In
our historic 50th anniversary year of this paper’s publication, it
is timely to reflect on our methods of communication. There is no doubt that the Internet and
social media have many advantages over the print medium around which our publications
were originally based.
With
our paper’s monthly format and distribution largely through the post, it is
very difficult to keep readers as up-to-date as they need to be. Nor have we fully utilised our online
presence. Our website by and large makes
Vanguard available, but still in its monthly format.
If
we are to succeed in providing relevant and immediate analysis and leadership
to the people, we cannot continue to rely on a hard copy publication. Nor can our writers and production people be
shackled by the timelines and workload associated with publication deadlines.
Rising
costs of production and distribution are important factors. Even more critical
is the fact that younger people (and many older ones also) find much of their
news, information, and opinions, etc. on the internet. It is essential that
more young people are won to the revolutionary struggle for national
independence and socialism.
With
this in mind, and by decision of the Central Committee of our Party, the
website (www.vanguard.net.au) is being re-designed with a more modern and
dynamic look, and will be more comprehensive and appealing, with more
downloadable content. The website will be updated frequently and will be more
responsive to topical events. The future will see even more opportunities to
engage with readers and supporters beyond those that will initially be
available on our new website. It is
imperative that we train our people to utilise these with confidence.
In
the meantime Vanguard will continue
to be published as a newspaper, and will only transition to fully on-line when
the new website has been trialled and consolidated. It is hoped that we can make that transition
during 2014.
Australian Communist will continue to be posted to subscribers
and donors.
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