Why is it the late night we send our files to the technicians at our web press for publication, it seems as though we fit a 40-hour work week into 24 hours?
Rounds of proofs are in the printing process that has produced our September issue, Vol. 24, No. 1, now ready for distribution from a display rack near you, just in time for four days of Last Fling festivities Aug. 30 through Sept. 2.
Thanks for reading in print and online!
While planning this issue to commemorate our launch on Sept. 1, 2001, we became aware of hundreds of readers who have sent us pictures of their reading PN in faraway places. In fact, PN readers have sent photos from locations in six of the seven continents in the world! Note also we’re working on a special prize to recognized the first PN reader from Antarctica and/or the Moon.

We’re happy to say as we begin this 24th year for Positively Naperville, our September issue is without comprehensive news about the General Election on Nov. 5 and proposed referendums or questions that will be on the ballot. Our logic for omitting it all is to give readers a break as students again get settled in school, sports seasons begin and autumn leaves change color. We’re hopeful folks will take opportunities to pay attention as well as meet and greet candidates who aim to serve. Educated PN readers will have plenty of time to vote throughout October, early November and before 7PM Tues., Nov. 5.
Here’s hoping all our well-intentioned efforts to tell the truth and earn your trust by presenting local links to PN stories (We regret typos and misspellings that escape proofreading from time to time.) will appear on social media in a timely manner. For at least eight years we’ve noticed (and reported) many of our posts on social media have been suppressed, demoted, even rejected, especially when we’ve used the word “patriotic.” Go figure.
Going further, the other day while checking the definition and derivation of the term “clickbait,” we became mindful more than ever that many words have been hijacked, so to speak, with a multitude of meanings, possibly for virtue signaling. How do you know anymore that the definition you have in mind when you use a word will be the definition interpreted by the listener/reader?
Take the word “freedom,” for example.
Folks likely will devote time toward thinking about freedom as Constitution Day is remembered on Sept. 17. That’s another story. Be sure to look for it online as the date grows closer.

That said, while studying the Bill of Rights in a college government class many decades ago, even back then our class was given heads up to look at words and what they meant when the amendments were written in 1789. My poly sci professor taught us that “well-regulated” meant “well-educated” back when the Second Amendment was written. I’m always amazed what bit of information has stuck in my mind.
Furthermore, every year new words and definitions are added with notable fanfare to dictionaries such as the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster.
Now with artificial intelligence (aka AI) becoming known for its art of writing obituaries in style, what’s a writer to do?
If you’re still reading…
If you’re still reading, you might be interested in a story from the Associated Press that we received in one of our daily messages this week. This hyperlink will take you to a story with one paragraph that states “Experts warn this year’s U.S. election could be swamped by misinformation on social media with the proliferation of artificial intelligence and other tools to produce false news stories and content that could mislead voters.”
PN doesn’t want to be that kind of news source. We aim to be authentic, witty with wonder and focused on community spirit. Oh! And we welcome advertising with a willingness to work with budgets of all sizes.
As independent thinkers, we try to avoid being “first.” We try not to rush with judgment or information. Do we have opinions? You betcha!
A few more things… Folks often invite us to speak about the life and times of Positively Naperville, its history and how it’s been produced every month in print and online since September 2001, pivoting to the changing processes of printing and technology. Folks who know us well, know I’m painfully shy when it comes to speaking in front of a group. Tim joins me in preferring to stay “behind the scenes” with camera in hand.
As a small independent family business focused on our local community with peace, prosperity and free markets top of mind, our head is not in the sand. Our eyes are open to learning about proposed public policy and all ballot issues. We may be educated, decided and ready to vote early in October. Yet, to be safe, we’ll likely pay attention and learn all we can about all candidates, prepared to vote before 7PM Tues., Nov. 5.
Meanwhile have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend. Be grateful to all devoted workers and first responders on the job this weekend so you can have a good time shopping, dining and traveling here and there.
Thanks again for reading! —PN
Click here for a location near you to pick up this month’s copy of Positively Naperville.