Hello. My name is Michael Roy. I’ve been in the newspaper industry for over six years, working my way up the ladder from editorial assistant and staff writer to editor. After some time, I’ve decided to go it alone and start my own newspaper, the Janesville Independent.

A handful of people have suggested I start a Kickstarter or GoFundMe to raise some funds right away. I would use these funds to cover printing and other startup costs (office rent, accounting, mailing, etc.). I don’t want to be too proud to ask for help, but I don’t want just a handout either.

My primary goal is to build up as much savings as possible to push past the starting point. Once I can get past the starting point, I know I can handle it from there. I'll be working a side job until the business is at a point where it needs to be for me to pay myself (and eventually others) a fair wage/salary for their work. I'm planning to do this all on my own until I can afford to hire another employee or two.

I also want to eventually show my support for Janesville by sponsoring events, whether they're school fundraisers, proms, business events, or charities. This community has shown me so much love already, and I want to return it tenfold. I believe running a newspaper is the best way I can give back, and I don't mean just sharing stories.

There will be several other opportunities to support me soon (ads, subscriptions), but I put this together to see where it goes.