Jeff Beckham

I found the nicest email in my Inbox today from Austin Chronicle editor Louis Black. He’s given me permission to post it here:

Jeff,

I’ve been meaning to e-mail you for quite some time to offer you my deepest thanks. It really was your drive by consulting that mobilized me to really expand the Chronicle’s on line presence. We have a long way to go still and we tend to move in fits and starts. But, regardless, our online edition is so much better than it was and we all owe that to you. Your analysis was so right and so reasonable.

I’m too used to even the tamest suggestions being wrapped up in hateful language and embittered attitudes. Please feel free to do whatever you like with this letter, show it to whomever, post it, whatever you feel like.

You have my heartfelt gratitude.

Louis Black

Besides being genuinely touched by Louis’ response, I was also heartened to know that a newspaper would respond so directly to its readers. I’m not sure many publications would be willing to take such major steps based on outside advice. It’s clear that the Chronicle is.

Here’s the “Drive-By Consulting” post that Louis refers to in his letter.