A Capital Idea

Browse Popular Ideas

• Recent (86)
• Popular (86)
• Hot (0)
• In Review (3)
• In Progress (2)
• Complete (9)

• I agree

  18 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is in progress.
  HometownAnnapolis.com »

  Make ALL content from the printed version available online.

  BACKGROUND: I will never subscribe to a dusty old paper again. I read news digitally, that's it, I won't even take a free printed paper, I just don't like folding it and dealing with it. I don't really want to pay for news either, but I would pay a small fee for access to GOOD, REAL-TIME, LOCAL news. Small fee = what people pay for the print subscriptions. Now then, if you understand that, then you will understand ...more »

  BACKGROUND:

  I will never subscribe to a dusty old paper again. I read news digitally, that's it, I won't even take a free printed paper, I just don't like folding it and dealing with it. I don't really want to pay for news either, but I would pay a small fee for access to GOOD, REAL-TIME, LOCAL news. Small fee = what people pay for the print subscriptions.

  Now then, if you understand that, then you will understand that I feel like I am missing out on some items in the paper that are not available online (think Letters to the Editor) or that just display poorly online. Stop looking at your online edition as something separate.

  « less full details »

  4 comments

  Submitted by bkibbey 2 years ago

• I agree

  18 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is in review.
  The Capital »

  Local News for Local Paper

  With the proliferation of electronic media, particularly with national and international news, the optimal role for the Capital in my view is STRICTLY local. As one who spent a considerable time in my career in the international arena, I have always been very interested in International news and events, but I absolutely DO NOT use the Capital for that. In sum, I'd like to see virtually ALL news being local coverage ...more »

  With the proliferation of electronic media, particularly with national and international news, the optimal role for the Capital in my view is STRICTLY local. As one who spent a considerable time in my career in the international arena, I have always been very interested in International news and events, but I absolutely DO NOT use the Capital for that. In sum, I'd like to see virtually ALL news being local coverage -- crime, sports, especially prep, features, events, etc.

  Thanks for this forum

  « less full details »

  1 comment

  Submitted by tim.laur 2 years ago

• I agree

  15 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is in progress.
  The Capital »

  Info on construction sites

  I would like the Capital to report on what is being built at various specific commercial sites around the area. It is often months before a sign at a site is erected to tell us what to expect there. There must be thousands of people passing in cars who wonder the same thing.

  1 comment

  Submitted by jwilliamsphd 2 years ago

• I agree

  13 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  HometownAnnapolis.com »

  Need more REAL TIME LOCAL news.

  Need more REAL TIME LOCAL news. This is probably something you could collaborate on with one of the local radio stations, or do some kind of citizen reporting thing to support (like CNN's ireport)... Some events don't warrant an article, and some are so fleeting that knowing RIGHT NOW is key. When I see traffic, I want to know what's going on. (is there an accident, a way around, etc.) When I hear a bunch of sirens ...more »

  Need more REAL TIME LOCAL news.

  This is probably something you could collaborate on with one of the local radio stations, or do some kind of citizen reporting thing to support (like CNN's ireport)... Some events don't warrant an article, and some are so fleeting that knowing RIGHT NOW is key.

  When I see traffic, I want to know what's going on. (is there an accident, a way around, etc.)

  When I hear a bunch of sirens I want to know what's going on. (monitor emergency radio channels and report what's going on)

  When the road is blocked... (like last week's water main issue downtown)

  When helicopters are circling over head... (last years construction accident at parole)

  When I hear loud noises... (fireworks at city dock on some random day that isn't normally associated with fireworks)

  When there's a crowd gathering around the state house... (random protests)

  When there's a crowd cheering at the navy stadium... (the navy football games are obvious but the field is used for all sorts of other things, would be nice to know what i'm missing)

  Get it? LOCAL and REAL TIME. A place to go, to find useful information. Call it the pulse of Annapolis or something like that, just make it happen.

