Our future rests on your answer.

We believe that JWR is among the finest sites that defend the values you hold dear. And we believe that you appreciate the time and effort that goes into every issue --- and the resulting elegance and eloquence.

From Day One - almost five years ago - we vowed to resist catering to an element that embarrasses people of faith and patriots. (You know the type.) We have strived for excellence and, to a large degree, have succeeded.

In the last year alone, we've more than doubled our list of writers and cartoonists and added a news section that links responsible stories that we feel are "must-reads" for an informed citizen. And we intend to continue growing. A redesign is in its final stages. It includes "printer friendly" and "e-mail a friend" options.

As 'Net-savvy individuals, I'm sure you are well aware that these are very lean times for the Internet economy. Some of the web's biggest names - which had tens of millions in venture capital -- have folded in the last few months alone.

JWR, however, is determined to fight the good, long fight, as you have come to expect from us. We will continue to take stands that are unpopular --- because they are correct! This, despite ridicule.

Appeals, by their very nature, have to be well thought out. When telling folks that a situation is desperate, many will not respond, fearing their help will be futile. On the other hand, painting too cheery of a scenario, will likely bring the same results. Why? Because the severity of the situation will not be fully grasped.

What, in fact, should be done? I submit that an individual in this position be honest and pray that his words penetrate both hearts and intellects.

There is one more hurdle in making appeals: Convincing the potential donor that we are appealing to him, not the "other guy." For, when everybody assumes it will be the "other guy" who will help, very few actually do. Remember, something is always better than nothing, no matter how small.

We know you care about JWR just as much as PBS viewers and NPR listeners do for their favorite media "source." You understand that for us "we can't do this alone" is not an empty slogan. In our case, it's very much the truth. We have no billion dollar corporation funding us. Indeed, the web would be a very different place should we fold.

Let's make sure that's not the case!

We'd hate to start scaling back, instead of improving --- or worse.

We began by asking you how much JWR means to you. And we will ask it once more.

Donations are tax deductible and can be given electronically, by clicking here.

In gratitude and friendship,
Binyamin L. Jolkovsky