Check Out Easton Eccentric, Easton's Newest Blog

Christina Georgiou is a journalist whose focus has always been Easton. She's worked for the Express Times and was the Editor of Easton News, a weekly which boasted a 17,000 circulation at its zenith. Most recently, she was a contributor at Patch, covering those evening meetings with thermos in one hand and pen in another. Now, she's decided to venture out on her own with a blog called Easton Eccentric.

As the name implies, Christina's blog will concentrate on the Easton area. She told me she'll be short on opinion and long on facts. She wants to inform her readers, not preach at them. Instead of 600-word articles, her goal is more of what is known as long-form journalism. This would complement, not replace, the stories in the dailies.

You can see Christina's style in her coverage of Easton's proposed Bill of Rights. In a 2,500 word post entitled Easton City Council, Citizens Agree on Intent--But Not Wording--of Proposed Bill of Rights, Christina explains in detail the contentions of a citizens' group justifiably wary of corporate power, and City Council members who are just as justifiably concerned that this Bill exceeds the City's authority.

In addition to this kind of in-depth coverage, Christina also is savvy enough to know that Eastonians would really want to know about the honor Easton City Council recently bestowed on affable Anthony Koury, a living saint who served as Notre Dame High School's long-time Athletic Director.

With Patch and Easton Neighbors, doesn't Easton already get enough attention?

Not so, answered Christina. She told me that Easton is unique in that its residents really want to be informed, more so than in Bethlehem or Allentown. In fact she told me she wants to be able to provide coverage for West Easton and Glendon.

If she goes to West Easton, she definitely needs to sprinkle salt everywhere. It might keep Tricia Mezzacappa, aka the Wicked Witch of West Easton, at bay.

What about monetization? The moolah. As a journalist, Christina seems to be more focused on getting the word out than on being paid. She told me she is considering using some sort of ad rep to market her blog, so she can focus on the stories and avoid any conflict of interest.

If you are interested in what is going on in Easton, but are wary of the spin game, Easton Eccentric is a great starting point.