  « less full details »

  3 comments

  Submitted by bkibbey 2 years ago

• I agree

  12 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  HometownAnnapolis.com »

  Better Local Calendar of Events

  You guys seem to have multiple calendars, I'd much rather have a single calendar I can filter. And, more importantly, you seem to be missing a LOT of local events. I'd like to see a Calendar of everything going on in the local area, but knowing what is going on at the primary venues are key. (Navy stadium, Rams Head, City Dock, Maryland Hall, etc.) You need to find a way to get more local events listed, even if it ...more »

  You guys seem to have multiple calendars, I'd much rather have a single calendar I can filter. And, more importantly, you seem to be missing a LOT of local events. I'd like to see a Calendar of everything going on in the local area, but knowing what is going on at the primary venues are key. (Navy stadium, Rams Head, City Dock, Maryland Hall, etc.)

  You need to find a way to get more local events listed, even if it means entering them yourselves or automating entries from services like Upcoming.com or meetup or facebook or other places.

  In the end, I don't necessarily need to get them from your website either. I use Google Calendar extensively, so having your calendar events feed ready (RSS,etc.) is key for me, but probably not for everyone.

  I don't want to miss anything!

  « less full details »

  2 comments

  Submitted by bkibbey 2 years ago

• I agree

  9 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Decent Political Reporting and Commentary

  How can the Montgomery Gazette have better political reporting and commentary on State government affairs? I don't get it. The Capital is RIGHT HERE in Annapolis. There are thousands of retired/former state employees/politicians in the county. No one of note can write on State politics for the Capital?

  Add your comment

  Submitted by dawngmyers 2 years ago

• I agree

  6 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Review Theatrical Productions

  I'd like to see more reviews of local theatre productions and other cultural events. There was a time when these would reliably be reviewed the opening weekend. But now...sometimes performances aren't reviewed at all! Participants work hard to mount these shows that entertain residents and enrich the culture of our city. Can't we at least review their work?

  Thanks for letting us share our ideas.

  Add your comment

  Submitted by lkwintherhansen 2 years ago

• I agree

  6 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Health comumns

  Like idea of health columns, as population is aging include some topics for seniors' health. John N., D.B.A.

  Add your comment

  Submitted by norville 1 year ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Make a section just for "Good" news!

  There is often too much emphasis put on "bad" news that happens in the community, across the Nation and even around the world. There are a lot of people doing "great" things in our area and everywhere! I think people are ready for more "good" news. Let's stop focusing on the negative and more on the positive aspects of life. We need to honor those who are making a positive impact in peoples lives . When people see ...more »

  There is often too much emphasis put on "bad" news that happens in the community, across the Nation and even around the world. There are a lot of people doing "great" things in our area and everywhere! I think people are ready for more "good" news. Let's stop focusing on the negative and more on the positive aspects of life. We need to honor those who are making a positive impact in peoples lives . When people see others doing good and helping others it can inspire them to do something good too. It can have a domino effect and imagine what can happen if it catches on.

  « less full details »

  2 comments

  Submitted by gracewalk1 2 years ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Givz a prufreedor sum youseful imploymant

  Hey everyone makes mistakes, but a newspaper should be held to a higher standard. After all they are getting paid to produce it!

  The most recent recollection was "Loathian", come on, it is a town in our own county--The Capital should have spelled it correctly.

  4 comments

  Submitted by jfrenaye 2 years ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Point-Counter Point

  Juxtapose two columns with opposing opinions on a current topic. Create a list of topics of interest to the local area, perhaps by survey. Get the editorial board and some outside advisors to brainstorm potential columnists who are subject matter experts with differing opinions on the issues. Then, run occasional side-by-side columns to look at an issue. There could be issues like the pros and cons of alternate energy, ...more »

  Juxtapose two columns with opposing opinions on a current topic. Create a list of topics of interest to the local area, perhaps by survey. Get the editorial board and some outside advisors to brainstorm potential columnists who are subject matter experts with differing opinions on the issues. Then, run occasional side-by-side columns to look at an issue. There could be issues like the pros and cons of alternate energy, tax policy, development/smart growth, etc. It could bring in more local voices and perspectives and educate (or confuse) The Capital's readers on issues of importance to them.

  « less full details »

  Add your comment

  Submitted by mike.collins 2 years ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  HometownAnnapolis.com »

  Full News Articles in RSS

  RSS (Real Simple Syndication) would be a great addition to www.HometownAnnapolis.com.

  I much prefer to consume my news in real time and all in one place. This is a pretty standard feature on other news websites.

