Are you part of The Tyee's critical 1%?

Thanks for reading The Tyee today — we hope this article added to your day in some way. Our team of independent journalists takes pride in doing in-depth reporting and taking time to get it right.

We're able to focus our attention on publishing impactful journalism in the public interest, and publish it for free for all to read, because we have the support of Tyee Builders. Tyee Builders are readers who contribute a bit of money — at a level and frequency of their choice — to support our editorial budget.

This core of supporters — making up about 1 to 2 per cent of our daily readership — enables us to pay our writers, keep our articles free and open to all, and not bombard our readers with annoying ads while you try to read.

Instead of focusing on what kind of articles will attract the most advertising dollars, we can spend time devoted to researching and writing stories that our readers find most valuable and make the most positive impact in our region.

If you'd like to join thousands of readers who help make independent journalism possible, consider joining Tyee Builders. Thank you.

— Jeanette Ageson, Publisher

Click here to Join Tyee Builders

Help us un-break journalism in Canada

You made it all the way through the article – I hope that means you liked it (or if not ‘liked’ it, gleaned some useful information from it). Tyee articles are known for being quite lengthy, so we appreciate when people spend some quality time with our work.

Listen, I’ll get to the point – the article you just read was made possible because our non-profit newsroom was able to pay a talented journalist to research and write it. And we can only afford to do that because of our business model, which relies on a certain percentage of our readers signing up for our paid membership program called Tyee Builders.

The traditional business model for journalism in Canada has been completely disrupted, and we’re witnessing a slow collapse as corporate newsrooms buy up distressed publications, lay people off, and suck the value out of them before declaring bankruptcy. And it doesn’t help that tech giant Meta has blocked Canadian news on their Facebook and Instagram platforms.

There is another way and we are carving the path.

Between 1 to 2 per cent of people who visit The Tyee contribute financially, but amazingly, that small percentage is enough to fund half of our overall budget. And it means we can operate without a paywall, too. 1 per cent of people giving means 99 per cent of people get access to quality, fact-based journalism from a talented team of journalists who live and work in B.C., Alberta, and across Canada. We think that’s pretty remarkable.

If you’re concerned about the way journalism is heading in Canada and you’d like to do something about it, consider joining Tyee Builders and contributing an amount that works for you.

— Jeanette Ageson, Publisher

Click here to Join Tyee Builders
Marking 20 years
of bold journalism,
reader supported.
support us subscribe free
SERIES

New Ideas for 2010

New Ideas for 2010

For your consideration, we'd like to present the 2010 edition of New Ideas for the New Year. This popular annual series highlights creative ideas for improving our lives and communities. We'll publish a new one starting today until Jan. 1.

Share article via email Print this article
 

In This Series

Idea #1: Tax Ads to Fund Public Art

Idea #1: Tax Ads to Fund Public Art

How a billboard tax in Toronto is helping to stem the neon tide of illegal signs and give local artists a voice.

Allison Martell / 21 Dec 2009


Idea #2: Loaner Bags by Deposit

Idea #2: Loaner Bags by Deposit

It's hard to always remember to bring your own bags. Why not create a neighborhood-wide bag deposit system?

Ruben Anderson / 22 Dec 2009


Idea #3: Embrace Uncertainty With Real Budgets

Idea #3: Embrace Uncertainty With Real Budgets

Budgets are always made partly of Fudge. Show us all the ingredients, so we know what to expect.

Amelia Bellamy-Royds / 23 Dec 2009


Idea #4: Let's Make It a Hypergreen World

Idea #4: Let's Make It a Hypergreen World

Drastic times call for drastic measures. It's time to go hypergreen.

Crawford Kilian / 24 Dec 2009


Idea #5: Living Christmas Trees

Idea #5: Living Christmas Trees

How two B.C. companies are giving trees a life after Christmas (and turning a profit, too) renting potted evergreens.

Colleen Kimmett / 25 Dec 2009


Idea #6: Vertical Agitation

Idea #6: Vertical Agitation

Peer pressure does encourage others to adopt eco-conscious behaviour. But to make a real difference, you need to go straight to the top.

Jennifer Jacquet / 28 Dec 2009


Idea #7: Drive Less, Pay Less

Idea #7: Drive Less, Pay Less

Why pay-as-you-drive auto insurance would help just about everyone -- and how the province keeps missing the boat.

Alan Durning and Eric de Place / 29 Dec 2009


Idea #8: Voting Beyond Borders

Idea #8: Voting Beyond Borders

We live in a post-geographical world. It's time to ditch the riding system and bridge the rural-urban divide.

Crawford Kilian / 30 Dec 2009


Idea #9: Love the Rain

Idea #9: Love the Rain

Or, at least learn to appreciate it. As demand increases, municipalities across the province are looking for ways to conserve our clean water supply. A big part of that is making better use of what falls from the sky.

Colleen Kimmett / 31 Dec 2009


Idea #10: Tax Trash Before It Becomes Trash

Idea #10: Tax Trash Before It Becomes Trash

Recycling fees are already used for e-waste. Why not expand it to the whole economy?

Amelia Bellamy-Royds / 1 Jan 2010