The school newspaper, which began publishing in 1959, began its transition from its original newsprint format to its current online blog-style format in 2000, when advisor Patrick Hannigan started sending digital copies of the paper-based newspaper to readers via email, mostly to save money, he said. On March 20 last year, he moved it to its current online format, located on the internet at www.jameslogancourier.org, where it has offered daily updates of school and other news, and a variety of features, every day since.
Hannigan claims that The Courier may be the only daily high school newspaper which operates during holidays and summer vacation anywhere.
"I've done some looking, and I can't find any others," he said Tuesday. "I have found references to one other daily high school newspaper, but I don't believe it operates over the summer, winter or spring breaks, like we do."
Hannigan said he tried to start daily publication earlier, but troubles with its previous internet address forced The Courier to stop publication while it moved to its present address.
"We've posted new stories to the site every day since, including during summer vacation," said Hannigan. "We're going to try to keep it going for as long as possible."
The Courier recently received its one millionth hit since moving to the new format and has received more than 60,000 visitors, according to one of the paper''s usage statistics program.
It averages more than 600 visitors per day from around the world, up from about 70 per day when it started at the current site.
"I am honored that I am a part of this distinguished newsletter," said John Chau, one of the editors, " As part of the student staff here, I feel that this paper validates both my personal abilities and the interests of the school and the world community."
Opinion Editor Ray Dequina said, "I really appreciate the Courier and its publishing of student editorials. I feel as though, even if you're a neo-con right winger, the paper gives equal attention to your opinion, no matter how wrong."
"Mr. Hannigan not only created an extra ciricular activity, but also a well needed source of information. At a campus as diverse and crowded as Logan, it is difficult to track down information. The Courier is a way for students to express their opinions and report on the news that the district keeps under wraps," said staff writer Michelle Morimoto.
The original site design was done by student Justin Germono.
The editor-in-chief is Anne Chen.
Hannigan said that the new format saves money and paper. The paper uses free, open source software to manage the paper, and rents their space in the internet for about $10 per month, which Hannigan pays himself.
"Printing the paper is quite expensive. To make enough copies for every one of our 4,000 students would cost thousands for each issue. We still have a debt to the school district for printing costs, which we're very slowly paying down."
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