  I would be opposed to making this a benefit of a subscription but I wouldn't be opposed to it being ad-supported like the other articles on the website.

  1 comment

  Submitted by digitalslacker 2 years ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Home Based Business Spotlight

  

  I would like to see a weekly or monthly spotlight about locals who are involved in home based businesses. In theses tough economic times jobs are difficult to come by and because of this many people are turning to non-traditional ways of generating income. As a result, you now have people not only surviving during these times, but in some cases thriving. As someone who is involved in a homebase business (ManCave), I think ...more »

  

  I would like to see a weekly or monthly spotlight about locals who are involved in home based businesses. In theses tough economic times jobs are difficult to come by and because of this many people are turning to non-traditional ways of generating income. As a result, you now have people not only surviving during these times, but in some cases thriving. As someone who is involved in a homebase business (ManCave), I think that others could benefit from being able to find out about the numerous opportunities available to them in these tough times.

  « less full details »

  Add your comment

  Submitted by andrewwiltonwatts 1 year ago

• I agree

  5 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  Other »

  Local papers good forum for health information

  I am a pharmacist and am also a member of the Professional Development Committee of the Maryland Pharmacists Association. The pharmacists and pharmacy students on this committee would like to launch a public education initiative to support Maryland residents to make healthy choices. One aspect of this initiative is to write a health column each month for submission to local publications such as yours. Each month ...more »

  I am a pharmacist and am also a member of the Professional Development Committee of the Maryland Pharmacists Association. The pharmacists and pharmacy students on this committee would like to launch a public education initiative to support Maryland residents to make healthy choices.

  One aspect of this initiative is to write a health column each month for submission to local publications such as yours. Each month will have a different health theme related to the season. Planned themes include immunizations (flu shots), diabetes, cough & cold, decreasing the risk of falls, heart health, and others. I hope you would find this kind of information helpful for your readers.

  « less full details »

  4 comments

  Submitted by joni.m.larrabee 1 year ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Arts and Crafts Local Talent

  I would like to see more coverage on local talent including crafters and artist. There is so much talent. Maybe a craft corner where artist can get together and share ideas ans share vending information..Is there any interest out there?

  Add your comment

  Submitted by rrdsqueen 2 years ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Box Scores for the Baysox

  Box scores for the Baysox

  I'd like to be able to follow the Baysox more closely online. If not box scores, then at least an article or two a couple times a week.

  1 comment

  Submitted by steveholcomb1 2 years ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  New Idea survey

  We need a 'Fact Check' column to offset the disinformation put out by politicans and politcal action groups. For example, the 'Death Panels' in the Health Care plan. Also, more fair-mined journalists like David Broder, George Will and Eugene Robinson. National and international news coverage is important because many people, because of their busy life, only read the Capital.

  Add your comment

  Submitted by mjmate 2 years ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Pit Bulldogs

  I was totally aghast at the recent story where a woman fell and broke her hip and was unable to control her dog, a pit bull, which did its job by trying to protect its mistress. Police were called to clear the way for paramedics, and they ended up shooting the dog--or maybe they did that straightaway. First of all, do you have the person who most fears and hates pit bulldogs to write those yellow journalism articles? ...more »

  I was totally aghast at the recent story where a woman fell and broke her hip and was unable to control her dog, a pit bull, which did its job by trying to protect its mistress. Police were called to clear the way for paramedics, and they ended up shooting the dog--or maybe they did that straightaway.

  First of all, do you have the person who most fears and hates pit bulldogs to write those yellow journalism articles? I have known many people who own(ed) one or more pits, and I have learned that they are excellent pets and watchdogs. The best dog I ever saw in my 64 years was a pit bulldog. If you told her Sit, she would sit forever in that spot. Totally obedient. How about less blood and thunder and more about the poor woman who was injured and also possibly lost her best friend?

  Second, can't the police carry something with which to subdue a dog besides shooting it? Like one of those poles with a noose on it like Animal Control uses? Maybe one would fit in the trunk. They should not always be reduced to potentially deadly gunfire.

  « less full details »

  Add your comment

  Submitted by despinne 2 years ago

• I agree

  4 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Eastern Shore

  Cover more news and community events on the Eastern Shore. Stevensville, Grasonville, Centreville and Chester have lots going on. You can cover more on the Bay from the folks living on/by it and working on it.

