Jacob’s journalistic mind was abuzz with ideas. “I think we can make the Friday edition special, withperhaps one or two articles devoted to women. If people know there will be a special Friday edition, that should help our bottom line a great deal. What do you think?”
“Bravo, Jacob. I think that’s a capital idea.”
“Going forward, I’ll need articles by Wednesday so the press can be set.”
“Oh, I’m sure she’ll be happy to meet that deadline, and I have no doubt her friends will be happy to submit some articles as well. I don’t think there’ll be a shortage of material for publication.”
“This is a wonderful idea that I believe could be a great service to many. I commend your wife and will be happy to incorporate this article and any others into the paper.”
“I’m so glad, Jacob. I’ve always said you were wise beyond your years. And with that business settled, I shall take my leave.”
Jacob stood and extended his hand. “Good day, Henry. I look forward to receiving more articles.”
Henry nodded, giving Jacob’s hand a firm shake. “Good day, Jacob. We’ll talk again soon.”
After Henry left, Jacob sat in his office thinking about how he could expand the newspaper’s reach even further. He chastised himself for not thinking of the idea himself. Half of the population was female. It was time to capitalize on that. Perhaps the Friday edition could also include a recipe or two. Nothing fancy, of course, just basic ingredients that even the less fortunate patrons of the paper could enjoy.
He walked out of his office and down a short hallway to the printing area to speak with his editor, Robert Preston. Jacob didn’t see him right away until the man walked out from behind the press. In the din of the workshop, he’d never hear Jacob if he called out, so he walked over to Robert and touched his arm.
“Robert, a word, please.”
Robert was a tall, slender man with graying hair at his temples, nearly twenty years Jacob’s senior. He was an experienced editor with a tremendous work ethic, and Jacob had learned so much from him. He valued Robert’s opinion greatly.
Robert turned at Jacob’s touch. “Jacob, do you need something?” he shouted to be heard over the press.
Jacob nodded and pointed to his office. “I want to discuss something with you.”
“Of course,” Robert said, following Jacob out of the printing area. “Is there a problem?” he asked once Jacob had closed the door of his office.
“No. Not at all. Have a seat. I wanted to tell you about a new idea for the Friday edition.”
“That’s a relief. I thought we had a major problem to contend with in today’s edition. What’s this new idea?”
Jacob explained the details of the idea and showed him the article that Mrs. Williams had written.
Robert was silent for a few moments while reading the article, but then a huge smile split his face. “I can tell you right now that Mrs. Preston will enjoy this type ofarticle very much. It’s really quite clever while imparting practical advice.”
Jacob nodded. “Excellent. I’m hoping for that kind of reaction from a great many women. I’ve been thinking about this, and in addition to articles such as this, I thought it might be a good idea to include a recipe or two. Does Mrs. Preston have a favorite dish she’d like to have included in the paper? Something on the simpler side that anyone could follow.”
“I must say Mrs. Preston is an excellent cook, and I have no doubt she’d be happy to submit something.”
“That’s wonderful. Please feel free to share this new idea with her, and if she wants to contribute, I’ll need the material delivered by Wednesday. For this coming Friday’s edition, Mrs. Williams’ article will be the only one included. Starting next week, we can expand the Friday edition to include both articles and recipes.”
Robert nodded. “Bravo, Jacob. I commend you for broadening the paper’s reach.”
“I wish I could claim credit, but it was Mrs. Williams’ idea, which I wholeheartedly agree is a good one. My contribution to her idea is the addition of a recipe or two. Perhaps I can also contribute articles highlighting some of the problems I’ve seen that women grapple with on a daily basis for future editions. ”
“It should definitely help increase circulation, which has been steadily climbing. Including this new component should really help the bottom line,” Robert said.
“That’s the idea, my friend. When circulation is up,we all make money.”
“I like the sound of that,” the editor said. “Is there anything else?”
“No, that’s all for now.”
Robert stood and left the office.
Jacob had a good feeling about this turn of events. Today had been most inspiring, and he felt he was on the cusp of something wonderful. His parents had always taught him to help others when he could, and, hopefully, these articles could help many folks, even if only by teaching them how to cook a new meal.
