Four years ago—Jan. 29, 2014—I was laid off on a company-wide conference call along with about 85 percent of the editorial staff at a large online news outfit that had just been sold.
I talked to my brother that afternoon, and he told me that the domain ‘NewCanaanite.com’ was available, that I should reserve it and try running my own local news website. The next day I met a trusted colleague who advised me to launch the New Canaanite right away if I was going to do it at all.
The idea seemed absurd: I’d never owned a business or taken a business class, developed a website or sold an ad. Yet my favorite part about working at Patch had been stepping in to cover my hometown of New Canaan whenever we had a vacancy in the local editor position here. And after the layoff—the final indignity in a year full of them—I couldn’t imagine working again for someone else.
So I purchased the domain and two days later switched on the website, created Facebook and Twitter feeds and starting showing up to public meetings, posting articles that I hoped people here would read. Those who have started their own businesses will know the feeling at the beginning—it’s like you’re fighting for your life. I registered the business, joined the Chamber of Commerce, started a daily newsletter and planned a launch party.
Hello New Canaan
— NewCanaanite.com (@NewCanaanite) January 31, 2014
Four years and lots of work later, with support from New Canaan businesses and engaged readers, I’m living a reporter’s dream: Covering my hometown as publisher of a local news website. Go around, talk to people, listen to what they say and write it down—not everyone’s dream job, maybe, but it’s mine.
In many ways, running the New Canaanite for me has been a rediscovery, a second chance at finding a place in my own hometown—something that eluded me the first time around. Today, I host a monthly coffee in partnership with New Canaan Library where the community gathers to talk about what’s happening—the next one is to be held 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the art gallery on the library’s main floor, please come if you’re free—and I proudly belong to the Chamber’s Board of Directors, steering committee for the New Canaan High School Senior Internship Program and Kiwanis Club of New Canaan.
Since that “launch” date four years ago, I’ve shared milestones such as taking a vacation, getting an office and earning recognition in my field, and this week marks another such milestone that I share and celebrate with all of those who have supported this enterprise. I thank you and look forward to our next one.
What a wonderful story, Michael! The American Dream to be sure. I was particularly struck by the importance of your mentors, your brother and your colleague, and what an important role these people play in our lives–people who can see what we are capable of and encourage us to go and do it. I read the New Canaanite with my coffee every morning and quote it all the time. Here’s to you, Michael, and your next four years!
We lived in New Canaan for 25 years and cannot imagine a better place to raise a family. We left 4 years ago when the New Canaanite began and I have been an avid daily reader of it ever since. Thank you for allowing me to still feel involved and not lose touch with my roots.
Congratulations on a job well done!
We are all so glad that you took that leap and started nctest.proxy02.mageenet.net. You and I have never met but from reading your articles and becoming FB friends I can tell that you have a great heart especially for animals as well as a great sense of humor. Thanks for doing what you’re doing and never stop following your dreams. Hers to another 40 years. ✌🏻
Michael, thank you for starting Newcanaanite.com. Your publication is important and you have earned your success. As a business owner I appreciate the challenges. Peggy Jay
Congratulations Mike!
I love how you cover the news, big and small. Your voice is always fair and you are respectful to our community. Congratulations on your success! Your hard work and dedication shows on a daily basis! My whole family loves your site!
Congratulations, Mike. The impact you’ve had on this town cannot be overstated. Here are 10 ways you’ve made a difference:
1. Property transfers have greater visibility.
2. People have got to think twice before appealing a parking ticket.
3. Citizens better take care to park properly between the lines or you’ll take a picture and shame them.
4. Coverage of more obscure town boards and commissions (like the Historic Commission today)
5. Dog stories. And more dog stories.
6. Important human-interest stories like the opioid epidemic.
7. Election coverage including ads and editorials on some very close elections.
8. Comprehensive, detailed, months-long coverage of important P&Z hearings such as Merritt Village, Grace Farms and the Roger Sherman Inn.
9. Highlighting uncomfortable subjects such as domestic abuse and teen drinking.
10. And finally, I’ll note staying till the end of town hall meetings, night after night, sometimes till 11pm, to make sure you get the whole story in detail.
As a town official I can say you take the role seriously and your coverage has an influence on the way we conduct business and the decisions we make. Quite an accomplishment in 4 years.
Mike
Congratulations!
I recall your Patch days and so I am quite happy that you continue to capture so many unique stories that are not covered elsewhere.
I begin my mornings with NewCanaanite and a cup of coffee.
Keep up the great job!
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for keeping up with all of the New Canaan news!
This is no 4 year old toddler—-its a full grown adult
Bravo Mike! You have worked tirelessly to earn such accolades, and the NewCanaanite.com reflects your diligence and insight. Wishing you every success, Deb Dayton
Mike…..congats.Your work is respected and thoughtful.
Many years of continued success.
Really great !! Read every morning. Congratulations on a terrific job.
Keep it up!!!!! Thanks.
Mike…Taking a number and getting in line to offer my congratulations on your smashing success! I know you are putting in countless hours so the rest of us will never miss the story–and the rest of the story, for that matter. So here’s to many, many more years of nctest.proxy02.mageenet.net!
A well deserved Happy Anniversary from a former newspaper editor.
#30#
Can’t imagine starting my weekday without you! Weekends just aren’t the same. Gee how about a weekend edition? Just kidding – but really do appreciate your nose for news and your dedication to its reporting and to our town. Great job, Mike!
Great job Mike! The local coverage of New Canaan is what helps make this such a great place.
Mike, Well done and congratulations on the NewCanaanite’s four year birthday. You have done a wonderful job. Keep up the good work!
Way to go, Mike! Congratulations on your success and thank you for the fantastic, ongoing coverage of the important issues in our town. Your email is where I first get my news about NC each weekday. You’ve come a long way since Patch!
Congratulations!
Enjoy reading from retirement in Tallahassee Florida. Keep up the good work.
Former “New Canaanites”,
Mallen and Tony Komlyn
Michael, you have been great in sharing the trials, tribulations and joyful moments with your NewCanannite since day 1. Like many others, it’s part of my daily ritual far away. I can stay in touch with the community where I worked for nearly 35 years and raised you and your siblings. I am so proud of you. Love, Mom
Thanks Mom! And everyone, I really appreciate the positive feedback and support.
Congratulations and well done, Mike. We are so lucky to have you. Here’s to the next 4-year term!
When I worked at the Advertiser I warned them not to underestimate you. They did, and now you’ve lapped them. Well done.
Congratulations, Mike! You are my go-to site for all things local. Keep up the great work!
Congratulations Mike! Newcannanite.com is a great resource. Your expertise and delivery of noteworthy happenings and local events is greatly appreciated.
Michael, You have done such an outstanding job with the NewCanaanite!! Congratulations on your success and awards!! I look forward to reading it the very first thing in the morning. May you have many more years of continued success living your dream! Dreams really do come true!!
Dzope.
You’ve earned your success Mike and you’re a great example of how journalism should be. Honest, ethical and thorough. Congratulations! Matthew
Congratulations on the Newcanaanite’s fourth birthday. You are always on top of the news.
Michael – While the talking heads are droning on about the news, you’re reporting the local news with accuracy and fairness. I’ve been a fan since the beginning and it’s no surprise to me that you’ve been so successful. Keep it coming!
Congrats to you and everyone who’s made Newcannanite the go-to place to learn what’s important here in New Canaan. Yours is one of the first emails I immediately open after it arrives without fail by 6:09 AM!
Congrats on your amazing success. You’re truly an inspiration.
Congrats Mike. You should be extremely proud of your success(es)