Since Ocala-News.com published a story about the change in delivery service by the Ocala StarBanner, multiple residents have written in to share their opinions. Here are some of the letters that we have received. (Editor’s Note: Ocala-News.com is independently owned and operated and is not affiliated with Ocala StarBanner, which is owned by Gannett Co., Inc.):
“I already put a stop order on my subscription when it expires in June. I do not want to read yesterday’s news. Good luck.” – Mary Ann Schultheis, Ocala
“As a former newspaper carrier for 26 yrs, let me explain that side of decision. I quit 3 yrs ago because we were spending more on gas/time for less subscribers therefore less money. It started out as a part time job but at the end it became a full time job for many carriers. Financially it just wasn’t worth it for us, the customers and the Star Banner (they kept having to raise your rates to try to make it worth our time). I totally understand the frustration of getting your paper later in the day but was really the only option left.” – Rhonda Lacy, Ocala
“Because I saw this coming, as our world changes from everything that was good to all digital, I subscribed to the online version of OSB but I am not happy with it either. Everything these days revolves around a computer and all people do not have a computer, especially seniors. Therefore, you are only serving part of the city, neighborhoods, etc.” – Irene Aldrich, Ocala
“We don’t get our mail until after 4 pm most days so we have read the important news online or from his sit. Each morning I get real news from The Washington Post that costs me $8 a month. The Banner was always a day behind on national news.” – Steve Jacobson, Ocala
“We are very disappointed that our newspaper is now being delivered via USPS. Our understand a majority of your readership accesses the banner digitally, but I am in the minority group and rely on the Banner for my news! Receiving the paper a day late is painful. I am not sure if we will continue our subscription. But we do understand that as part of the minority group, reverting back to a daily delivery is unlikely. Drone daily delivery, is that a possibility?” – Donna Carrano, Ocala
“I was just about to order The Banner. After reading that Saturday news is delivered on Monday, I am not so sure” – Marge Iovine, Ocala
“Found your comments about the new emphasis on reporting local events. Should have done this years ago. Without local events the digital news was same as we read on other sights. When the late Emory passed, your paper became stale and lost the interest of the ‘locals.'” – Ronald Taylor, Ocklawaha
“And no Sunday comic’s” – Tony Baberis, Ocala