By Andrew Macdonald
Last weekend, The Macdonald Notebook celebrated its fifth anniversary of strong, independent journalism.
Being a media entrepreneur has been both rewarding and challenging.
It is rewarding to be able to hire more writers, and pay them robust contract writing fees and grow Nova Scotia’s Weekend Inside Politics, Business News & Cultural Affairs Read.
The challenges, surprisingly, have been few and far between.
Thankfully, The Notebook is enjoyed by 1,500 readers each weekend and we are now in the hiring stage for more writers.
If you are not among our readers, consider becoming a Notebook Insider. We are affordably priced.
Here are some mover & shaker readers, and their endorsements:
Betsy MacDonald, Nova Scotia NDP caucus toiler, party candidate in Central Nova: “Andrew’s interest in Nova Scotia’s people, politics and culture leads him to tell stories that otherwise would not be told. He is at once fair and thoughtful, bold and investigative. When something’s brewing, The Macdonald Notebook is often where you hear about it first!.”
Donna Harding realtor/broker with Engel & Völkers: “Andrew, I feel we are so fortunate to have your publication to read each week as you provide us with up to date, unbiased, honest and fair journalism that speaks to the key topics of the day whether in business, politics, real estate, or philanthropy in our region. Your publication has become a ‘must-read’ for me to stay current on what is happening in our beautiful part of the world.”
Chester-Halifax’s Tim Moore, founder national moving companies, and national extended-stay businesses, and a real serial entrepreneur: “Andrew, being able to observe and experience your elevation to so many successes I really want to congratulate you on you inner toughness, your creativity and your innate ability to provide incredible journalism to your readers, Keep up the great work.”
Steve Parker, founder of CCL Group (Corporate Communications Ltd.): “It is remarkable to see what you are doing with The Macdonald Notebook. More content, high quality, breaking news. The Notebook has exploded from startup to ‘must read’.
Shirley Parker, wife of Steve Parker, reads me, too: “I will take this opportunity to pass along to you how much I enjoy reading your Notebook. You’re a hardworking journalist who brings up to date information and fascinating articles regarding what is happening around our beautiful province.”
Jim Vibert: Halifax Herald political columnist: “I just wanted to send along a note to say that I’m more than impressed with the continued success of The Macdonald Notebook, and by your incredible proficiency. The quality and number of great stories you deliver week after week tell me you must be doing well.”
Louie Lawen, property developer: “Keep up the great work. Your news reporting is informative and exceptionally current.”
Tim Olive, former Nova Scotia cabinet minister: “Folks: If you are a subscriber, then I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I do. If not, I recommend that you give it a try. In this day of selective political reporting in the regular media, The Macdonald Notebook’s online publication has evolved as the leading news outlet for anyone with a keen interest in what is really going on regarding the major political and economic issues of the day in Nova Scotia and the Maritimes.”
Al Hollingsworth, veteran political journalist: “The Macdonald Notebook has a nice mix of news and even news scoops!”
Carolyn Davis-Stewart, noted Halifax realtor: “I do very much enjoy reading your in-depth coverage of so many varied topics. Glad you called me that day for info so I could subscribe once again! Love to read your news the minute your reports come out. Amazing the knowledge you glean.”
Erin O’Toole, former federal Conservative leader: “The movers and shakers read you, Andrew.”
Don Mills, leading Atlantic and Halifax pollster, says: “Anyone interested in good reporting about what is happening in Nova Scotia might want to read The Macdonald Notebook.”
Chester-Halifax business person, Stephen Mader: “I love The Notebook, always interesting. Well written, with tremendous insight. Keep up the great work!”
Robert Zed, chair of Triangle Strategies: “The Macdonald Notebook nails it, every edition, every time. Andrew, you’re a great storyteller and journalist of hard facts and informative well-researched news. I am happy to continue to support and promote your great leading-edge news and The Notebook.”
Billy Joe MacLean, longtime Port Hawkesbury politico: “I am really enjoying your Macdonald Notebook. You have not only captured an audience of followers, but you also have the experience of years behind you to dig out your contacts. So keep up the interesting news items.”
Layton Dorey, senior vice-president of Northstar Research Partners: “The Macdonald Notebook provides the colour between the lines that allows news to become information. In a time when too many media organizations essentially reprint press releases, Andrew has personal conversations with the news makers. Not satisfied with simply the ‘what’, The Notebook goes further to enlighten on the ‘why’.”
John MacDonell, once the province’s most powerful backroom operator in the Harper Ottawa regime: “Your political coverage is awesome for political junkies like me. Good on you and kudos for excellence. You have a way of explaining things so that readers understand that those involved in partisan politics are human just like everyone else.”
Robbie Harrison, former minister under Liberal leader John Savage: “Your well-crafted journalism style is down-home, high quality reporting — concise, informative, diverse, historically accurate, objective, humorous and pleasantly intimate.”
Wadih Fares, Halifax real estate developer, and Honorary Consul General in the Maritimes for Lebanon: “I have been reading Andrew’s stories for 17 years. I am always curious to see what he is going to write about and he is very curious himself but honest. He is passionate about journalism and above all he is trustworthy.”
Piers Baker, prominent Chester-Halifax realtor: “Andrew is a very fine writer and has oodles of information on the local real estate scene. He is probably the most tapped-in person in this part of the world.”
Victoria Hines, realtor, Royal LePage Atlantic: “Your news is addictive.”
Mark Boudreau, director of Corporate Affairs for Loblaw Halifax: “Andrew is quintessentially Nova Scotian. He is a tough but fair reporter – and he cares about his readers. His columns are always insightful, and with him, you always get insight that you don’t in any other business reporting in the province.”
Jonathan Meretsky, banking and insurance entrepreneur: “Thanks for everything you do and your excellent journalism (that is informative and fun to read).”
