soccer player who has returned to competition following brain surgery.
The newspaper still has a long way to go, but this one has been the best advertisement for joplindaily.com yet.