  Thanks.

  Add your comment

  Submitted by d.aford 1 year ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  General comments

  I think the Capital has some talented staff, especially for a small-town paper. We subscribe because it covers local news well, and has the best environmental reporting in the Chesapeake Bay region. I'd like to see a lot more balance among the columnists, who are mostly right-wing ideologues. And I applaud Tom Marquardt's decision not to endorse candidates anymore. Newspapers should strive to be objective, and endorsements ...more »

  I think the Capital has some talented staff, especially for a small-town paper. We subscribe because it covers local news well, and has the best environmental reporting in the Chesapeake Bay region.

  I'd like to see a lot more balance among the columnists, who are mostly right-wing ideologues. And I applaud Tom Marquardt's decision not to endorse candidates anymore. Newspapers should strive to be objective, and endorsements blur that line.

  « less full details »

  Add your comment

  Submitted by savethereefs 2 years ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Marquardt's letter screening is aiding corruption in AA Cty

  Mr. Marquardt's letter screening is aiding and abetting systemic corruption in Anne Arundel County by keeping corrupt acts of County and Maryland judges away from local Capital readership eyes. I urge you to read "A Case of Systemic Corruption in Maryland" available in Anne Arundel County's library. Much of the facts supporting the existence of systemic corruption were denied access to the Capital newspaper, thus keeping ...more »

  Mr. Marquardt's letter screening is aiding and abetting systemic corruption in Anne Arundel County by keeping corrupt acts of County and Maryland judges away from local Capital readership eyes.

  I urge you to read "A Case of Systemic Corruption in Maryland" available in Anne Arundel County's library. Much of the facts supporting the existence of systemic corruption were denied access to the Capital newspaper, thus keeping County residents in the dark about such corruption which includes the crime of obstruction of justice by County and Maryland judges.

  You may also see a summary of the book at: www.atlasbooks.com that also provides actions taken by the County's Council and Maryland Governor O'Malley's replacement of the Chief Judge of the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland. The book had been furnished to current Governor O'Malley and prior Governor Ehrlich. Still the corruption lives on in the County's Permit Office.

  Under Mr. Marquardt's policy he obviously found that these facts were distasteful. But, all is not rosy in AA Cty, and a good newspaper should also report the facts even when not lauditory to the County.

  Sincerely,

  Jack Patermaster

  « less full details »

  1 comment

  Submitted by jpatermast 2 years ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  A few suggestions

  Make the printed paper a tabloid style paper. Much easier to read.

  Do follow up stories, so many stories just fade away. Do some investigation on stories. Don't just report whatever press releases you receive.

  Add your comment

  Submitted by meheron 2 years ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Maryland Gazette »

  Severna Park & Millersville News

  Enjoy the MD Gazette, but why does it seem to not include Severna Park & Millersville news ??

  Add your comment

  Submitted by norville 1 year ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Drop the "karma" tab on postings.

  Suggest drop the "karma" tags - not really understood them & they detract from the postings.

  1 comment

  Submitted by norville 10 months ago

• I agree

  3 votes

  I disagree
  This idea is active.
  The Capital »

  Clean Crabs

  The Chesapeake Bay is so polluted that the seafood coming out of it is more contaminated than the Gulf seafood after the oil spill. Our Capitol Idea is to clean out the crabs and such before we eat them "purged or detoxified" so us and our children do not get more cancer (which is the highest in the whole country) because of the contaminated seafood from the bay. If you put a crab full of chemicals in pure water for a ...more »

  The Chesapeake Bay is so polluted that the seafood coming out of it is more contaminated than the Gulf seafood after the oil spill. Our Capitol Idea is to clean out the crabs and such before we eat them "purged or detoxified" so us and our children do not get more cancer (which is the highest in the whole country) because of the contaminated seafood from the bay. If you put a crab full of chemicals in pure water for a couple of days the pollutants leave the crab and inter the water where the filters can collect it. It wouldn't cost much and the crabs would be safe to eat at family gatherings again.

  « less full details »

  Add your comment

  Submitted by Sea Save 9 months ago

Displaying 1 - 25 of 86 Ideas

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next »