Who are we and what are we doing here?

It's about time we figured it out

Who are we? What are we doing? What need are we serving? Seems like the three great mystical questions of the universe, doesn't it? Man has been attempting to answer those questions for ions of human existence.

But we only need about three minutes.

You may have noticed that occasionally, Allegany Magazines runs a questionnaire in which we ask you, our readers, to rate your favorite columns and give us your opinion on what kind of job you think we are doing. Most times when the surveys come back to the office, they are positive and your answers make us smile and we get the impression we are on the right track in what we are doing.

Once in awhile though, one of those questionnaires will come in that throws us off guard. Such was the case awhile back. We received a form hastily ripped from the magazine in which the person who filled it out used the opportunity to critique every inch of every page. From the font of headlines to the way photography was used to the choice of the picture on the front cover.

The form was not signed and did not need to be. The only indication of its origin was the postmark on the envelope it came in -- Parkersburg, West Virginia.

At the end of the questionnaire -- the part where we ask for additional comments -- the writer used some very colorful expletives to ask "just who is reading this?" I have obviously omitted a few chosen words. But you can read around that question and get the idea.

I put the questionnaire in the manila envelope in my filing cabinet where I keep other letters that have been received. I was going through that file the first of the year and rediscovered this very narrative piece of correspondence. Now they say inspiration can strike anywhere at anytime and so after the initial shock of receiving and then rereading such a letter, I indeed was inspired. And so we actually would like to know from you, "just who is reading this?"

To read the entire letter from the editor, click here...

Each issue, Allegany Magazine features selected verse and an artful photograph -- an embodiment of the talent our area produces.

The premiere issue for instance features a poem loaned to us from a local winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and a photograph from a local photographer that won the Peoples Choice Award in a prestigious national juried art show.

Click here for more

Each issue, Allegany Magazine dedicates a good portion of its feature pages to a person we find truly fascinating - whether it be an artist, a business leader, or an unsung hero. Our people are worth talking about and Allegany Magazine wants to tell as many of their stories as we possibly can.

"The magazine will be strong on people stories," said Allegany Magazine publisher Ron Monahan.

"There are so many fascinating and interesting people in our community -- and every one of them has a story to share. We want to tell many of those stories."

Allegany County and its surrounding areas feature some of the most interesting and unique homes we have ever seen -- from the historical to the hysterical.

Our feature "Decorated Interiors" will take you there, celebrating what is unique about each house and the people who live there.

Who knows? You may even find yourself inspired.
 

Secluded spots. Shaded woods. Sandy beaches. Eighteen holes. Back porch swings. Even a bird sanctuary tucked into a state park. There are so many nestled nooks in the mountains of Allegany County that make life here so special.

Each issue, we will take you to someone's favorite place -- be it a fishing stream or a breathtaking overlook view. We hope to take you to parts of our county you've never been or give you a deeper appreciation for where we -- and you -- live, work and play.